Trading Basics
Trading Basics is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Trading. It is structured in 4 modules, over 8h 17m. Learners rate it 4.0/5 from 1.8K ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Trading courses collection, where we compare it against 24 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 8h 17m |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.0★ (1.8K reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
What the course covers
The Trading Basics course, offered by the Indian School of Business through Coursera, helps you understand financial markets. This beginner-level course takes 8 hours 17 minutes to complete in a self-paced format. You can enroll for free and receive a certificate upon completion.
- Basics of Financial Statements
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Asset pricing theories
- Basics of Market Microstructure
Who it suits and who should skip it
This course is suitable for beginners who want to learn fundamental concepts in trading and finance. It is ideal for individuals looking to understand financial statements, asset pricing, and market microstructure. Since it is free and self-paced, it suits learners who prefer flexibility and an introduction to the field without a financial commitment.
You should consider skipping this course if you already have a strong grasp of financial basics or are looking for advanced trading strategies. Learners interested in specific areas like algorithmic trading or artificial intelligence in trading might find the alternatives more suitable, as this course focuses on foundational knowledge.
How it compares with alternatives
The Trading Basics course is a beginner-level offering from Coursera, provided by the Indian School of Business. It has a duration of 8 hours 17 minutes and has received 1826 reviews, with a 4-star rating. It also offers a certificate.
One alternative is Trading Algorithms, also on Coursera. This course is also for beginners but is longer at 12 hours 27 minutes. It has a higher rating of 4.5 stars from 1099 reviews and also provides a certificate. If you are looking for a slightly more in-depth beginner course with a focus on algorithms, this might be a better fit, though it has fewer reviews than Trading Basics.
Another option is AI Trading Strategies | Online Course | Udacity from Udacity. This course is also for beginners but has a much longer duration of 4 months.
FAQ
- What is the duration of the Trading Basics course?
The Trading Basics course is designed to be completed in 8 hours 17 minutes. It is offered in a self-paced mode, allowing you to learn at your own speed.
- Is a certificate provided for the Trading Basics course?
Yes, upon successful completion of the Trading Basics course, you will receive a certificate. This can be a valuable addition to your professional profile.
- What level is the Trading Basics course designed for?
The Trading Basics course is specifically designed for beginners. It covers fundamental concepts to help new learners understand the basics of financial markets and trading.
- Who offers the Trading Basics course?
The Trading Basics course is offered by the Indian School of Business through the Coursera platform. It provides an accessible introduction to financial concepts.
Level and time commitment
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
4 modulesThe 4-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 8h 17m.
Module 1 · Basics of Financial Statements
Module 2 · Financial Statement Analysis
Module 3 · Asset pricing theories
Module 4 · Basics of Market Microstructure
What learners rate it
Rated 4.0/5 by 1.8K learners on Coursera (checked 10 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 10 August 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Basics This |
 Coursera
|
4.0★ | Check price | 8h 17m | Quickest to finish (8h 17m) |
| Algorithmic Trading using Angel One's Smartapi |
 Udemy
|
4.7★ | Free | Highest rated (4.7★ from 498 reviews) | |
| Trading Master 101 - Introduction To Technical Analysis |
Udemy
|
4.6★ | Free | Free — and still gives a certificate | |
| How to be a Profitable Trader - Best Forex Trading Strategy |
Udemy
|
4.6★ | Free | Free — certificate included |
Common questions
How much does Trading Basics cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does Trading Basics come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does Trading Basics take?
Coursera lists it at 8h 17m. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is Trading Basics suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does Trading Basics cover?
It is organised into 4 modules, starting with Basics of Financial Statements and going on to Financial Statement Analysis, Asset pricing theories, Basics of Market Microstructure. The full outline is on this page.