GALWAY, IRELAND - 2026-06-12
Alison recorded its highest-ever course start-to-completion rate of 47% and course start-to-assessment rate of 69% across its website and app combined in May 2026, marking a new high point in how Learners are progressing through online courses.
Both figures surpass Alison's previous records set in November 2025, when the course start-to-completion rate reached 44% and the course start-to-assessment rate reached 63%.
A Stronger Signal Of Learner Momentum
For Alison, the new records point to more than increased course activity. They show that a growing share of Learners are moving beyond enrolment and into the assessed stages of learning where skills are tested, progress becomes measurable, and course outcomes become more meaningful.
Completion and assessment rates are important indicators for any online learning platform because they show whether Learners are finding courses accessible, relevant, and practical enough to continue. Alison's latest records suggest stronger engagement across the full learning journey, from starting a course through to assessment and completion.
What This Means For Learners
The record course start-to-assessment rate is particularly significant because assessment is where Learners demonstrate understanding and move closer to recognised course completion. A higher completion rate also means more Learners are reaching the point where they can use Certificates and Diplomas to support their employability and career growth.
As more Learners progress from course start to assessment and completion, Alison is better positioned to support real learning outcomes for everyone, everywhere at scale.
Ends
Resources
For Learners who complete courses, Alison’s Certificates and Diplomas can support career development, job applications, and evidence of progress.
Learners can also use Alison's Dashboard to track learning activity, the Resumé Builder to create CVs, and the Career Ready Plan to explore potential career paths. The Alison App also supports Offline Learning, helping Learners continue their studies when internet access is limited or learning needs to happen around a busy schedule.
About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered Learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited Learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, Learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App.
In 2026, Alison will launch a Global Recruitment Service to directly connect skilled, motivated Learners with hiring employers. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
