Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
Pluralsight: Everything You Need to Know
By
Cait Williams
Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.
Full BioLearn about our editorial policies
If you’re looking for a place where you can level up your tech skills, look no further than Pluralsight. Pluralsight is a company with a history of helping people keep up to date with ever changing technology. Let’s get started!
What is Pluralsight?
Pluralsight was founded back in 2004 with a simple vision. Founder Aaron Skonnard wanted people to have the chance to transform their businesses and themselves through learning and using technology. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at how to sign up for Pluralsight, the types of classes that Pluralsight offers, and how you can use Pluralsight to level up your skill set!
Membership
Pluralsight offers both individual and group memberships. While we won’t discuss all their plans, you can check out what is offered on the membership options page. Below are their two basic plans that individual users can sign up for.
Standard individual plan – $29 per month
- Access to 2,500 classes
- Curated learning paths and channels
- Skill roll assessments
Premium individual plan – $45 per month
- Access to 7,000+ courses
- Hands-on content and coding projects
- Coding challenges
- Certification exam prep for industry-leading certifications
You may not fully understand what all of these features mean, but that’s alright. These are just some of the features that come with memberships. As you begin to use Pluralsight, you’ll find what features are most useful to you. If you’re feeling hesitant, you can start off with a basic plan and move on from there.
Related: All about the Google Certificate Program
Basic features
There are a lot of moving pieces to Pluralsight’s platform. Jumping into their site without any knowledge of how the pieces work can be a bit overwhelming. In this section of the article, we’ll discuss some of the basic aspects of Pluralsight’s website.
Paths
All Pluralsight plans include a feature called “paths.” Paths can be specific plans made for you or a preselected bunch of courses made to help you achieve a certain goal. All paths feature skill levels that range from beginner to intermediate. If you’re unsure of what level you feel is best for you, that’s okay as they offer lots of tools to help you find out.
Skill IQ
Pluralsight offers another feature called “Skill IQ.” Skill IQ is a way for you to measure how proficient you are with a specific skill. These measurements tests take about 10 minutes and consist of 20 questions.
When you finish taking a Skill IQ, you’ll receive a score that tells you what level is best to start at. From there, you’ll be able to tell where you should start with a path
Learning checks
Learning checks are designed to show you “where you’re at” with a set of skills. These checks are short assessments that ask a series of questions. The assessments are not scored, so no worries about not passing something!! They’re designed to show you where you may still need to improve. If you answer anything wrong, you’ll be able to watch a short video and then go back. Remember, you can take a learning check at any time.
Choose classes
When it comes to choosing classes, things can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. However, with proper use of the above features you should be able to narrow down the classes that are best for you. Don’t be afraid to take your time exploring different paths and jumping around to find the right fit for you.
Get certified
Once you complete a video course, you are eligible to receive a certificate of completion. These certificates can then be submitted as CEU’s (continuing education credits) or CPE’s (continuing professional education) to some organizations.
Is Pluralsight worth it?
Keep in mind that Pluralsight is set up for anyone of any level to be able to use. Whether you’re a beginner who just wants to learn more, or have been in the tech industry for many years, there will be something for you to learn!
To determine if Pluralsight is right for you, ask yourself some of the following questions:
Questions to consider
- What are you looking to learn?
- How much time do you have to invest in Pluralsight?
- Do you plan to learn as an individual or with a team?
If you’re thinking that Pluralsight isn’t the right option for you, that’s okay. There are lots of other online learning platforms out there. Check out another one of our articles about the other top online learning platforms to start!
Also see: Top Coursera scholarships
Alternate options
If you’re looking into platforms like Pluralsight to try and level up your resume, there’s a good chance you may have been looking into other options such as going back to school as well.
However, things like finances or housing may have been what moved you to a platform like Pluralsight. If that sounds anything like your case, take some time to look at scholarships options for nontraditional students and community colleges that offer housing.
Key Takeaways
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of Pluralsight?
Pluralsight helps both individuals and companies with expertise training in a wide range of topics. The platform was built to offer more people access to knowledge, and therefore, a greater ability to grow within their prospective careers.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your Pluralsight subscription at any time. If you cancel your plan mid subscription, you will still have access to classes until the original expiration date. Canceling your plan does not immediately cancel your account.
Is Pluralsight the best online learning platform?
Whether or not Pluralsight is right for you depends on what you want to learn and how much time you have on your hands. If you’re trying to find out if it’s the best option for you, look back at some of the questions above to help you decide.
Is Pluralsight for beginners?
Yes–Pluralsight is for all levels! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there will be new things for you to learn and lots of material to cover!
Don’t miss: Top online scholarships
