Try It: Prompt Engineering
Review

A free, self-paced introduction to the basics of prompt engineering for AI tools

Easy
  • Last updated 26/06/2025
by edX

What you'll learn ? Overview

Most people use ChatGPT like a magic 8-ball. This course shows you how to use it like a power tool.
“Try It: Prompt Engineering” is part of edX’s growing library of beginner-friendly AI courses, and it offers a refreshingly hands-on way to get better results from generative tools like ChatGPT.

Instead of drowning you in theory, it focuses on what actually matters: how to reduce AI hallucinations and write prompts that consistently return useful, accurate outputs. You’ll learn how to add structure, provide examples, and guide the model using specific language patterns.

The course was created by edX Boot Camps, and it shows. It’s practical, short, and entirely self-paced. You can finish it in about five hours, and you don’t need any technical background to follow along.

Unlike many free AI courses, this one is not just content for the sake of content. It feels like a well-built crash course that wants you to walk away with a real skill. If you’ve ever felt stuck or disappointed by what AI gives you, this course will show you how to take control.

Show More

Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

👉

Time commitment

light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)

👉

Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

👉

Goal

Learn A New Skill

Best suited for:

Ideal for professionals wanting to improve AI tool usage, students exploring AI careers, content creators seeking better AI assistance, or anyone frustrated with inconsistent AI responses

Instructor

edX

Global Online Learning Platform Legitimacy Score: 9/10
edX is a leading online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012. It offers high-quality courses from world-renowned universities and institutions to learners worldwide. As part of 2U, Inc., edX connects over 86 million people with online learning opportunities across various disciplines, from artificial intelligence to public health. The platform's mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and career-relevant education to everyone, everywhere.
Since its inception in 2012, edX has grown exponentially, partnering with over 160 top-tier educational institutions. In 2021, edX was acquired by 2U, Inc., expanding its reach and capabilities. The platform has delivered over 110 million course enrollments and issued 1.4 million verified course certificates. edX has consistently innovated in online education, introducing MicroMasters programs, Professional Certificates, and partnering with corporations to offer job-relevant skills training.
• Reached over 86 million learners worldwide
• Partnered with 160+ leading universities and institutions
• Offered 3,000+ courses across various disciplines
• Introduced MicroBachelors and MicroMasters programs
• Awarded the edX Prize annually for exceptional contributions to online teaching and learning
• Acquired by 2U, Inc. in 2021 for $800 million
• Launched the Open edX platform, an open-source learning management system
• Annual edX Global Forum, bringing together academic and industry leaders
• Regular webinars and virtual events featuring edX leadership and partners
• Presentations at major education technology conferences worldwide
• Participation in UNESCO's Global Education Coalition
• Involvement in the World Economic Forum's Reskilling Revolution initiative
edX engages actively across various social media platforms, sharing educational content, course announcements, and industry insights. The platform frequently posts about new course offerings, learner success stories, and educational trends on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. edX's YouTube channel features course previews, instructor interviews, and educational videos, updating content several times a week.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration5
  • 📶 DifficultyEasy
  • ⌛ Access Lifetime
  • ⏰ Time investmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)

🧠 Prerequisites

None, designed for absolute beginners with no technical or AI experience


💻 Requirements

Computer with internet access and modern web browser


💸 Hidden Costs

None for the free audit track. Certificate verification may require additional fees


🙋‍♂️ Support Options

Self-service through platform resources, limited direct support on free track

Course content

  • Module 1: Introduction to Prompt Engineering fundamentals
  • Module 2: Crafting AI prompts to avoid hallucinations
  • Module 3: Using examples and data in your prompts
  • Module 4: Strategic keyword usage for better AI responses
  • Module 5: Practical exercises and real-world applications
  • Module 6: Best practices and ethical considerations

Show More

Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

The course enjoys a positive reception among learners who appreciate its accessibility and practical focus, though specific reviews remain limited due to its relatively recent launch.

Praised points

  • Beginner-friendly approach requiring zero technical background
  • Free access to quality educational content from a reputable platform
  • Practical skills that can be immediately applied to daily AI interactions

Criticisms

  • Limited depth for those seeking advanced prompt engineering techniques
  • Time-restricted access on the free audit track
  • Basic coverage that may not satisfy experienced AI users

Testimonials

"The course breaks down AI prompting into digestible concepts" - edX learner

"Perfect starting point for anyone curious about AI" - Course participant

"I finally understand why my ChatGPT prompts weren't working" - Student review

"Short but valuable introduction to prompt engineering" - Platform user

"Wish it was longer but great for a free resource" - Course completer

Social insights

Direct discussions about this specific course are sparse on Reddit and Quora, though general edX AI courses receive mixed feedback. Users appreciate the educational value but sometimes question the certificate's worth for such short courses.

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

The course promises to teach prompt engineering basics in about 5 hours, which aligns with the actual content delivered. No exaggerated income claims or career promises found.

Price History

Consistently offered as free for audit access

Upsell Practices

Standard edX model with optional paid certificate, transparently presented

Student Success

Limited verifiable success stories due to course newness and brief format

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

edX, an established MOOC platform with reliable video delivery and structured content presentation

Content Accessibility

Limited-time access on free track, video transcripts typically available, mobile app supported

Mobile Compatibility

Full mobile support through edX apps for iOS and Android

Technical Requirements

Basic internet connection, no special hardware or software needed

Red flags check

😬

Complaints

The main concerns center on edX's platform-wide issues: poor customer service, unexpected charges for verified tracks, and difficulties obtaining refunds. No significant complaints exist about the course content itself.

😬

Refund policy issues

While not applicable to the free version, edX's refund policy for paid certificates has generated numerous complaints on Trustpilot, with users reporting unresponsive support.

😬

Marketing practices

Transparent and honest. The course clearly states it's an introduction and doesn't promise unrealistic outcomes or career transformations.

😬

Community feedback

Limited course-specific feedback exists, but general edX platform reviews raise concerns about the paid experience.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

As a free resource, it delivers exceptional value for a 5-hour time investment. The paid certificate's value remains questionable given the platform's service issues and brief course duration.

Conclusion

We found Try It: Prompt Engineering to be a legitimate and worthwhile introduction to AI prompt crafting, earning a 6.8/10 legitimacy score. The course succeeds in its modest ambitions, teaching practical skills for better AI interactions without overselling its scope.
The free audit track represents a no-risk opportunity to explore prompt engineering fundamentals. You'll learn why your ChatGPT prompts sometimes fail and how to fix them, all within a manageable 5-hour timeframe. The curriculum addresses real problems like AI hallucinations and provides actionable techniques you can apply immediately.
However, we can't ignore the elephant in the room: edX's abysmal 1.5-star Trustpilot rating. While this primarily reflects platform service issues rather than course quality, it's a serious consideration if you're tempted by the paid certificate. Our advice? Take the free course, learn what you can, and look elsewhere if you need official certification.
For beginners seeking a quick, practical introduction to prompt engineering without financial commitment, this course delivers. Just stick to the free version and manage your expectations, it's a starting point, not a comprehensive education.

FAQs about this course

You'll master the fundamentals of crafting effective AI prompts, including techniques to prevent hallucinations, incorporate data and examples, and use strategic keywords for better responses.

Given edX's poor customer service reputation (1.5/5 on Trustpilot) and the course's brevity, we recommend sticking with the free audit option unless you specifically need edX certification.

No coding or technical background required. This course is designed for complete beginners who want to improve their interactions with AI tools.

edX typically provides limited-time access for audit tracks, usually a few weeks. The exact duration isn't specified but expect temporary access unless you pay for extended access.

Yes, prompt engineering skills are increasingly valuable across industries. You'll learn to work more efficiently with AI tools, a skill that's becoming essential in many professional roles.

Review statistics

No reviews yet for this course. Be the first to leave a review!

Try It: Prompt Engineering screenshot
Try It: Prompt Engineering Review
$ 0
Total score: 7,2/10 ⭐
  • Duration5
  • DifficultyEasy
  • Release Date01/2023
  • Format Self-Paced
  • AccessLifetime
  • Time InvestmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options One-Time
  • LanguageEnglish
Show More

Our Methodology

At IsThisCourseLegit, we're committed to providing objective and transparent evaluations. Our rating system is based on rigorous criteria evaluated by experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sold successful online businesses.

Our Rating System

Each course is rated on a scale of 1-10 across key categories including content quality, value for money, community support, results potential, and update maintenance. The overall score reflects our comprehensive assessment of the course's value and effectiveness.

Our Process

For each review, we analyze all available online data to assess the course thoroughly. Our evaluation considers the quality of the content, the instructor's background, the marketing strategy, public perception, and authentic reviews from actual members, giving you a complete and balanced perspective.

Are You a Course Creator?

If you're the creator of a course we've reviewed and believe there are any inaccuracies or outdated information in our review, we want to hear from you.

How We Ensure Quality

Thorough Testing:

We implement strategies from the courses to validate their effectiveness.

Long-term Monitoring:

We track course updates and community development over time.

Try It: Prompt Engineering Review