How to learn Claude Code for free with Anthropic's AI courses - one took me just 20 minutes
Written by
David Gewirtz, Senior Contributing EditorSenior Contributing Editor May 13, 2026 at 5:17 a.m. PT 
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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Anthropic offers a free library of Claude training courses.
- Courses range from quick AI basics to eight-hour deep dives.
- A short Claude Code course delivers practical takeaways.
The various tools associated with Anthropic Claude AI, including the basic chatbot, the coding assistant Claude Code, and the agent interface Claude Cowork, have been all the rage these last few months.
These are certainly powerful tools. I've been using Claude Code to build two Apple products across four platforms, and it's been a game-changer.
Also: I used Claude Code to vibe code a Mac app in 8 hours, but it was more work than magic
But what if you're not sure how to get started? Or what if you want to learn more about Claude itself or AI more generally? As it turns out, Anthropic offers Claude Courses, a free library of video-based training, and some elements come complete with quizzes and certifications.
So many courses, so little time
Courses range from the 15-minute "AI Capabilities and Limitations" course to the eight-hour, 85-lecture series, "Claude with Amazon Bedrock."
As much as I'd like to take all the courses in Anthropic's library, I only had time to try one this week. I've definitely added the Claude Courses list to my to-do manager. When I get time, I can go back in, learn more, and share my impressions.
I chose the 20-minute "Introduction to subagents" course because I'm still trying to get the most out of this capability in Claude Code. Subagents are helpful processes. Claude Code can send them off to carry out tasks all on their own. Think of them as a team of interns. You can give each subagent a short assignment, so that all their results can be included in a larger project.
Also: This AI expert says the job apocalypse isn't coming, even if you're a coder - here's why
The course consisted of four short YouTube videos, accompanied by additional details as text in the learning management system. Anthropic uses the Skilljar learning platform, which you'll need to register with to track your progress. As with the courses, Skilljar registration is free.
Even though the course I chose was short, I got some real value from the videos. In particular, I liked how the speaker explained the distinctions between using a subagent or the main agent, the context-window benefits of subagents, and how to optimize your subagent specifications for particular jobs.
I was a bit disappointed that the course didn't discuss how to manage subagents while they are running, or how to fix problems when they get stuck. But hey, for 20 minutes and free, the course was still well worth my time. I did get tangible takeaways that added to my understanding of the technology.
Also: Half of all US employees use AI at work now - and waste almost 8 hours a week doing it
Plus, although I didn't expect it, I got a nice certificate that I can add to my LinkedIn profile and show off here in the article:
Other courses
Here's a quick rundown of the other courses offered by Anthropic.
Also: These companies are actually upskilling their workers for AI - here's how they do it
You can reach them all on the Claude Courses page:
- AI Capabilities and Limitations: Understand what AI can and cannot reliably do.
- Claude Code 101: Learn Claude Code basics for AI-assisted software development.
- Introduction to subagents: Learn how subagents divide and coordinate coding tasks.
- Introduction to Claude Cowork: An overview of Anthropic's workplace AI collaboration tool.
- Introduction to agent skills: Build reusable capabilities for Claude Code agents.
- AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations: Learn core concepts for collaborating effectively with AI.
- AI Fluency for Educators: Apply AI fluency concepts in teaching and learning.
- AI Fluency for Students: Use AI effectively, responsibly, and critically as a student.
- Building with the Claude API: Build applications using Claude models through Anthropic's API.
- Claude Code in Action: Apply Claude Code to practical development workflows.
- Introduction to Model Context Protocol: Learn the basics of MCP for connecting AI systems to tools.
- Model Context Protocol Advanced Topics: Explore advanced MCP architecture, integrations, and implementation patterns.
- Claude with Amazon Bedrock: Use Claude models through AWS Bedrock services.
- Claude with Google Cloud's Vertex AI: Use Claude models through Google Cloud Vertex AI.
- Teaching AI Fluency: Teach others practical frameworks for working with AI.
- AI Fluency for Nonprofits: Apply AI fluency to nonprofit workflows and missions.
- Claude 101: Learn Claude fundamentals for everyday professional use.
More Anthropic resources
The Claude Courses page is the best place to start if you want course-style training with lessons, quizzes, and certificates. But if you want the full Anthropic learning hub, including documentation, guides, support articles, API resources, and additional Claude learning paths, head to the Anthropic Academy page.
Which free Anthropic course would you try first to get more useful results from Claude? Let us know in the comments below.
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