The Best Online Management Courses in 2024

A successful working environment is much like a finely tuned stopwatch in that it’s the sum of all its parts. It therefore stands to reason that any successful company needs a competent individual running the show. From small businesses to mega-corporations, every workplace requires a skilled manager to ensure it runs efficiently.

Learning these skills is a must, but where do you start? We’re here to helo you find a whole host of resources and courses to begin your journey into the world of management.

Looking For Management Courses Online

As a field of study, management can be a little overwhelming when first stepping onto the scene. Not only do you want to know what you’re looking for, but you also want to know what you want from the course too. Here we’ll briefly give you a quick overview of how best to approach learning management online.

What Type of Manager Do You Want to Be?

Many people immediately want to be a friendly manager that their employees feel is not only boss but a friend too. It’s important to remember that you’re in a position of authority, though, and people are looking to you for leadership first and foremost. You also don’t want to be too authoritarian either, because laying down the law too heavily may also lose your respect and good-will.

Overall, it’s best to find a balance between the two, working out an approach that not only fits your business but your personality as well. For instance, if you’re not comfortable with being a strict boss, don’t feel pressured to force it, but you will need to learn to be assertive as you need to lead.

Find courses that best compliment who you are as a person, looking at where your strengths and weaknesses lie and improving yourself.

Criteria for Choosing

There are many different factors when it comes to learning better management. These are just a few of them to consider:

• Qualifications: many courses will provide you with a certificate, which you can then share online and off, using it to help brighten up your CV.
• Career Advancement: falling close to qualifications, you’ll be looking at gaining knowledge to help further your career in the marketplace, which means looking at your skill-set.
• Personal Goals: everyone needs goals to work towards, especially when it comes to becoming a more productive manager, and several courses cater to this.
• Practical Planning: sometimes, it’s a question of managing your time more effectively, as well as creating a fully functional system for those around you.
• People Skills: you need to relate to your employees, dealing with issues as and when they arise, whether it’s conflict resolution or general disputes from the team.

Experience Level

You need to know where you’re currently at before choosing a course. Wasting your time with skills you already know is something you want to avoid, especially when you have a busy business to run.

Consider your experience beforehand and how many years you’ve been working, and where on the corporate ladder you currently position yourself. If you’re just starting, then maybe it’s best to start with the basics on a beginner’s course.

Someone who’s seen it all, on the other hand, may want to opt for honing particular skills instead. Push yourself, but don’t force yourself.

Cost and Length

After considering why you’re taking the course, look at the cost and time it will take. If you’re brushing up on a few soft skills, then you probably don’t want to spend too much.

Alternatively, you could be looking to make a giant leap forwards in your career, in which case you’ll likely be looking at course stretching out over a few months, as well as stretching your bank balance. Time and money are critical here, and you need to weigh them both up together.

Course Style

Different situations call for different manager types. This variation is down to you and where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Here are some of the course styles that can help you improve:

• General: these courses will encompass a broad range of styles, improving you as a manager across the board, and they will typically last longer.
• Organization: this usually consists of project management, organizing your workforce, assigning roles, and dealing with schedules to deadlines.
• Leadership: being a manager means holding authority, and courses of this variety will help you cope with just that, including building confidence and being more assertive.
• Interpersonal: primarily concerning social skills and dealing with people, including as conflicts and diplomacy, and will often feature more practical courses.

Management Course Comparisons

Course Title	Platform	Course Level	Course Length	Course Style	Course Rating
The Complete Management Skills Certification Course	Udemy	Beginner to Intermediate	4h 30m	General	5 of 5
Project Management Principles and Practices Specialization	Coursera	Beginner	5 months at 1h per week	Organization	5 of 5
High Stakes Leadership - Leading in Times of Crisis	Coursera	Beginner to Advanced	31h	Leadership	5 of 5
Project Management	edX	Advanced	8 months, 8-12h weekly	General	5 of 5
The Manager's Toolkit - A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work	Coursera	Intermediate	29h	Interpersonal	5 of 5
Operations Management	edX	Intermediate	7 weeks, 2-4h weekly	Organization	4.5 of 5
Bob Iger Teaches Business Strategy and Leadership	Masterclass	Beginner to Advanced	2h 11m	Leadership	4.5 of 5
Productive Prioritization - Tools to Build Your System	Skillshare	Beginner	31m	Organization	4.5 of 5
Modern Leadership - Give & Get Honest Feedback at Work	Skillshare	Beginner to Advanced	32m	Leadership	4.5 of 5
How to Use SMART Goals - Achieve More in Less Time	Udemy	Beginner to Advanced	31m	Organization	4.5 of 5
Be a Great Mentor - A Practical Guide to Mentorship	Udemy	Intermediate	1h	Interpersonal	4.5 of 5
Leading With Effective Communication	edX	Beginner	4 weeks, 1-2h weekly	Leadership	4 of 5
Conflict Resolution Skills	Coursera	Beginner to Advanced	4h	Interpersonal	4 of 5
Business Strategy and Decision Making Skills	Future Learn	Intermediate	10 weeks, 5h weekly	General	4 of 5
Management Foundations	LinkedIn	Beginner	46m	General	3.5 of 5
Conflict Resolution Foundations	LinkedIn	Beginner	51m	Interpersonal	3.5 of 5

Top 16 Best Online Management Courses 2024

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1. Best All-Around Management Course: The Complete Management Skills Certification Course

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Why we like it

Setting the industry standard for many large corporations, this course provides managers with the skills and know-how to lead a team effectively.

When starting in business management, you'll require a good solid foundation. From managing your team to organizing your working environment, there's a vast number of roles you're going to have to undertake. That's what this course provides, in what is an engaging and practical series of lessons set to ease you into any managerial position.

Background and Preparation

A basic understanding of business would help before you begin, with the course expecting you to know some terms and concepts. You'll also be working alongside others from all over, assisting and helping each other as the course progresses. That said, it does offer clear explanations along the way, so you shouldn't have too much trouble navigating your way through it all.

What Sets It Apart

It does feel like some of the interviews could speed up a little, as it could do with some trimming. That and the overall presentation needs cleaning up, but it's still a worthwhile course for anyone looking to get into the world of management. The classes are practical and informative, providing a comprehensive list of resources, making it highly useful for all up and coming managers.

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2. Best for Project Planning: Project Management Principles and Practices Specialization

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Why we like it

Learn to effectively analyze and utilize all aspects of a project, making the most of everything from the team to the budget.

When it comes to managing a project with a team of people, organization skills are everything, as it requires problem-solving every step of the way. This course offers precisely that, as it shows you everything that goes into creating a successful project. Both pragmatic and structured, the course is a simple and straightforward series of lessons that are easy to understand, with a clear goal at the end of it all.

Background and Preparation

Looking at the breakdown of a project, you learn to manage and build a functional project up from the ground floor. Because of this, you'll be looking at everything, from the budget to the schedule and time constraints, creating a fully operational plan in the process. You'll require space and time to go through this weekly, giving it your full attention. That’s great if you want a deep dive, but someone looking for a more introductory course might prefer this Operations Management course.

What Sets It Apart

Given that the course takes a fair amount of time to complete, the cost can add up over time, so you must be committed. While it only takes one hour a week of your time, which is perfectly manageable, it needs completing on schedule. It's worthwhile, though, as it offers further professional opportunities to explore once the course is over.

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3. Best for Leadership Confidence: High Stakes Leadership – Leading in Times of Crisis

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Why we like it

When any disruption comes your way, you need to be suitably prepared, and this is the course to do just that, making you a leader in times of crisis.

It's important not to panic in times of crisis, especially when you're the manager everyone is looking to for guidance and leadership. In this informative and enjoyable course, you receive the tools for dealing with just that. Going over the context and background of different types of crises, you gain a complete understanding of the subject by the end of your study.

Background and Preparation

There are eight modules distributed evenly over four weeks, so it's easier to manage. You'll look at necessary responses to a crisis and how and why such a situation may occur. Be prepared for graded tests at the end of each section, with a certificate to show on completion.

What Sets It Apart

This course is more of a time commitment than anything else, but you can do it at your own pace, which is always a bonus. There is some repetition here and there which lets it down slightly, but there's more than enough information to keep it interesting. With flexible deadlines as well, it's definitely worth your attention, especially if you're looking to make an impact in times of pressure.

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4. Most Extensive Management Course: Project Management

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Why we like it

This may be a long course, but it’s definitely worth the time and money for those that have it, ultimately preparing you for management and beyond.

Dedicating yourself to learning management is an important step you're going to have to take, as the job's scope is vast. In this series of lectures, the tools are there for doing just that, as it provides an entire eight-month course. While it may be no simple feat, the classes do provide plenty of adaptable strategies and ideas to help you on your way.

Background and Preparation

There are exams to consider here, and the course uses a virtual proctor by way of your webcam, so you need to be ready for this. Passing each section is necessary for gaining the relevant certificates required to continue, so it's important to schedule it all properly.

You'll have a lot of material to work through, but it does provide flexibility, as it's all from the convenience of your computer still.

What Sets It Apart

The first thing you'll likely notice about this course is the price tag, as it is pretty steep, so you're going to need to be sure this something you want to do beforehand. As a reasonably significant commitment, you're going to need to dedicate yourself to it for the duration of the entire course.

It does give some leeway, though, as it is pretty flexible with its deadlines, making it more convenient, and the job prospects at the end are more than worthwhile. That said, it’s overkill if you’re just looking for an introduction—if you’re balking at the price or length, you might prefer this free alternative.

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5. Best for Learning People Skills: The Manager’s Toolkit – A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work

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Why we like it

Relating to people is half the job when it comes to management, getting the most from your team, and this course helps you to understand the social skills required.

Every manager will need people skills to identify the team members who will drive your business forwards successfully. In this series of classes, there are many clear concepts to help advance your managerial career. Ideal for smaller business owners, this well-structured course is excellent for anyone hoping to gain a broader perspective of how their team will operate.

Background and Preparation

Much of this course is about identifying suitable employees for your team, recruiting them, and ensuring they reach their full potential. There are some quizzes at the end of each weekly section, making sure everything has sunk in. Just be sure to take notes and pay close attention throughout, as it does provide an objective understanding of employees and how they function in a contemporary working environment.

What Sets It Apart

The course itself can be a little dry at times, which can be a problem when looking at how to engage and relate to people. Pushing a more academic theoretical understanding of social skills over practicality is also somewhat of an issue here—you should probably supplement this course with a more practical option. Given that there's more than enough content, though, you should have plenty to take away with you, putting the methods you learned into practice.

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6. Best Management Planning: Operations Management

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Why we like it

Make sure all your operations run smoothly and efficiently at every level, planning the management from the ground level up with this course.

When working on the ground floor everything needs organizing, making sure operations run like a finely tuned stopwatch. One crack in the system and everything could potentially come crashing down, and it is up to your job as the manager to ensure that these operations run as smoothly as possible. With the techniques provided in this course, you can do just that, giving you a clear sense of structure within your workplace.

Background and Preparation

A large part of this course is structuring it into your weekly schedule, finding the time to complete the tasks at hand. This scheduling is quite fitting given the course itself's content, helping you manage not only your workforce but your own time as well.

What Sets It Apart

While the course itself may be free, the certificate is quite expensive, and this is what many will be looking for from a course like this. On top of that, the presentation could do with some work, as it does come across as a bit amateur at times, and the course shouldn't feel like a mandatory worker's induction.

Still, though, what it does offer is a clear sense of structure, as it's easy to manage every week, and the tutor is engaging and professional enough to overcome its presentation shortcomings.

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7. Most Prolific Management Tutor: Bob Iger Teaches Business Strategy and Leadership

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Why we like it

Featuring all the expertise you’d expect from the former CEO of Disney, Bob Iger provides plenty of inside knowledge on what management entails, as seen through his experience.

Sometimes it's best to hear from some versed in the industry, and what industry can be more action-packed than Hollywood and Disney? Here, former Disney CEO Bob Iger gives a rundown of his time working as the head of the company, looking at how he helped shape it as the successful corporation it is today. This structured course uses his experience, looking at how you can make that work for you.

Background and Preparation

You don't need to worry too much about planning here, as it's primarily a series of brief lectures from Bob Iger himself. He will be offering several strategies, so you may want to take note, and you can adapt these outlines into your work plan later on.

Mostly, though, it's simply a case of paying attention, although you can come back to each lecture as many times as you need.

What Sets It Apart

It's not so big on practical learning, but then you'd come to expect that with a course such as this, as what you're investing in is the experience of Bob Iger himself. Giving you an insight into the industry, he offers plenty of case studies, offering a clear idea of the pressures to accept while on the job. While it can be broad at times, this is understandable given that it's incorporating such a wide field into its two-hour running time. What it does offer, though, is insight, and it does this well. If you do want to go more in-depth after, this course is a good next step.

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8. Best for Maximizing Productivity: Productive Prioritization – Tools to Build Your System

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Why we like it

Short, simple, and straight to the point, this provides some quick tips for brushing your organizational skills, smoothing out all the kinks for a faster, more streamlined process.

Aimed more at the individual, this course sets about briefly identifying the trade tools needed to be a productive manager. With plenty of techniques provided, the lessons use a series of simple but effective breakdowns. Giving yourself goals to reach for is essential when managing effectively, and this is just the course for that.

Background and Preparation

You won't need much for the class itself, as it's primarily a series of quick talks taking you through management organization processes step-by-step. There is a 'project gallery' for you to share your inspired methods and techniques with others, as you will be using a Trello board. This activity should then pave the way for more creative ideas to help you and others like you.

What Sets It Apart

While it may be a bit much to ask more from a course that's a little over half an hour long, there is some room to expand on a few of the ideas given. It could also lighten up the presentation as, while the tutor is engaging, it can be a little flat at times — try this alternative course if excellent instruction is important to you. With its clear structure, though, there's plenty to take away from the course, as it paves the way for more practical ideas and processes to follow.

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9. Best for Management Feedback: Modern Leadership – Give & Get Honest Feedback at Work

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Why we like it

This quick course helps you to make the most of constructive criticism and feedback, always looking for ways to adapt and improve.

It can be challenging when giving and receiving constructive criticism, which is where this course comes in. Dealing with your workforce, it's a brief look at how you can best utilize your employees, paying attention to everyone, finding the best ways to build a positive feedback loop with them. Great for establishing open and effective communication, the course provides the stepping stone you need to make that happen.

Background and Preparation

Little is required for this quick course besides your attention, as it's easy to follow and gets straight to the point. Providing the tools you need to take your learning into the workplace, you can return to the course whenever you need. There are also additional materials from the tutor for learning more on gaining feedback as a manager.

What Sets It Apart

The course itself is pretty brief, and it does feel like it could cover a lot more ground, but, as mentioned, the tutor does offer other outlets to build upon what you learn. On top of that, a few further examples wouldn't go amiss here, as it's always helpful when witnessing the communication strategies in action first-hand. It does offer plenty of insight, though, and it's both engaging and informative with a knowledgeable tutor at the helm.

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10. Best Free Course for Setting Management Goals: How to Use SMART Goals – Achieve More in Less Time

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Why we like it

Everyone needs goals to work towards, and this fast and simple course will help you achieve them, pinpointing targets that are easy to manage.

We all need goals to work towards, but it's sometimes a case of identifying these, making them manageable. You don't want to overreach when making these, as anything too ambitious could be way too much pressure, and if you overexert yourself, then everything may come toppling down. This course sets about helping you with just that, giving you a clear sense of structure to your working day as a manager.

Background and Preparation

You'll probably want to take notes here, outlining your action plan to take away and use. The course's idea is to set you up with achievable goals, keeping you on track to becoming a more productive and efficient manager. Building your motivation, you get a feeling of structure and purpose.

What Sets It Apart

Given that this is a short course, it doesn't allow much room for detailed explanations and outlines when establishing goals. A few examples really would help, allowing you to build upon the clear and concise information provided. As it stands, though, it is an entertaining and engaging class that will give you plenty of ideas.

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11. Best for Becoming a Mentor: Be a Great Mentor – A Practical Guide to Mentorship

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Why we like it

Working as a manager, you’ll have others looking up to you for guidance, and this course will help you to make the most of this, allowing your team to reach their full potential.

Part of becoming an effective manager means you need to transform yourself into someone people respect. Exuding an air of stability and confidence is crucial, as you're the person who essentially has many of the answers in and around your working environment. Setting yourself up as a mentor can help with this, and this is what this course aims to do, offering all the tools necessary.

Background and Preparation

It's the resources you want to make the most of here, as you can then put it all into practice with your employees. Finding the confidence to act as a mentor is what you want to be working towards here, providing stability and understanding in the workplace. Aside from that, the tutorials themselves are pretty straightforward, so you simply want to take notes.

What Sets It Apart

Being the short course it is, it could do with some trimming, as there is quite a bit of redundant information. A bit more focus could help, as its test and practical resources are helpful when provided. This studying is where the course excels—giving you the tools, with a certificate to show at the end of it all.

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12. Best for Vocalizing: Leading With Effective Communication

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Why we like it

Make yourself heard with this course, giving you the confidence you need to voice yourself effectively when leading a team.

Communication as a skill is a must for any manager, as you find your voice, speaking to your staff with a sense of authority. Speech is central to leadership, but not everyone has it from the outset, which is why you may need to learn it. That's where this course comes in, with multiple professional tutors helping you to find your confidence and drive as a leader.

Background and Preparation

With it being a short course, there's not too much you'll need besides your attention, as it's relatively simple to follow. Working on a self-paced basis, you can create a flexible schedule for you and your needs, so it doesn't take too much out of your working day. There will be some practical exercises too so that you can work on your communication skills too.

What Sets It Apart

Although it's free, the certificate is not, which most people will be looking for when they come to this course. It's not too expensive, though, and is a bonus for anyone aiming to advance their CV.

There's also the case of the running length, which could be a little longer, with there always being more to cover. All in all, though, it does provide some effective frameworks to work within, giving you the confidence you need to make yourself heard in any managerial position.

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13. Best for Dispute Resolution: Conflict Resolution Skills

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Why we like it

Managing disputes isn’t pleasant, but it needs to be done, which is where this job comes in, allowing you to resolve conflicts with this in-depth course.

There's always going to be issues arising in any workplace, which is why, as the manager, you'll need to be able to resolve them effectively. Your employees will be looking to you for leadership here, and charging in isn't the best option, as tact and sensitivity are essential traits when dealing with staff diplomatically. In this course you'll be given some practical strategies to do just that, offering collaborative solutions that are beneficial for everyone.

Background and Preparation

A large part of this course is gaining listening skills for dealing with conflict and communicating the best course of action for everyone. You'll also create a plan of action looking at how to deal with managing that conflict in what is a well-organized course. Mostly, you're going to be taking notes, but be prepared to take away some firm conflict resolution plans.

What Sets It Apart

There's a whole range of problems that can come up in any working environment, and this course doesn't feel like it captures all of them. While it does provide a lot of helpful insight, it could do with some more detail to help cover the broad range of potential issues more in-depth. On top of that, the presentation style can be a little slow, but you can return to sections missed if needed.

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14. Most Strategic Management Course: Business Strategy and Decision Making Skills

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Why we like it

Offering months of training, this extensive course is ideal for those that are planning a long-term strategy for the future.

Becoming a successful manager, like anything else, requires a serious amount of commitment and study. This course provides just that, with approximately ten weeks of strategic analysis offered for the dedicated student. Hosted by Coventry University, the course is brought to you by many professional tutors, providing an in-depth and intense study.

Background and Preparation

First things first, you'll need to set aside time on your schedule, making way for roughly five hours a week on average. There will often be a graded assignment that comes around every two weeks following each separate section. You'll find that there's a fair amount of revision too, but it's a rigorous and extensive course that definitely delivers upon its promise.

What Sets It Apart

The main factor with this course is whether you have the time, as it's a long commitment running up to almost three months. Not to mention that the cost can add up if there are any delays along the way, so it's something you need to be sure of before undertaking. If you’re just getting started in management, you’re probably better off with an introductory course.

On the plus side, it does offer a relaxed pace, so it's not too overwhelming. They also provide further opportunities once you've finished.

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15. Best for Beginners: Management Foundations

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Why we like it

This is best for those that want a taste of management, allowing you to get a feel of what it’s all about.

Setting yourself up as a manager is an integral part of the process, as you need to decide what type of leader you'll be. This course provides a detailed outline of the many roles you'll be undertaking in your managerial position and how you can best make the most of them. It also offers insight into how you can better communicate with your employees in a quick and easy-to-follow series of lessons.

Background and Preparation

It's not a course that will take up too much of your time, so you just need to pay attention. You will find some adaptable methods and goals provided, which you can then bring into the workplace, developing them to fit your needs. At the end of the day, though, it offers broad lessons you can apply to any business, both large and small.

What Sets It Apart

As a short course, it is a bit light on content, and it could easily have covered a lot more ground when it came to giving you the full scope of what being a manager means. The videos' presentation is also a little lackluster, as they could do with cleaning up. Working as an introduction into the world of being a manager, though, it offers concrete advice from a qualified series of tutors.

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16. Best for Forming Connections: Conflict Resolution Foundations

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Why we like it

Networking is a big part of the job, creating connections and forming working relationships with your team, as this takes you through that process step-by-step.

Getting the confidence needed to deal with disputes and conflict is something you're going to have to acquire as a manager, and this course aims to equip you with just that. From listening to diplomacy, the lessons provide plenty of perspective in an effective and grounded manner. Outlining methods for better navigating your co-workers, it's not just for managers, but it also offers tried and tested ideas for improving your working environment.

Background and Preparation

Being a simple course, not much is required besides your attention, as it provides a framework for you to take away. Giving you techniques that you can use in the workplace, it's best to take notes, but aside from that, simply listen and learn.

What Sets It Apart

It's often the case that conflict courses such as this don't understand how actual people behave, but this one seems to have a grounded perspective on how relationships play out in the work-place. With a bit more practical learning and hands-on tutorials, it could so easily be a top course, but you'll just have to put into practice what you learned yourself.
It's just a shame it's so brief, as it could've easily covered a lot more ground—after finishing it you’ll probably want to take a more in-depth follow-up course.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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