Thinking about becoming a consultant—or leveling up your skills?
We’ve rounded up a mix of free and low-cost training programs from different corners of the consulting world, so you can find the one that fits your needs.
Free Business Consulting Courses
Diploma in Business Administration by Alison
Alison has a free Diploma in Business Administration course that can help you understand how a healthy organization functions behind the scenes. You’ll learn all about business operations and how they contribute to a company’s success.
It’s a great place to start if you have no experience in management or business consulting yet. You’ll learn the basics before committing to something more comprehensive without spending a dime.
“Kings of Consulting” by Skillshare
This business consulting course is available on Skillshare, which means you can get your first month free. Pricing varies per region, but you can expect something around $8-29 per month.
In Kings of Consulting, you’ll learn from a consultant who helped companies like Google, Amazon, Nike, and Office Depot, and learn how to leverage your existing skills to create a high-end consulting program. You’ll also:
- Identify your ideal client for your consultancy
- Figure out the exact goal you’ll help your ideal client achieve
- Lay out the steps needed to achieve that goal
- Learn how to “own” your consulting meetings
Business Strategy Course by Skillshare
Like the previous course, this business consulting course is available on Skillshare, which means you can access it for free during your first month.
Strategy is one of the core consulting skills that will help set you apart as a business consultant. Taught by the former VP of Marketing at Percolate, this class is a complete and comprehensive introduction to strategy.
You’ll not only learn some of the most influential business frameworks but also how to think like an expert strategist. You’ll also get an insight into McKinsey’s strategy frameworks and how to come up with your own.
Paid Business Consulting Courses
Consulting Approach to Problem Solving by Udemy
Available on Udemy, this consulting course will teach management consultants how to structure a project. You’ll also learn how to master hypothesis-based problem-solving, a crucial skill when using consulting frameworks.
This course is designed for complete beginners. So if this is your first time dipping your toes into the world of business consulting, this course is for you.
How to Crack the Consulting Case Interview by Udemy
If you already have some foundational knowledge of business consulting, consider taking this course next. It will teach you how to handle your case interviews and land better offers.
It also covers:
- What the interview process looks like
- How to pull the right insights from data
- What to put in your resume and cover letter
It’s a great next step if you’re ready to become a business consultant and need guidance on landing your first client.
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Security Consultancy Courses
There’s more to this field than management consulting. If you have experience working in security, you may have a potential career in consulting and training companies.
Look into these two consulting courses to get you up and running as a security consultant.
Global Security Consulting Seminars by Udemy
Are you new to security consulting? If so, you can start with this online course. It covers the basics, and it’s free.
You’ll learn about the four pillars you need to get started in this field from experts who have worked on million-dollar security consultancy deals.
For this, you should already have a strong background in security.
Building a Security Consultancy by Udemy
Want to learn how to launch your own security consultancy business? This may be the course for you.
Taught by the managing director of Security Management International, this is the perfect follow-up to Global Security Consulting Seminars.
While the free course teaches you the skills you need to become a security consultant, this course will guide you through the steps to start a business in it.
You’ll learn how to:
- Charge higher fees
- Set better goals
- Organize your revenue streams
- Adopt the right mindset to succeed in this field
The process is based on Luke Bencie’s nine-box system for revenue stream organization.
Tax Consultancy Courses
Taxes aren’t going anywhere, neither are the people and businesses who need support from experienced tax consultants. Whether you’re experienced in the financial world or just starting, you’ll find a consulting course for you below.
Free Financial Courses on Alison
Alison’s Tax Accountant course is a great consulting skills training option that includes:
- Basics of accounting and financial statements
- An introduction to financial intelligence
- Fundamental concepts of financial analysis
Tax, Bookkeeping, and Financial Courses by Knowledge Bureau
Hosted by the Knowledge Bureau, these online courses can help you expand your skill set and your knowledge in tax consultancy, though its pricing is a bit of an outlier at $995 each. You’ll find courses and certifications on:
- Professional income tax
- Investment tax strategies
- Filing T3 returns
- Accounting for multiple business profiles
They also have an annual three-day conference if you prefer to learn in person.
IT Consultancy Courses
Big Data in the Age of AI by LinkedIn Learning
Big data and AI form the foundation of many modern technologies you’ll work with as an IT consultant. This course on LinkedIn Learning provides a big-picture overview of them.
You’ll learn about:
- Big data’s relationship to AI and social media
- The Internet of Things (IoT)
- Data science
- The ethics of big data
You can take this course for free during your first month of LinkedIn Learning, and stay on your membership for $39.99 a month afterward.
Free IT Consultant Courses by Alison
On Alison, you’ll find certifications across various segments of IT, including:
- Introduction to computer network security
- Network server security
- Network troubleshooting and best practices
- The many layers of computer networking
- Network theory and architecture
- Ethical hacking and network-based attacks
Take these free certifications to fill in the gaps in your knowledge and start advising clients on technical issues with more confidence.
FAQ
What Training Do I Need to Become a Consultant?
It depends on your niche in the consulting industry, but most consultants benefit from training in strategy, communication, and project management.
Are There Free Courses to Learn Consulting?
Yes! Platforms like Alison, Skillshare, and Udemy offer free or low-cost courses covering areas like business strategy, IT, and security.
Is a Consulting Certification Worth It?
A certification can help you gain specialized expertise and stand out in a crowded niche. Here are some options we’ve reviewed in the past.
Which Consulting Niche Is Most Profitable?
It varies, but IT, management, and financial consulting often top the list due to high demand and technical complexity.
Can I Start a Consulting Business without Experience?
It’s best to start with a solid foundation if you want to advise others on high-stakes issues. Free courses are a great way to pick up knowledge before committing to a more comprehensive consultant training option.
Level Up Your Consulting Business
No matter your level of consulting knowledge and expertise, you’ll find a consulting course suited for you.
Ready to take the next step and launch your consultancy business? Create your free Paperbell account to automate your admin processes and save time managing clients.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2022 and has since been updated for accuracy.
