Cryptocurrency, though a relatively new asset class, has proven its profitability in just a few years of existence. More and more investors are realizing the profit potential within this market, but it is of no use if they have no idea how to navigate its murky waters. The good news is, nowadays, you can find courses and tutorials on practically anything under the sun, whether free or for a fee. However, not everyone who offers service on the internet is genuine, especially if they require a fee for their services.
Before you pay anyone for investment advice, you should do your due diligence and find out what resources and education they are offering. To err on the safe side, you should stick with financial advisors who have a certified financial planning (CFP) certification. Crypto courses will range from beginner-friendly courses to advanced explainers on blockchain technology. For all intents and purposes, we shall focus on the former – courses with an emphasis on how to grow a successful trading career from scratch.
Best beginner-friendly crypto courses
Cryptocurrency and blockchain: An introduction to digital currencies
This is a course taught by professors from the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania. It can be accessed on Coursera, which means you would need a paid subscription to get all its features. However, you can opt to audit the course, which would give you access to all the course materials in both PDF and video format for free.
This course offers an in-depth look into cryptocurrencies and their underlying blockchain technology. It is split into four modules, each of which takes just a couple of hours to complete. For instance, the “Crypto as an Asset Class” module helps investors understand how best to incorporate these digital assets into their portfolios. It also helps them view crypto through a traditional investing lens so as to make it more relatable. If you subscribe to the paid version, you will access quizzes to help track your progress and a certificate for completing the course.
Cryptocurrency fundamentals
This is a course offered on Udemy, one of the leading online learning platforms. It provides an in-depth introduction to cryptocurrencies. It is divided into three sections, all totaling 19 lectures. It is priced at $94.99, but Udemy will regularly offer large discounts on it, sometimes bringing the price down to as low as $15. Rather than pay the full price, look out for these discounts to get the best bang for your buck.
This course is taught by George Levy, who is the Chief Learning Officer at the Blockchain Institute of Technology. Course materials include PDFs and guides. There are also numerous quizzes as you advance, which help you track your progress.
One of the more notable features of the course is it tackles whether you should be investing in these digital assets in the first place. Crypto trading is a risky endeavor, and the course offers numerous insights on how to manage this risk.
Bulls on Wall Street
Established in 2008, this is a community that focuses on improving trader education. It is suitable for beginners in the trade as well as those with some experience under their belt, as the crypto space is a constantly evolving market.
The courses on offer are a bit pricey compared to their competitors. However, there are some courses you can buy on-demand rather than pay for the whole package. For instance, you could pay for the swing trading course, options trading, or retirement trading, depending on your specific needs.
The full course takes 60 days to complete. It includes video and PDF material, seminars, and regular assignments to help track your progress. It consists of more than 100 lessons, after which you’ll be a confident trader equipped with all the necessary skills. Paying for the full course will grant you access to the community, where you can interact and share ideas with experienced traders on the platform, including its founders.
The complete cryptocurrency course
This is another offering by Udemy that tackles everything one needs to transition from a novice to an advanced crypto trader. It consists of five courses spanning all things crypto and blockchain, from investing, choosing exchanges and wallets, creating diversified portfolios, mining, and so much more. All this is delivered by Chris Haroun, who is a published author and MBA professor.
The extensive course content is covered in over 24 hours of video, 6 articles, and 5 downloadable resources. The good news is that once you pay for this course, you will have lifetime access to these materials. What’s more, on completion, you will be awarded an Udemy certificate.
Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies
This is an introductory course to the crypto ecosystem from Princeton University. You can access this course on Coursera, which means you may have to purchase a subscription to enjoy all its features. Alternatively, you could choose to audit the course for free.
This course focuses on Bitcoin, which is an excellent way to learn about cryptocurrencies, seeing as Bitcoin was the pioneer in the space. In it, you’ll learn how BTC achieves decentralization, the security measures it incorporates, and how best to store your coins safely. You will also learn the mechanics behind it, including the factors that drive its price. Additionally, you will learn how to mine it and different ways to improve Bitcoin’s privacy. You will also tackle the Silk Road and other hidden marketplaces. At the end of the course, you will have an in-depth understanding of how Bitcoin and other altcoins work.
Summary
Cryptocurrencies, though in their teenage years, have time and time again proved their mettle as a viable asset class. This has piqued the interest of plenty of investors, with countries even approving these digital assets as legal tender. However, they require a great deal of expertise to trade profitably. To that end, there are several courses one can partake in to gain this expertise. Any of the courses we have discussed would be an excellent place to start building a crypto trading career.