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Codecademy: Everything You Need to Know

By Karla Ibarra

Karla Ibarra is a content writer at Scholarships 360. She has worked as an English teacher and writing tutor. As a writing tutor, she has experience editing scholarships and college application essays. Karla graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication and a minor in English.

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Edited by Maria Geiger

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Updated: November 27th, 2023
Codecademy: Everything You Need to Know

Online learning platforms are becoming more popular every day, and more and more students are turning to platforms like Codecademy to learn computer science skills. But what exactly is Codecademy, and how can it benefit your career? In this article, we’ll go over what Codecademy offers and how it can benefit you. Let’s get into it!

What is Codecademy?

Codecademy is a website that offers coding instruction to both teachers and students. Users can choose between a free plan and a paid one. Codecademy’s mission is to provide learning tools, resources, and accessibility to those that want to expand their knowledge of programming languages.

From their New York office, Codecademy offers an online platform with diverse activities available to anyone with an internet connection. Codecademy is ideal for beginners but includes material for advanced learners as well. Let’s go over everything you need to know about Codecademy.

How does Codecademy work?

To start, all you have to do is sign up with an email address. The main page has a quiz that will help survey your interests and strengths to help you determine which coding track suits you best.

After you choose a course, you’ll see a lesson plan which includes each of the sections you have to complete. On the right-hand side of the page, a panel will tell you how long a course will take to complete. It also includes any prerequisites you might need and what certificate you can earn.

Additionally, every lesson is self-contained so students can learn at their own pace. This might be a great option for you if you are a student with other homework to complete or an instructor with limited free time.

How much does Codecademy cost?

Codecademy offers three different plans for users, each with a different cost. Additionally, each plan offers a 7-day free trial.

  1. The “Individuals” plan has three options: Basic, Pro-lite, and Pro.  The Basic plan offers free classes and peer-support from their practice and application sections. Pro-lite is priced at $14.99 a month and includes projects and assessments to test users’ skills. The Pro option costs $19.99 monthly for users who want to advance their careers. It includes interview prep skills and connections with other users on similar career paths.
  2. The second option is labeled “for students.” Codecademy charges users $149.99 a year. This plan focuses on knowledge retention, step-by-step assistance, and projects. Eligible college students can also get 35% off a regular price.
  3.  The “teams” plan charges users $299 yearly. This option serves those who want to learn how to teach code to more than one person at a time. Users can upgrade to an “enterprise” option at a customizable price. Enterprise allows users to teach advanced courses to more than 25 people.

What classes does Codecademy offer?

Codecademy offers classes in 12 different coding languages, including HTML, Python, and JavaScript. Users also have the option to explore a subtopic if they want to learn more about topics like cyber security.

Along with features such as projects and quizzes, Codecademy offers helpful correction suggestions to promote a positive learning experience.

Does Codecademy offer certificates?

Code academy offers certificates after completing a course. These certifications are only available with a Pro or Pro-Lite membership. Users can include certificates in resumes as additional skills and may serve for applying for internships and jobs. Prospective employers could recognize a certificate from Codecademy as proof of knowledge in a programming language. However, certifications are not accredited. If looking to receive an accredited certificate, users might have more luck with alternatives like Coursera.

How can I use Codecademy to benefit my professional life?

Codecademy offers additional materials for users who might be interested in  applying their skills. Using the Pro plan, Codecademy can prepare for interviews by helping users understand technical concepts. Codecademy offers 12 courses in varying levels, tests their skills, and provides projects to add to users’ portfolios.

This might be useful to users who want to explore their interest in a specific area. The courses available allow users to apply their skills and use the website as a training tool rather than a rigorous assessment.

Codecademy limitations

Codecademy is an excellent option for exploring coding skills but won’t guarantee users a higher-paying job. Since Codecademy’s certificates are not accredited, they might not carry a lot of weight on a resume or CV. For users who want to discover new skills or explore their interest in computer science, Codecademy is great for that. Anyone looking to pursue advancement in their career might look to other options like coding bootcamps.

Alternatives to Codecademy

Depending on what you are looking for, Codecademy offers users coding language courses. However, if it’s not what you are looking for, you can look at other options. Other platforms have different courses, prices, and varying levels of usefulness. Let’s take a look at some!

Coursera

Coursera is a website that provides educational classes which vary in subjects and styles. The website partners with universities and organizations to offer certifications, degrees, and specializations. 

The available courses are provided by other organizations and individuals, unlike Codecademy, which supplies the classes they host. The intensity, usefulness, and price will vary depending on the course users want to complete. Students who take accredited curriculums through Coursera, such as programs offered by  accredited universities or certificate programs, will find that they improve their career prospects more than Codecademy students.

Udemy

Udemy is an online platform that offers a variety of courses sourced from users. The service is similar to Coursera because it doesn’t design its courses like Codecademy. Courses from Udemy follow a video format and include articles, notes, and tests. 

Certifications are offered but not accredited, so they won’t necessarily attract employers. Prices for Udemy will vary depending on sales on the website. Udemy is a suitable option for somebody who is looking for a user-sourced online learning experience.

DataCamp

DataCamp is an educational website that teaches data skills online. The site designs its own courses like Codecademy and is suited for users at any level. The price depends on which plan the user chooses but is generally similar to Codecademy. DataCamp serves users who want to learn data skills or explore interests in the computer science field.

Don’t miss: All about the Google Certificate Program

Traditional college education

Most people think they need some sort of degree from a university to get a full-time job in the computer science industry. However, as other options become more available, individuals can get similar jobs without a degree. A four-year or graduate degree in computer science benefits an individual on the job market. It teaches students a lot but takes time, money, and a higher commitment in general. Other options might not be as popular, but they are on the rise to getting started on a career.

Coding Bootcamps

An alternative for those who want to gain skills in the technology field is coding bootcamps. Coding bootcamps train participants even if they do not have any prior coding knowledge. Coding bootcamps teach tech skills relevant to a particular job and are a great option for participants wanting to learn skills without needing a degree. They take 2-6 months, varying in cost depending on the program. They are a full-time commitment with 40 to 80 hours per week.

Some coding bootcamps allow users to pay a small amount or nothing and repay once they receive a high-paying job. They are great for participants to learn specific job skills, and most programs match users with an employer at completion. Coding bootcamps are ideal for users looking for a job through a concentrated course.

Also see: How to pay for coding bootcamps

Summing it up

Codecademy is a learning interface for anyone who wants to learn programming languages. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced learner, Codecademy offers a range of classes to help you learn at your own pace. Its website lets users know how long a course will take to complete and teach through quizzes, lectures, and projects. Codecademy pricing offers a free version as well as other payment options for additional courses. Users can move forward in their career using Codecademy by earning certificates and applying their knowledge in the lessons they learn. If learning how to code is something you’ve been considering, look to Codecademy!

Frequently asked questions about Codecademy

Do I need to know how to code to sign up for Codeacademy?

Users do not need any previous experience. Most of Codecademy’s content is tailored for beginners, so no prior knowledge is required.

How long does it take to complete a Codecademy course?

To complete a course, it takes between 350 hours to 35 weeks in length. Users can complete courses at their own pace.

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