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Ask HN: Should I opt for a paid certificate on Coursera?
Hi HN,
I'd like to enroll in the R Programming course by John Hopkins university on Coursera and thought I'd ask around before parting with $49 for what the perceived value of opting for paid certificate of accomplishment is, rather than just saying I completed the course for free... I mean value in terms of both educational institutions (i.e. universities that might view this as more favourable with a certificate) and companies for job prospects.
Thanks!
- dudul 11y agoNeither universities nor companies will care. Just take it for free.
- brudgers 11y agoIt doesn't matter to me. If you think spending fifty bucks might motivate you and increase your odds of completing the course and then that's a reason. If you think the mechanisms of a verified certificate reduce the odds that you will cheat, that's a reason. If your experience tells you that local employerswill care or you want to help Coursera stay in business those are also reasons you might value the verified certificate. Most important if earning an unverified certificate has no value to you or would feel improper, then just get it. Taking a class is an experiment and you can always optimize costs later. Just choose what makes it easier to get started. Good luck.