6 Best FREE Online Sign Language Course with Certificate

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language with the same linguistic attributes as spoken languages, but its grammar differs from English. ASL is a natural language that uses movements of hands and facial expressions. It is the primary language of many citizens of America who are deaf and have hearing issues.

After spending over 110 hours reviewing 50+ tools, I have handpicked the best free online American Sign Language courses and certifications available. This comprehensive and unbiased breakdown provides an insightful look at key features, pros and cons, and pricing. Whether you are a novice or experienced learner, these well-researched, credible options offer a professional, in-depth approach to mastering ASL at your own pace.

Best FREE ASL Classes Online (American Sign Language)

ASL Courses	Provider	Video Duration	Certification	Links
Learn & Master Sign Language by Udemy	Udemy	47 hours on-demand video	Yes	Learn More
ASL | Learn How to Sign | Introduction to American Sign Language	SkillShare	2 hours 23 minutes	No	Learn More
Professional Certificate in American Sign Language Science	edX	Self-placed	Yes	Learn More
Signing Savvy ASL Courses	Signing Savvy	Self-placed	No	Learn More
Lifeprint ASL Courses	Lifeprint	Self-placed	No	Learn More

1) Learn & Master Sign Language by Udemy (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.7 | Duration: 47 hours of on-demand video | Fee: $23.39 | Certificate: Yes | Level: Beginner

Learn & Master Sign Language by Udemy impressed me with how it simplifies an otherwise complex skill. As I analyzed its content layout and support resources, I found that it offered me a structured way to go from basics to advanced levels without feeling overwhelmed. This comprehensive platform allows you to learn at your own pace while staying motivated with interactive community help. I recommend it to anyone aiming to master American Sign Language in a realistic, practical manner. Teachers aiming to integrate ASL into their inclusive classrooms typically find this course a great way to build foundational fluency quickly.

This ASL course contains 25 section that covers various aspects of ASL. You can access the detailed lesson book from the free online student support site. The course is created by Legacy Learning Systems, a leader in ASL education.

Offers a comprehensive learning experience with full lifetime access. This course includes a downloadable resource for easy reference, ensuring flexibility across mobile and TV platforms. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of achievement to acknowledge your progress and skill development.

What Will You Learn?

• Daily Life Communication in ASL: You will learn sign language structures to manage real-life conversations, focusing on common phrases and everyday interaction scenarios.
• Foundations and Greetings in ASL: I found this section helpful to understand basic signs, start conversations, and greet others using American Sign Language effectively.
• Family, Pronouns, and Alphabet: You will learn how to express family members, use pronouns clearly, and sign letters of the alphabet in the correct format.
• Adjectives and Sentence Focus: Learn how adjectives work in sign language and how topicalization helps you emphasize the right parts of your sentence for clarity.
• Understanding Time and Frequency: You will gain essential skills to describe clock time, calendar events, and frequency of actions in ASL communication smoothly.
• Using Directional Verbs in ASL: You will learn how directional verbs function, which allows you to show movement between people or objects through sign adjustments.

Pricing:

$23.39 for a course

How to Enroll in the Learn & Master Sign Language Course?

• Step 1) Head over to the Learn & Master Sign Language course page on Udemy
• Step 2) Click the “Enroll Now” button. If you don’t have a Udemy account, you’ll be prompted to create one by providing your email and setting a password.​
• Step 3) Complete the payment process to gain full access to the course materials.​
• Step 4) Begin your journey into American Sign Language by diving into the comprehensive content provided in the Learn & Master Sign Language course.​

Enroll Now >>

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2) ASL | Learn How to Sign | Introduction to American Sign Language (Skillshare)

Specs: Duration: 2 hours 23 minutes | Fee: 30 Days Free Trial | Certificate: No | Level: Beginner

ASL | Learn How to Sign | Introduction to American Sign Language (Skillshare) became a reliable resource during my analysis of beginner ASL courses. While conducting my evaluation, I noticed the lessons provide real value in helping learners build a strong foundation in ASL. The pace is just right, and the content is comprehensive without being overwhelming. I particularly liked how it encourages repeated practice, which is essential when mastering sign language. The course is perfect for anyone wanting a solid introduction without getting lost in technical jargon. College students preparing for healthcare roles have benefited from this course to better serve future deaf patients in clinical settings.

This course introduces students to the ASL alphabet, numbers, greetings, and conversational phrases. Learners will also practice fingerspelling, question formation, and commonly used signs to enhance their fluency. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence to engage in basic ASL conversations and understand key aspects of Deaf culture.

This course is taught by an experienced ASL educator and interpreter. Learn American Sign Language at your own pace, using any device. The course includes video resources that cover essential ASL signs and sentence structures, providing a solid foundation in effective communication.

What Will You Learn?

• Learning to Spell in ASL: I was able to spell complete words by mastering ASL fingerspelling, which is essential for clear and detailed communication with others.
• Sharing Details Through Signing: Learn how to communicate essential details effectively using structured ASL expressions and facial cues that help you avoid misunderstandings.
• Conversational ASL Skills: One of the best ways to maintain flow is by learning how to begin and end conversations with appropriate signs and social cues.
• Question and Answer Skills: Try to improve your interaction by learning to ask relevant questions and give concise answers in sign language formats.
• Practical Sign Language Use: Helps you practice fluency by engaging in real-life sign scenarios, which is helpful to gain speed and clarity in conversations.

Pricing:

Free to Enroll

How to Enroll in the “ASL: Learn How to Sign – Introduction to American Sign Language” Course?

• Step 1) Visit the course page on Skillshare: ASL: Learn How to Sign – Introduction to American Sign Language.​
• Step 2) Click the “Join Skillshare” button.​
• Step 3) Sign up by providing your email address and creating a password, or use your Google, Facebook, or Apple account to register.​
• Step 4) After signing up, you may be prompted to start a free trial of Skillshare Premium.​
• Step 5) Once enrolled, access the course content and begin your learning experience.​

Enroll Now >>

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3) Professional Certificate in American Sign Language Science (edX)

Specs: Duration: 4 months | Fee: $356.40 | Certificate: Yes | Level: Expert

Professional Certificate in American Sign Language Science (edX) is a thoughtful and academically rich program. I analyzed its curriculum and was able to see how it breaks down complex topics in a digestible format. This course helps you understand not just how to sign, but why ASL looks and functions the way it does today. It is important to keep in mind that understanding the history and evolution of ASL is essential for meaningful communication. I would recommend it for anyone who wants more than just vocabulary and gestures. Healthcare professionals pursuing inclusive practices are finding this certificate helpful to improve patient communication and cultural sensitivity.

You can learn ASL from exercises in just 3-5 hours in a week. Students from diverse backgrounds, signers, and speakers can benefit from this remarkable journey into visual-manual languages. The course designer is Ted R. Supalla, Ph.D., who is a Neurology, Linguistics, and Psychology Professor at Georgetown University Medical Center. He runs the Sign Language Research Lab, a part of the Center on Brain Plasticity and Recovery.

This comprehensive online course offers a short video with interactive learning exercises, guiding you through a weekly subject sequence. It covers the historical origins of ASL grammar, explores the role of visual analogy in learning, and examines language-specific variation and historical changes in signed languages.

What Will You Learn?

• Video Lessons & Practice: This resource offers short instructional videos with matching exercises, a great way to apply what you’ve seen directly to signing. I practiced signs after watching each video, which helped me remember them longer.
• Structured Weekly Lessons: It’s designed with weekly modules that guide you through subjects step-by-step, which is helpful to track progress and stay consistent.
• Understanding ASL Grammar Roots: Learn the grammatical roots of ASL and how its unique rules evolved historically from regional and cultural usage.
• Using Visual Comparisons in ASL: This may help you grasp ASL concepts by applying visual comparisons that resemble real-life objects or actions, aiding comprehension.
• Signed Language Evolution & Diversity: Explore how signed languages change across communities over time, which is essential for understanding regional signing differences and nuances.

Pricing:

$464.40 for a course

How to Enroll in the American Sign Language Science Professional Certificate?

• Step 1) Head over to the American Sign Language Science Professional Certificate course page on edX.
• Step 2) Tap the “Enroll Now” button. If you do not have an account, you’ll be prompted to create one by entering your email address and password.
• Step 3) Choose whether you’d like to audit the course for free or pay for a certificate. Then, proceed with your selection and start learning!

Enroll Now >>

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4) Signing Savvy ASL Courses

Signing Savvy ASL Courses stands out as a superior choice for learning American Sign Language, especially for those new to it. I could access thousands of organized videos that clearly explain each sign’s motion and context. I recommend this platform for its strong educational focus and seamless interface. It is perfect for visual learners who want to learn at their own pace. Event coordinators in bilingual environments often depend on Signing Savvy for quick learning and accurate ASL translations during live shows and webinars.

The site is created by Brenda Cartwright, a seasoned interpreter, a master teacher, and author of several best-selling sign language and interpreting textbooks. Offers a comprehensive approach to learning sign language, allowing you to build personalized vocabulary word lists for practice using flashcards and quizzes. Additionally, you can join a community of educators, interpreters, and students, fostering collaboration and enhancing your learning experience.

What Will You Learn?

• ASL Dictionary Tool: You will gain access to an essential digital resource that allows you to search and view accurate ASL signs for various words.
• Browse by Alphabet: I found it helpful to browse ASL words alphabetically, which made it one of the easiest ways to find specific signs fast.
• Learn Fingerspelling: You will learn the most effective way to communicate names and unique words using individual letter signs in American Sign Language.
• Master ASL Numbers: You will explore how to sign numbers clearly, which is great for expressing quantities, age, time, and phone numbers in ASL.
• Understand ASL Colors: This feature allows you to learn color-specific signs, which is perfect for everyday conversations and descriptions in ASL.

Pricing:

Free to enroll

How to Enroll in a Signing Savvy Course?

• Step 1) Visit the Signing Savvy website at Signing Savvy.
• Step 2) Navigate to the “Sign Up” or “Join” section (typically found at the top right of the homepage or in the menu).
• Step 3) Complete the registration by providing your details, such as name, email, and payment information (if required).
• Step 4) After successful registration, you will have full access to the ASL video dictionary and additional features such as sign descriptions, memory aids, and the ability to slow down or pause videos.

Link: https://www.signingsavvy.com/

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5) Lifeprint ASL Courses

Lifeprint ASL Courses made it incredibly easy for me to dive into American Sign Language without needing to enroll in a formal institution. I personally recommend this platform for its clean design, thoughtful lesson order, and free access to quality self-study materials. In my experience, the curriculum does a remarkable job at making ASL approachable to people from all walks of life. Keep in mind that the lessons are based on real linguistic research, which sets it apart from many other free platforms. It is a superior choice for lifelong learners. Busy professionals now opt for Lifeprint’s on-demand lessons to learn ASL during commutes or lunch breaks, using their time productively for a rewarding purpose.

This course offers lessons focused on simple phrases and verbs to explain basic grammar, making it ideal for beginners. With a 15-week semester length, it allows students to progress at their own pace, completing the course faster or slower based on individual needs, abilities, and time availability.

What Will You Learn?

• Fingerspelling Practice: This helps you recognize and spell individual letters quickly using the ASL alphabet. I practiced daily to improve my speed and accuracy.
• Numbers Practice: This feature allows you to practice number recognition and expression using ASL signs, which is essential for clear and accurate communication.
• ASL 1: Practice Cards: These cards are a great way to reinforce beginner-level vocabulary and sentence structure, making early learning easier and more consistent.
• ASL 2: Practice Cards: Perfect for learners at the intermediate level, these cards help you build more complex phrases and improve signing fluency over time.

Pricing:

Free to enroll

How to Enroll in the Lifeprint ASL Course?

• Step 1) Visit the official Lifeprint ASL page.
• Step 2) Explore the free self-study resources available under the ASL 101 curriculum.
• Step 3) Begin your learning journey by navigating through the sequential lessons, designed to take you from basic signs to more advanced concepts, following the course structure to achieve fluency in American Sign Language.

Link: https://www.lifeprint.com/index.htm

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6) Gallaudet ASL Courses

Gallaudet ASL Courses stood out when I analyzed multiple ASL learning platforms. I particularly liked how these courses combine language lessons with an understanding of deaf people’s culture. The digital TWA textbook kept things interactive, and the structure ensures gradual learning without pressure. I could access all course materials online and join live practice sessions for better engagement. It is a good idea to consider the academic credit route if you plan to transfer to another institution. Their commitment to accessibility and inclusion makes it one of the most reputable options out there. Social workers are applying ASL 2 skills from Gallaudet to conduct community outreach, fostering trust among deaf clients in urban programs.

Gallaudet is one of the best American Sign language University that offers some of the best online ASL classes. You can also learn and excel at American Sign Language through these learning courses. This American Sign Language (ASL) courses, available in Levels 1 through 4, offer a comprehensive learning experience for all students. Whether taken online or through a residency program, these courses provide valuable certification, ensuring a thorough understanding of ASL with professional instruction at no cost.

What Will You Learn?

• ASL Alphabet Mastery: One of the easiest ways to become fluent in the ASL alphabet is to memorize and perform each letter with correct handshapes and flow.
• Letter Recognition in ASL: Pay attention to the visual structure of each ASL letter—it’s essential to develop quick recognition of both fingerspelled and static signs.
• Signing Speed and Accuracy: I practiced timed drills with letter signing, which allowed me to avoid hesitation and helped improve accuracy under pressure.
• Fingerspelling Practice & Recognition: This lesson helps you spell short words and recognize fingerspelling in conversation, which is a great way to build fluency step by step.
• Non-verbal ASL Techniques: A great option to enhance expression through facial cues and physical movement, this lesson is perfect for real-world visual communication.

Pricing:

Free to enroll

How to Enroll in Gallaudet ASL Course?

• Step 1) Visit the ASL Online Courses page on Gallaudet website and choose your desired course (ASL 1 through ASL 6).
• Step 2) Complete the ASL Placement Screening.
• Step 3) Access your course materials and begin learning by following the course structure and attending virtual language sessions.

Link: https://gallaudet.edu/asl-connect/asl-online-courses/

How long does it take you to learn Sign Language?

Everyone learns at a different pace, so the answer given to one person may not be right for another person. It might take one person longer to learn American Sign Language than others. However, it depends on how much time you have to allocate to learn sign language online and how quickly you pick up new concepts and remember them.

Some ASL classes are self-paced, and some can take up to six to eight weeks to complete. By the time you have completed your ASL class, you should understand sign language better. However, that still not be fluent as it may take several years of regular practice to become an expert in sign language.

How to learn Sign Language?

Few methods to learn American Sign Language are as follows:

• Learn online by watching videos: YouTube Sign Language videos make learning American Sign Language online easy. If you don’t understand it once, you can watch it again and again.
• Take an online course: Learning sign language online can be an alternative today. Some universities and schools provide online ASL courses. You can search for the best American Sign Language courses for communicating better with deaf people using sign language.
• Hire a professional sign language tutor: Hiring a private ASL tutor can be the best way to learn sign language. You can search locally for qualified American sign language tutors willing to teach you sign language.
• Watch and mimic interpreters: You can also learn sign symbols by watching sign language interpreters. You can find them at deaf events on TV or on video platforms like YouTube.
• Get the help of your deaf relative or friends: Asking a deaf friend or relative to teach you some sign language is another easy method. It helps you teach some signs and will also reduce the struggle of having a conversation with them.
• Read a book: If you do not enjoy online learning, plenty of books are available at bookshops and libraries to learn ASL. Moreover, you will also find a number of Sign Language dictionaries for step-by-step learning. However, this can be difficult to learn, as the movements of the signs are not as obvious as watching a video.
• Watch a video/DVD: Several organizations have created videos or DVDs to help you learn ASL.
• Practice your fingerspelling: Fingerspelling is a simple and easy way to communicate with deaf people without remembering all the word phrases.

How Did We Choose Best FREE Online Sign Language Course?

Choosing the right free online sign language course is crucial to mastering this important skill. Our team analyzed various factors to ensure we selected high-quality courses that suit different learning needs. We focused on courses that offer comprehensive resources, flexibility, and expert guidance to help learners succeed in their sign language journey.

• Course Content: We chose based on well-structured, clear, and detailed lessons that cover all aspects of sign language.
• Accessibility: Our team made sure to shortlist courses that are accessible on multiple devices, ensuring ease of use for everyone.
• Instructor Expertise: The experts in our team selected courses led by experienced instructors, ensuring high-quality teaching and guidance.
• Student Reviews: We considered feedback from past learners to ensure the course is well-received and helpful to students.
• Certification Options: Our team prioritized courses that offer certificates of completion, adding value to the learning experience.
• Support and Community: We looked for courses that provide access to support groups or communities to enhance peer learning.

How long does it take to get ASL certified?

The best way to learn anything is by practicing! Most programs differ in course length and course requirements. This question depends upon which program you have chosen to learn ASL.

If you opt for a self-paced program and repeat the lesson from ASL class material 2-3 times, it will take approximately 25 hours to complete.

On the other hand, in a traditional classroom, ASL instructors cover 1 lesson in 2-3 weeks, making an academic year cover around 10-15 lessons. So it will take a longer time.

How is ASL different from another sign language?

You should remember that there is no common single sign language that is used around the world. Like any other formal language, sign language developed naturally by interacting with different groups of people, like Americans, British, Australians, Spanish, etc.

ASL differs from other sign languages in using two hands instead of one.

Verdict

In this review, I have explored some of the top online ASL courses available. Each course offers its unique features tailored to different learning needs. To help you make the right choice, here’s my verdict on the best ones:

• Learn & Master Sign Language by Udemy: A reliable and user-friendly course with extensive video content and lifetime access. Great for beginners to intermediate learners.
• ASL | Learn How to Sign: Perfect for beginners, this course covers essential ASL topics, helping you master basic communication.
• Professional Certificate in American Sign Language: An in-depth, comprehensive course designed for those wanting to delve deeper into ASL, backed by a prestigious certification.