Self-Paced Online Skills Courses

Adults upgrading skills for work, career changers, hobbyists, and small employers who buy a course for their staff.

A one-off course fee, a monthly membership for a growing library, or bulk pricing for employers. Optional extras include marking, feedback or completion certificates.

• Knowing a subject well enough to teach it
• Clear writing and explaining
• Basic video and screen recording
• Customer support by email

• If you want to offer recognized qualifications or credentials, check your province's rules for private career colleges or training providers, as these differ by province
• A short skills or hobby course may not need approval, but check with your provincial ministry before you describe it as a diploma or certificate
• Registering for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and how sales tax applies to digital sales to other provinces
• Copyright on any images, music or materials you use in your lessons
• Quebec learners may expect French-language materials, so check the language rules if you sell there
• Sales can be slow at first, so plan for time to build an audience

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on the course platform, recording equipment and materials you choose.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many learners buy and your course prices. Sales can be slow at first, so plan for time to build an audience.

If you want to offer recognized qualifications, check your province's rules for private career colleges or training providers, and check with your provincial ministry before calling a course a diploma or certificate. Also check GST/HST on digital sales and copyright on your materials.