# Free and paid tiers

Which courses are free and which need the yearly membership.

Source: https://daycaremap.fyi/support/articles/academy/free-and-paid-tiers
Markdown: https://daycaremap.fyi/support/articles/academy/free-and-paid-tiers.md
Last updated: 2026-11-03

## Foundations
Foundations is free. Sign in, take the lessons and the exam, and earn a certificate. You do not pay.

## Practitioner and Specialist
These two levels need the yearly membership. One membership covers both levels. You need an active membership to take their courses and exams.

## Price
The [Academy](/academy) page shows the membership price. Read it there before you buy. The membership renews each year until you cancel.

## Try before you join
The first lesson of every course is open to everyone. You can read it without an account or a membership.

## After you join
See Membership, billing, and refunds to manage or cancel your membership.