Best Time management courses in 2025

Mastering time management is crucial in 2025 due to the growing demands of hybrid work and digital communication. With 88% of workweeks spent on communication tasks and 71.1% of workers feeling email pressure after hours, learning effective time management can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost productivity. Here are five courses to consider:

• Upskillist: Time Management Essentials: A 4-week interactive course with CPD certification, focusing on real-world planning and distraction management.
• Productivity Masterclass by Thomas Frank: Skillshare course teaching a custom productivity system, covering task management, calendars, and digital organization.
• Time Management Fundamentals by Dave Crenshaw: LinkedIn Learning course offering practical tips on workspace organization, mental focus, and time budgeting.
• Time Management: Maximizing Your Productivity by Tommy van Schaik: Pluralsight course addressing procrastination and aligning tasks with goals.
• Work Smarter, Not Harder by UC Irvine: Coursera’s 10-hour program blending university-level insights with practical tools for scheduling and prioritization.

Each course offers flexible, self-paced options tailored to different needs, from foundational skills to advanced strategies. Choose based on your goals, preferred format, and whether certification matters to you.

5 Productivity & Time Management Courses to Try

What to Look for in a Time Management Course

Choosing the right time management course can make a big difference in how effectively you work toward your goals. The wrong course? It might leave you frustrated and out some cash. But the right course? It can reshape how you approach productivity and help you see lasting results.

When evaluating your options, here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Flexibility and Learning Format
Flexibility is a big deal - no wonder up to 63% of students prefer online learning for its convenience. Self-paced courses give you freedom, but they often face low completion rates (just 5%–15%). On the other hand, instructor-led sessions provide structure and accountability, which can help you stay on track. Some programs even blend both approaches, offering the best of both worlds. One student shared that flexible scheduling allowed them to finish the course without needing to take time off work. Keep in mind that the format you choose will affect the course's structure, cost, and level of support.

Instructor Expertise and Background
Once you’ve nailed down the format, take a close look at the instructor. Do they have a strong background in time management or productivity coaching? Check for professional experience, success stories, or even published works that demonstrate their credibility. Real-world application is key here - an experienced instructor can make all the difference.

Interactive and Practical Features
Courses that include interactive elements and practical exercises tend to stand out. Hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and real-world assignments keep you engaged and help you apply what you’ve learned. Many top programs also provide tools like downloadable templates and assessments that you can start using right away.

Content Depth and Structure
The course content should match your skill level and goals. If you’re new to time management, look for lessons on basics like prioritization and goal-setting. If you’re more advanced, you might want insights into energy management, decision-making strategies, or leadership-focused time management. Courses that break material into smaller, digestible modules can also help boost completion rates.

Pricing and Value
Price matters, but it’s not the only thing to consider. A more structured, instructor-led course might cost more upfront but could deliver better results in the long run. Focus on the value you’re getting for the price, rather than just the number on the price tag.

Technology and Accessibility
Make sure the course platform is compatible with your preferred devices and offers smooth video streaming and easy access to materials. If specific software or apps are required, double-check that they’ll work with your setup.

Support and Community
A strong support system can make your learning experience much smoother. Look for courses that offer direct access to instructors, discussion boards, or study groups. Features like automated progress reminders and milestone notifications can also help you stay motivated.

Accreditation and Certification
Depending on your career goals, accreditation or a certificate of completion might be important. While not all great courses offer formal accreditation, having a certificate can enhance your professional profile or meet continuing education requirements.

1. Upskillist: Time Management Essentials

Upskillist’s Time Management Essentials is a 4-week course designed to tackle one of life’s biggest hurdles: making the most out of your limited time. With 8 structured lessons and accompanying toolkits, this program is developed by in-house experts to help you apply time management strategies in real-world situations.

The course dives into a variety of topics, starting with effective planning techniques and progressing to advanced self-management skills. You’ll learn how to stick to your plans, reduce distractions, and delegate tasks effectively. For instance, the "Action rather than Distraction" lesson emphasizes the importance of focusing on one task at a time, while the "Expect the Unexpected" module prepares you to handle disruptions in today’s fast-paced work environment. The program’s structured approach ensures that you not only understand the concepts but can also put them into practice.

What sets Upskillist apart is its interactive format. The course includes live classes, weekly assignments, assessments, and quizzes, all designed to reinforce your learning. Plus, it’s CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certified, meaning you’ll earn a diploma upon completion - a great addition to your professional credentials.

To make it even easier to get started, Upskillist provides a 7-day free trial. During this trial, you’ll have full access to the Time Management Essentials course and premium features, giving you a chance to explore the interactive teaching style risk-free. You can cancel anytime before the trial ends, making it a no-pressure way to see if the course fits your needs. By focusing on practical skills like delegation, managing interruptions, and efficient planning, this program ensures you walk away with tools you can immediately use.

2. Productivity Masterclass: Create a Custom System That Works (Instructor: Thomas Frank)

Thomas Frank’s Productivity Masterclass on Skillshare takes a unique approach to boosting productivity by guiding you through the creation of a fully customized system. Unlike traditional courses that focus on isolated strategies, this one helps you design what Frank calls an "external system" - a reliable framework to ensure nothing important slips through the cracks. Here's a closer look at what the course offers and why it stands out.

The course is built around four key components: task management, calendar usage, file organization (both physical and digital), and note-taking systems. Frank walks you through how to set up and integrate these elements into a seamless workflow. He explains:

"Essentially, a productivity system is a collection of apps and tools that help you get ideas out of your head and into an external system that you trust and that will remind you to use those ideas when you need to use them."

Frank’s expertise in this area is backed by his impressive track record. He runs a YouTube channel with 2.9 million subscribers and manages College Info Geek, a platform that draws over 400,000 students each month. His extensive experience juggling multiple forms of content - ranging from YouTube videos and podcasts to blog posts and books - gives him firsthand insight into the productivity hurdles many people face.

What sets this course apart is its focus on practical application. Each lesson is packed with actionable advice, such as organizing digital files and setting up "Quick Capture" methods to record ideas as they come. Frank also emphasizes the importance of regular "review days" to keep your system running smoothly and prevent it from becoming outdated or cluttered.

Another standout feature is the reflective practice integrated into the course. Every video ends with journaling prompts that encourage you to personalize the lessons and adapt them to your specific needs. This approach recognizes that no single system works for everyone, and customization is key to long-term success.

Students consistently praise the course for its straightforward, actionable guidance. Many highlight the well-structured lessons and Frank’s approachable teaching style. Reviews often mention that the course helps them transform scattered productivity efforts into a cohesive, manageable system.

Since the course is hosted on Skillshare, it’s accessible through a free trial, making it an affordable way to test whether Frank’s methods align with your personal and professional goals.

3. Time Management Fundamentals (Instructor: Dave Crenshaw)

Dave Crenshaw's Time Management Fundamentals on LinkedIn Learning offers a thoughtful mix of theory and hands-on strategies to help professionals master productivity. This course is designed for those who want to build sustainable time management habits rather than relying on quick fixes.

The course focuses on three main areas: organizing your workspace, improving mental focus, and creating effective time budgets. Crenshaw emphasizes forming habits that reduce clutter, streamline mental tasks, and prioritize high-value activities. A standout section of the course dives into email management, offering actionable tips to handle a full inbox and stay in control of digital communications.

What sets Crenshaw apart is his emphasis on flexibility. He encourages learners to tailor the strategies to their personal needs, stating:

"Treat it as a guide than a strict rulebook and do what works for you, that approach shows someone that understands individual productivity."

This approach acknowledges that there's no universal formula for time management, empowering students to adapt the lessons to their unique work environments and personal workflows.

The course is self-paced, making it easy to fit into even the busiest schedules. This feature has made it a popular choice for LinkedIn Learning's talent development programs, especially as professionals face increasing workplace demands and distractions.

In terms of cost, the course is available for $29.99 as a standalone purchase or through a LinkedIn Learning membership, which costs $39.99 per month after a free trial. The membership option also grants access to thousands of other courses, making it a worthwhile investment for ongoing skill development.

With 2,939 reviews and consistent praise from professionals, the course has built a strong reputation. Andrew Molloy, a talent development expert, highlights its practical and evergreen strategies. Many students note that the techniques remain useful even as workplace tools and trends evolve.

Crenshaw brings years of experience to the table, having previously taught time management on Lynda.com before updating his content for LinkedIn Learning. His teaching style focuses on immediate application, encouraging learners to practice techniques as they progress through the course rather than waiting until the end.

This course is particularly well-suited for professionals who value structured lessons with actionable insights they can immediately incorporate into their routines.

4. Time Management: Maximizing Your Productivity (Instructor: Tommy van Schaik)

Tommy van Schaik’s Time Management: Maximizing Your Productivity course on Pluralsight is designed to tackle procrastination and help align your daily tasks with your long-term goals. The course focuses on three main areas: understanding why time management matters, mastering popular techniques, and building personalized systems tailored to your unique work style and responsibilities. It’s packed with actionable strategies that you can start using right away.

What sets this course apart is its emphasis on creating systems that go beyond basic scheduling. Van Schaik teaches you how to develop plans that lead to real results instead of just keeping you busy. A standout feature is the practical approach - students are guided on how to directly apply these time management skills to their projects, goals, and everyday tasks while addressing common productivity challenges head-on.

Drawing from his background in business and IT, Van Schaik provides insights specifically aimed at professionals working in complex environments with multiple stakeholders. This approach aligns well with the hands-on, interactive elements highlighted in other top courses.

The course is available through Pluralsight’s subscription model, offering flexibility for learners to progress at their own pace. It runs for 1 hour and 47 minutes, broken into manageable segments. Plus, Pluralsight offers a 10-day free trial, so you can explore the content before deciding to subscribe.

Though the course doesn’t include a certification, it prioritizes building practical, real-world skills. Pluralsight’s platform also includes detailed learning analytics and skill assessments, helping you track your progress and identify areas for improvement. With access to thousands of additional professional development courses, Pluralsight remains a cost-effective choice for ongoing learning.

This course is a great fit for anyone looking to align their daily tasks with broader objectives and establish lasting productivity habits. Next, we’ll dive into a comparison table summarizing the key features of each course.

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder: Time Management for Personal & Professional Productivity (University of California, Irvine)

This course, offered by the University of California, Irvine through Coursera, provides a structured approach to mastering time management. As part of the Career Success Specialization, it combines a university-level curriculum with practical strategies you can use right away. Taught by Margaret Meloni, MBA, PMP - who has a stellar 4.7/5 rating from over 3,300 learners - the course has drawn in 537,663 students and boasts a 4.6-star rating.

The program spans 10 hours of content organized into four modules, covering key areas such as personal and professional awareness, organization, commitment, and actionable tools for goal setting, prioritization, scheduling, and delegation. One student described it as "highly relatable and immediately applicable to daily work life."

Designed with busy professionals in mind, the course is self-paced, allowing learners to complete it in about three weeks with a commitment of three hours per week. The material is delivered through a mix of videos, readings, assignments, and interactive discussions, making it both flexible and engaging.

You can audit the course for free, with the option to purchase a certificate upon completion. Subscribers to Coursera Plus also enjoy unlimited access to this and other courses.

The curriculum tackles real-world challenges like managing overflowing inboxes and improving communication skills. By teaching systematic approaches, the course helps participants boost their productivity and streamline their workflows.

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
– Jennifer J., Coursera learner since 2020

For anyone looking to enhance their time management skills with university-backed insights, this course offers a perfect balance of theory and practical tools to elevate both personal and professional productivity.

Course Comparison Table

Here’s a detailed breakdown of five popular time management courses, highlighting their platform, cost, certification options, duration, flexibility, and unique features:

The courses vary significantly in price, from free auditing options to subscription-based models. Certification options also range from globally recognized credentials to platform-specific certificates, giving you flexibility based on your professional goals.

In terms of time commitment, you’ll find courses as short as 1.5 hours for quick learning or longer options like Coursera's 10-hour program for a deeper dive. Flexibility is a common thread across all these courses, with self-paced formats allowing you to learn at your own speed.

When choosing, think about what aligns best with your goals. Are you looking for AI-driven tools, a hands-on productivity system, myth-busting strategies, stress-reduction techniques, or a university-backed curriculum? Each course brings something different to the table, so pick the one that fits your learning style and objectives.

How to Pick the Right Course for Your Needs

Choosing the right time management course takes some thoughtful planning. It's not just about signing up for the first course you find - it’s about ensuring the course aligns with your career goals, personal needs, and schedule. A hasty decision could cost you both time and money.

Start by assessing the certification's value for your career. Not every certification holds the same weight in the eyes of U.S. employers. Research shows that certifications tailored to industry demands can significantly boost career growth. Employers tend to prioritize credentials that directly align with job requirements.

"Earning industry certifications demonstrates your knowledge and skills. These factors help you stand out in the job market and impress employers." – The Right Staff

Make sure to focus on accredited programs that issue credentials recognized in your field. Check that the course content is directly relevant to the skills you need now or in the future. Once you're confident about the certification's value, think about how it fits into your schedule.

Take a close look at your daily routine and available time. Before enrolling, determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to improving your time management skills. Faulkner University advises allocating about six hours per credit hour. For a three-credit course, that’s roughly 18 hours per week. If you're considering an intensive five-week program, you might need to set aside up to eight hours per week.

Review the course syllabus carefully to understand the workload. Also, think about when you’re most productive during the day and look for courses that allow you to study during those peak times.

Choose a learning format that suits your style. Synchronous courses provide real-time interaction with instructors and classmates, which can be great for immediate feedback and networking opportunities. On the other hand, asynchronous courses offer flexibility but require a lot of self-discipline to stay on track.

Look for courses with practical, hands-on opportunities. Employers increasingly value real-world skills over certificates alone. Seek out programs that include projects, templates, or tools you can use immediately in your work or personal life.

Talk to your employer about your goals. Many companies are willing to support employee development through flexible work hours or financial assistance for relevant courses. Having this conversation can also help you identify which skills are most valued in your organization, making it easier to choose a course that aligns with both your needs and your employer's expectations.

Set yourself up for success with a good study environment and schedule. Create a dedicated space for studying that minimizes distractions. Use tools like planners or task management apps to organize your time effectively. Don’t forget to take regular breaks and prioritize sleep to avoid burnout, especially if you’re juggling coursework with a full-time job.

Ultimately, your course selection should align with both your immediate challenges and your long-term career aspirations. Whether you’re looking for quick solutions to improve productivity or aiming to build a comprehensive skill set for future growth, the right course will fit seamlessly into your life and help you achieve your professional goals.

Conclusion

Mastering time management isn’t just about putting in more hours; it’s about working smarter and making intentional choices in how you manage your time. The strategies and tools highlighted in these courses can reshape how you approach both your career and personal life, helping you boost productivity while maintaining balance.

The key to success lies in picking a course that aligns with your learning preferences and schedule. In today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world, these courses tackle the challenges of managing flexible work environments and constant demands. Each course offers a unique perspective - whether through structured methods or personalized systems - to help you organize tasks, make better decisions, and create a more balanced life.

The benefits of learning these skills extend far beyond the classroom. The techniques you gain will seamlessly integrate into your daily routines, empowering you to achieve your goals and make the most of your time. As one student, Rdha H., put it:

"This course is really very interesting and really allows you to progress in time management and be effective in both professional and personal life." - Rdha H.

Don’t wait to take charge of your time. These courses provide actionable strategies - from identifying what wastes your time to setting SMART goals - that you can implement right away. By cutting out distractions and focusing on what truly matters, you’ll be able to make decisions more efficiently and see real progress.

Explore the options, choose the course that fits your needs, and take the first step toward transforming your daily routine. Your future self will thank you for investing in these essential skills that will benefit you for years to come.

FAQs

How can I choose the right time management course to meet my goals?

When choosing a time management course, start by pinpointing what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to boost productivity, lower stress levels, or get better at prioritizing tasks? Knowing your goals will help you narrow down your options.

Look for courses that provide practical strategies and actionable insights you can apply in everyday life. Check out reviews from previous participants to gauge their experiences and the course’s effectiveness.

Also, think about how you learn best and how much flexibility you need. Pick a program that fits your routine and adds value to both your personal and professional life. Courses taught by seasoned instructors with well-organized lessons tend to deliver the best long-term results.

What are the career benefits of earning a CPD certification from a time management course?

Earning a CPD certification through a time management course can be a game-changer for your career. It shows employers that you’re serious about growing professionally and willing to invest in your skills. In today’s competitive job market, that kind of commitment can set you apart.

This certification doesn’t just look good on paper - it helps you in real, practical ways. You’ll sharpen your productivity, make smarter decisions, and be ready to take on bigger responsibilities. It can lead to improved job performance, open the door to new opportunities, and set you up for long-term success in a workplace that’s always changing. By mastering time management, you’ll be better prepared to handle challenges and adapt to whatever comes your way.

What’s the best way to apply time management strategies from these courses to your daily life?

To make the most of time management strategies from these courses, begin by defining specific and achievable goals that reflect your personal or work-related priorities. Break these goals into manageable tasks and plan to tackle them during the hours when you’re at your peak productivity.

Leverage tools like digital calendars or task management apps to keep everything organized and monitor your progress. The secret to success is consistency - review your schedule each day and tweak it as necessary to adapt to any changes. With practice, these strategies can turn into habits that help you stay on track and take charge of your time.

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