Like anything, if you're a relative novice to investing, you might find it daunting or confusing. With so many shares and investment strategies to choose from, building the right strategy to help you reach your financial goals is no easy task.
But how to become an investor is certainly something you can learn.
There are many online sources that offer expert advice and training, from free online share trading courses on YouTube to accredited diplomas required to become a stockbroker. In no particular order, let's take a look at some of the best courses for share trading.
Covers all the key categories of technical analysis and how you can use them.
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Not all trading courses are created equal. Here are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing a course:
1. Australian content
A lot of popular online trading courses are US-based, which means they often focus on US stocks, tax rules and brokers. If you’re trading on the ASX, look for a course that covers local tax implications, ASIC regulations, and Aussie trading platforms like CommSec or CMC Invest.
2. Course level
Make sure the course matches your current skill level. Beginners should look for clear explanations of how the share market works, how to place trades, and how to build a basic portfolio. Advanced traders might want modules on technical analysis, derivatives or active strategies.
3. Format and delivery
Do you prefer self-paced videos, live webinars, in-person classes or hands-on mentoring? Some courses are entirely online with lifetime access, while others offer live support or community forums. Choose the format that fits your learning style and schedule.
4. Credibility and reviews
Stick with reputable providers. Look for reviews, instructor bios, and whether the course is offered by a known name like the ASX, Rask, TAFE or a regulated financial education provider.
5. Cost vs value
Some courses are free, while others can cost thousands. Paying more doesn’t always mean better quality. Check what’s included and whether the course offers lifetime access, live support, downloadable tools or post-course mentoring.
While there are plenty of quality trading courses out there, the space is also full of scams, hype and misinformation.
Some online courses are run by unqualified instructors or influencers who use flashy marketing tactics and luxury lifestyles to sell the dream, without offering any real substance.
In many cases, these individuals have little or no professional trading experience, and their primary goal is to sell you an overpriced course rather than help you succeed.
You’ll also find that a large number of courses are created for US investors. That means the content often focuses on US tax rules, stock exchanges and brokers you can’t even use in Australia.
If you’re trading on the ASX or want to understand how the ATO treats capital gains and dividends, these courses can be more confusing than helpful. Before signing up to anything, it’s worth doing a bit of homework to make sure the course is relevant to Australian investors and offered by a reputable provider.
"I completed the Kaplan course in Securities and Managed Investments, and it gave me a strong foundation in financial planning. The best part was that it was completely online and flexible, so I was able to fit it in around my full-time job. — Kylie Purcell, investments editor at Finder "
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Take time to review your alternatives before you invest your hard-earned money.
I am new to share trading. Which course will give me a comprehensive understanding?
Hi Polly,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. It’s nice to hear about your interest in share trading.
Regarding your question, any of the online courses mentioned above would be a good option for you as a beginner. To know which course would best fit your needs, you can read more on their details as written above. Compare based on location, format, cost, duration, and description. You can then click on the “View details” button to learn more.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Which course would help me in understanding hedging eg options , warrants cadets.
Hi Day,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
You are on the right page where you can see courses that can help you learn about stock exchange which may also cover or include learning topics about currency hedging and other financial tools. You can click on the links to these online learning institutions to see further information about the description of the courses they offer. You can also contact them directly to consult them if they have other related courses specifically for learning these financial instruments.
If you are considering taking University courses, financial mathematics and economics are courses you can consider.
Cheers,
Charisse