Free Technical Certifications

There are several free technical certifications available that can help build IT skills boost your resume and to start you on a path towards a career in IT. While some certifications are entirely free, others may require a small testing fee. Here are some of the best options:

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Cybersecurity & IT Fundamentals

1. Google Cybersecurity Certificate (via Coursera - Free with Financial Aid)

   • Covers cybersecurity fundamentals, Linux, SQL, and SIEM tools.
   • Google Cybersecurity Certificate

2. Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

   • Covers security, compliance, and identity solutions in Microsoft.
   • Free training, but exam costs around $99.
   • Microsoft Learn

3. AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials (Free Course, Paid Exam)

   • Free training in AWS cloud computing fundamentals.
   • Exam fee applies ($100).
   • AWS Training

4. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (Free with Financial Aid)

   • Covers cybersecurity tools, threat management, and incident response.
   • Available on Coursera.
   • IBM Cybersecurity Certificate

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Networking & Cloud Computing

5. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (via Coursera - Free with Financial Aid)

   • Covers networking, OS, system administration, and troubleshooting.
   • Google IT Support Certificate

6. AWS Free Digital Training

   • Free online training for AWS cloud services.
   • Certifications require an exam fee.
   • AWS Training

7. Cisco Networking Academy - Intro to Cybersecurity & Networking Essentials

   • Free courses in networking and cybersecurity basics.
   • Some certifications require paid exams.
   • Cisco Networking Academy

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Programming & Development

8. Harvard CS50: Introduction to Computer Science

   • Covers programming fundamentals in C, Python, and SQL.
   • Free course; optional certification for $90.
   • Harvard CS50

9. Google Python Crash Course (Free)

   • Covers basic Python programming.
   • Google Python Course

10. Microsoft Learn - Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

• Free training on Microsoft Azure cloud services.
• Exam costs around $99.
• Microsoft Learn

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Data & AI Certifications

11. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (via Coursera - Free with Financial Aid)

• Covers data cleaning, analysis, and visualization using Python.
• Google Data Analytics Certificate

12. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (Free with Financial Aid)

• Covers machine learning, AI, and data science basics.
• IBM Data Science Certificate

13. Microsoft AI Fundamentals (AI-900)

• Covers basic AI concepts and Azure AI services.
• Free training; exam fee applies.
• Microsoft Learn

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Other IT & Tech Certifications

14. Red Hat System Administration I (Free Course, Paid Exam)

• Covers Linux system administration basics.
• Red Hat Training

15. CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (FCO-U61)

• Free study resources available; exam costs around $100.
• CompTIA ITF+

16. Google Cloud Digital Leader Training

• Free training on Google Cloud basics.
• Google Cloud Training

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How to Get Certifications for Free

• Look for financial aid on platforms like Coursera and edX.
• Join free training programs from Google, AWS, Cisco, and Microsoft.
• Take advantage of free learning resources before paying for exams.