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:
Cybersecurity & IT Fundamentals
-
Google Cybersecurity Certificate (via Coursera - Free with Financial Aid)
- Covers cybersecurity fundamentals, Linux, SQL, and SIEM tools.
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate
-
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
-
AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials (Free Course, Paid Exam)
- Free training in AWS cloud computing fundamentals.
- Exam fee applies ($100).
- AWS Training
-
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (Free with Financial Aid)
- Covers cybersecurity tools, threat management, and incident response.
- Available on Coursera.
- IBM Cybersecurity Certificate
Networking & Cloud Computing
-
Google IT Support Professional Certificate (via Coursera - Free with Financial Aid)
- Covers networking, OS, system administration, and troubleshooting.
- Google IT Support Certificate
-
AWS Free Digital Training
- Free online training for AWS cloud services.
- Certifications require an exam fee.
- AWS Training
-
Cisco Networking Academy - Intro to Cybersecurity & Networking Essentials
- Free courses in networking and cybersecurity basics.
- Some certifications require paid exams.
- Cisco Networking Academy
Programming & Development
-
Harvard CS50: Introduction to Computer Science
- Covers programming fundamentals in C, Python, and SQL.
- Free course; optional certification for $90.
- Harvard CS50
-
Google Python Crash Course (Free)
- Covers basic Python programming.
- Google Python Course
-
Microsoft Learn - Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Free training on Microsoft Azure cloud services.
- Exam costs around $99.
- Microsoft Learn
Data & AI Certifications
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (via Coursera - Free with Financial Aid)
- Covers data cleaning, analysis, and visualization using Python.
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (Free with Financial Aid)
- Covers machine learning, AI, and data science basics.
- IBM Data Science Certificate
- Microsoft AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
- Covers basic AI concepts and Azure AI services.
- Free training; exam fee applies.
- Microsoft Learn
Other IT & Tech Certifications
- Red Hat System Administration I (Free Course, Paid Exam)
- Covers Linux system administration basics.
- Red Hat Training
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (FCO-U61)
- Free study resources available; exam costs around $100.
- CompTIA ITF+
- Google Cloud Digital Leader Training
- Free training on Google Cloud basics.
- Google Cloud Training
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.
