Introduction
In this Simplilearn review, you’ll learn everything you need to know about one of the world’s newest online learning platforms. Featuring self-paced courses, expert instructors, and plenty of options for certification, this online learning platform offers classes in a variety of topics.
From business courses to technology courses, this learning portal offers it all. But is it right for you? When you’re reading any online learning platform review – but particularly this review of Simplilearn – you’ll want to ask yourself a few key questions.
For example, does the platform offer opportunities for hands-on experience? Will you be taught by professionals who know what they’re talking about? Will you benefit from a variety of teaching methodologies, including real-life projects, video training sessions, and written content?
In this Simplilearn review, we’ll tackle all of those questions – and more – so you can figure out whether this platform is right for you.
What is Simplilearn?
Founded in 2010, Simplilearn is the brainchild of Krishna Kumar. Originally a blog created in 2009 for project management training, this platform evolved into offering online self-paced courses and instructor-led classroom programs. As of 2015, Simplilearn also offers an on-demand live instructor-led program.
On Simplilearn, you’ll find online courses and certifications in topics like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, project management, data science, digital marketing, cloud computing, and more.
As of writing this article, the platform has more than 400 courses, over three dozen accreditations, and a team of 2000+ professional experts who teach and train.
The goal of Simplilearn is to help professionals improve their resumes, build their knowledge in specific skill sets, and ultimately to achieve their career goals.
Who is Simplilearn For?
Simplilearn is partnered with more than 40 different accreditation bodies and supported by companies like Hubspot and Google. It’s easy to enroll in recognized, certified courses, making Simplilearn a great option for just about anyone.
If you’re wondering whether Simplilearn is right for you, chances are, it probably is. It will help you improve your knowledge and skills through a blended learning approach. You can utilize both video and instructor-led training programs with real projects, 24/7 support, and accessible content.
How Does Simplilearn Work?
Each Simplilearn course lasts around one month, though some are slightly shorter and some a bit longer. Each one requires dedicated participation and you will be tasked with completing work such as watching video content, participating in discussions, completing quizzes and final exams, and working on hands-on projects and other graded assignments.
These courses aren’t like some you might find on other e-learning platforms, like Udemy, that simply require you to watch the videos and move on. Since you’re working toward an actual certification, you need to be prepared to put in the time.
Courses are offered with a combination of instructor-led material and video content. You’ll also complete some hands-on projects, too. Some courses have practice tests and others also have final exams that you will be required to complete.
Features
Self-Paced Online Video
One of the most beneficial features of Simplilearn is that courses are delivered via self-paced online videos. Because of this, you can learn at a speed that is most comfortable for you, without feeling rushed or, sometimes worse, feeling as though the material is dragging along at a snail’s pace.
The unique format of Simplilearn’s courses means that there are options for people of all learning styles. Whether you learn in a visual, aural, or kinesthetic way, you’ll benefit from the mixed delivery of courses on Simplilearn.
Live Virtual Classroom
The live virtual classroom of Simplilearn is something that is unique to this platform. On other online learning platforms, you may simply be attending pre-recorded classes and commenting here or there as you submit assignments and plod through the material.
That’s not the case with Simplilearn. While you can complete sections of various courses in this fashion, you’ll be able to engage and learn in a live setting with other peers and professionals, too.
Applied Projects
With Simplilearn, you’ll be able to participate in real-world projects that are not only relevant to what you’ve been learning throughout the program but that will also help you gain hands-on experience in your field of study.
No matter what it is you are studying on Simplilearn, the applied projects feature will help you bring that knowledge to life – and gain mastery of the topic. Because after all, there’s no better way to learn than by actually doing something!
Social Forums
If a sense of community is what you’re after, you’ll find it with Simplilearn. With this platform’s unique blend model, you’ll combine various methods of learning, including video, social forums, practical projects, and a live instructor.
The social forums will help keep you engaged as you learn alongside other peers. You won’t feel as though you are tackling all of this course material alone.
24/7 Support
While Simplilearn is beneficial in that its courses are self-paced, some users might balk at this out of a fear that they won’t know what to do when it comes time to move to the next module or take some next step. Fortunately, Simplilearn offers 24/7 teaching and technical support. You’ll be kept engaged with integrated teaching assistance that you can access both in mobile and desktop versions of the platform.
Online Practice Labs
Simplilearn even features online practice labs. Here, you’ll be able to complete projects that will give you sample work to showcase to future employers.
Ease of Use
Simplilearn is easy to use, particularly compared to other online learning platforms. Although it can be somewhat tricky to navigate the company’s website (it’s not the most user-friendly at first glance), once you actually get into the class and start working, you shouldn’t have any problems.
One of the nicest features about Simplilearn (and something that makes it easier to use, too) is that you don’t have to provide payment information when you create your account. You can create an account to see what Simplilearn has to offer before you have to worry about plugging in credit card information.
Simplilearn Pricing Model
Simplilearn may not be cheap, but it’s definitely not the most expensive option out there, either. Its self-paced learning options start at around $600 but this can vary, with some courses significantly less and some significantly more.
Self-paced learning options provide you with unlimited access to all course material and video content along with practice exams, projects, and more.
You can also take classes in a blended learning model, in which you’ll typically pay around $800 and up. These are generally chunked together in eight to ten live sessions, each of which are offered at various times of the day and during different days of the week.
There are also corporate training packages. Simplilearn doesn’t publish a specific price for these packages on its website. Instead, interested managers are encouraged to contact Simplilearn for a customized quote.
All of these pricing models are backed by a generous seven-day money-back guarantee. If you decide that the course isn’t for you, you can get your money back with no questions asked.
Support
Simplilearn is known for many things, but one of its most prominent features is its ample customer service and support features. If you’re having trouble finding information about a course, you can request more information and be sent it very quickly from a course instructor or support team member – you can ask specific questions about a course in this way, before you even have to enroll.
This platform also has a live chat feature and a phone number you can call for a callback if you have any questions. Often, this can be as soon as the next day’s callbacks.
The Advantages (Pros) of Simplilearn
These are some of the biggest benefits of using Simplilearn to help you build your skills and improve your resume.
Accredited Courses Taught By Experts
With more than 40 different global accreditations that are recognized by organizations like PMI and AXELOS and even supported by major companies like Amazon and Google, Simplilearn is one of the best online learning platforms to consider if you want industry-backed credentials.
You’ll be able to take classes from some of the top minds in the field. It’s unlike any other platform in that you’ll be able to learn from expert instructors and then take that knowledge directly into the workforce with you.
Variety of Teaching Methodologies
How do you learn best? Is it from hands-on experience? Real-life projects? REading? Simplilearn is unique in that it offers it all.
Extensive Customer Support
You shouldn’t have to be a rocket scientist in order to take an online course – and with Simplilearn, you’ll benefit from customer support experts who want to help you get every amount of benefit you can from its online courses. You can contact responsive support professionals at any time via Simplilearn’s live chat and phone service resources.
Community Features
Lots of students struggle when taking online courses, particularly because it’s hard to interact with trainers and there’s limited involvement with other students.
With Simplilearn, you’ll be able to tap into a connected, encouraging community. You can read and comment on each others’ posts and get feedback as you move through course material – a helpful feature that you’re sure to love.
Mobile App Access
Want to take online classes on the go? With Simplilearn, you can. This online learning platform is easy to access on a mobile app, with accessibility components both for iOS and Android users. You can download content for offline viewing, too, to make it even more convenient.
The Disadvantages (Cons) of Simplilearn
As with anything in life, there are some things we don’t love about Simplilearn, too. Here are a few of its biggest drawbacks.
Payments and Refunds
Simplilearn is not the most user-friendly when it comes to payments and refunds. Payment options are limited – you can only pay with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card or through PayPal.
Furthermore, although Simplilearn has a seven-day money-back guarantee, there are some restrictions to it. You can’t get a refund if you’ve downloaded an ebook or accessed more than 25% of the content. The seven-day limit is strict, too – one day more and you can’t get a refund.
Limited Course Subjects
You won’t be able to take a class in just anything when you sign up for Simplilearn. Although the company is actively working to expand its course offerings every day, as of right now, you can only take business classes and technology classes.
Limited Language Capabilities
As of right now, although Simplilearn courses are available in more than 176 countries, you can’t take a class in any language besides English. For many students, that may be too restrictive.
No Free Courses
Sadly, Simplilearn does not offer any free courses – nor does it offer a free trial program. Although you can often preview courses to figure out what they have to offer, you can’t test drive it for a longer period of time.
Simplilearn Alternatives
When you’re searching for the best online learning platform to meet your needs, you might want to consider some Simplilearn alternatives in your search.
There are plenty of other e-learning platforms out there, but as of right now, Simplilearn is one of the few that offers professional certifications that are recognized by organizations like PMI (although Coursera and edX are two up and coming platforms that offer similar credentialing programs and are worth checking out).
If you’re looking for an online professional training program in analytics, you may want to consider Jigsaw Academy. Jigsaw is a similarly-structured platform that offers case studies and easy-to-understand course materials. It may be better for beginners but the pricing is more or less this game. This platform also offers ample career support to help you get started.
Other alternatives, particularly if you aren’t necessarily interested in receiving a certificate at the end of your coursework, include Udemy, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning, all of which offer online courses in a wide variety of disciplines.
Conclusion
From machine learning to business courses, Simplilearn is an online learning platform that offers self-paced courses in just about everything you could want to learn.
With a variety of topics and plenty of teaching methodologies to suit any personality, Simplilearn is a valuable tool that you can use to earn certifications, enhance your knowledge, and get ahead in your career.
Hopefully, this review of Simplilearn has been helpful in proving to you the many reasons why this platform should be considered by all aspiring professionals in the tech industry – but if not, be sure to check out our other online learning platform reviews!
FAQ
Is Simplilearn legit?
When you’re looking for self-paced courses that will give you hands-on experience (and are taught by professionals) you might wonder which online learning platform to choose from. Simplilearn is not only legit, but it’s a great choice for just about anyone to try. It’s safe to use and you don’t have to worry about being scammed.
In fact, more than three dozen different training organizations have recognized this platform as an official provider of certification training in a number of areas. It’s also ranked as a top educational brand – in short, it’s absolutely legitimate.
Is Simplilearn reliable?
Simplilearn offers students a reliable way to learn more about a given subject in an affordable, easy, and convenient way. It’s also reliable – you don’t have to worry about not being able to access course components or about the site crashing. The platform uses leading technology to deliver its courses and offers a trustworthy way for you to learn new things.
Is Simplilearn worth the money?
Yes. Although Simplilearn is more expensive than some other online learning platforms (many of which offer courses at very low or even free price points), Simplilearn is worth paying for. It will allow you to further your professional career and is recognized by many employers and professional organizations, something that is not always the case with other platforms.
How much does Simplilearn cost?
Simplilearn varies in its costs and pricing structure. Like many online course platforms, Simplilearn has a variable pricing model that has courses ranging from $79 to $5,500, depending on what you want to learn and what components you decide to invest in (such as single, one-time classes or full career tracks).
Can I put Simplilearn on my resume?
You can put Simplilearn courses on your resume. However, it’s worth noting that the certification you receive from Simplilearn isn’t exactly the same as a credential you might receive from completing a formal college degree or something of that nature.
Rather, it’s a knowledge-based credential, meaning it holds validity for life but won’t exactly give you transfer credit when you apply to college. However, many professional organizations like PMI (the Project Management Institute) recognize the certifications offered by Simplilearn.
Will Simplilearn help me with my career?
Absolutely. Simplilearn courses offer amazing instruction, content, and methods of delivery. You’ll learn all kinds of skills and topics you need to help advance your career. They’ll show to employers that you’ve put the time and energy into learning new things and that you care deeply about your job.
How to open a Simplilearn account?
Getting started with Simplilearn is relatively straightforward. You will start by logging on to the Simplilearn website. Then, you can click “sign up now” to create an account. You’ll add your full name, phone number, and email address before creating a password. If you don’t want to walk through all of these steps, you can also just use your LinkedIn account to log in.
SimpliLearn is a waste of time and money.
(1) The training was very inconsistent.
(2) When I wanted to enroll to take the exam, Simplilearn
asked me for my ISACA username and password instead of providing a voucher. Highly unethical.
Why would a company ever ask for another companies login credentials.
(3) When I asked for a refund, they dragged it out for over 5 months. I was only partially refunded.
(4) Overseas support was not helpful.
I have been to many training courses and this was by far the worst.
I hate to have to concur — but while the course selection seems comprehensive, Simpli’s sales team made false statements on their course packages and then completely dodged any follow up by me, the customer, once the course fees were paid. To make matters worse, there is absolutely no way to get directly hold of any customer support for follow up and refund requests even though the website provided otherwise (see pasted below). Simpli did not live up to its stated position of being “the world’s #1 online bootcamp for digital economy skills training focused on helping people acquire the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.”
From website:
Refund request can be initiated in two ways
From my orders section, by clicking on “Initiate Refund” against specific item of an order. This will work when item quantity is one.
In case item quantity is more than one, please reach out to our support team through our Help & Support section on the website.
I am doing the PG DevOps program. I have a pretty bad experience and would not recommend the platform “Based on the multiple cohort change requests and low attendance in the ongoing CMAT batch, we would like to cancel the future batches for this cohort and transfer you to the next ongoing cohort” Again the refund request was not even addressed.
Iv had 18 people 25 phone calls 12 tickets and nobody can even sort out my account. I paid £1500 to teach my self how to do a Masters certificate in Cloud Architecture. The staff have been unhelpful and dishonest. With simple solutions it’s been 2 weeks and I still have not got full access to my course. I will not be recommending to anyone.
It is waste of time and money, they promise a lot and it looks like trap once you pay no refund and don’t know who you are. It doesn’t worth what you pay try fee American 100 worth rather than paying and receiving nothing for SimpliLeran.