IT certification has become highly needed in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
This is because staying relevant and competitive in the field of information technology (IT) requires continuous learning and skills development.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to advance your career or an aspiring tech-enthusiast eager to break into the industry, acquiring IT certifications can significantly enhance your prospects.
IT certifications serve as badges of proficiency, validating your expertise in specific technologies and methodologies.
They not only enhance your credibility and marketability in the job market but also open doors to lucrative career opportunities.
However, the cost of certification training programs can often pose a barrier to entry for many individuals.
Recognizing this challenge, I’ve curated a comprehensive guide to 10 Free IT Certification Training Programs.
This guide provides invaluable insights and guidance on choosing the most suitable IT certification path based on your skills, interests, and career aspirations.
Let’s get started!
1. CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
If you are already seeing signs for you to switch to a career in IT, the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) certification is one you should have.
It is an entry-level credential designed to validate individuals’ foundational knowledge and understanding of IT concepts.
While achieving this certification may seem daunting to some, it is indeed an achievable goal for those willing to commit time and effort to their learning journey.
Unlike more advanced certifications that may require extensive experience or specialized skills, ITF+ is specifically tailored for beginners with little to no prior IT knowledge.
This means individuals from diverse backgrounds, including students, career changers, and IT enthusiasts, can confidently pursue this certification.
This certification offers free official learning resources and numerous free practice exams.
It demonstrates basic IT competency across various domains, making you relevant for diverse entry-level IT roles.
It’s a globally recognized certification by a reputable organization, adding value to your resume.
It serves as a stepping stone to more advanced IT certifications, like CompTIA A+ or Network+.
The exam focuses on essential IT areas including:
i. IT infrastructure (Hardware, software, networking, devices, etc.)
ii. IT concepts (Data, security, operations, troubleshooting, etc.)
iii. Software development (Application types, development methods, etc.)
iv. Database fundamentals (Database concepts, uses, etc.) and IT security (Security basics, best practices, threats, etc.)
Additionally, the flexible nature of self-paced learning allows candidates to progress at their own speed, accommodating busy schedules and varying learning styles.
Whether through interactive online courses, study guides, or hands-on labs, aspiring IT professionals have the freedom to choose the learning methods that best suit their preferences and needs.
Furthermore, the inclusive and supportive nature of the IT community contributes to the achievability of CompTIA ITF+ certification.
Online forums, study groups, and communities dedicated to IT certifications offer valuable guidance, mentorship, and peer support to individuals embarking on their certification journey.
Engaging with these communities not only fosters a sense of belonging but also provides opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
2. Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate
One of the best things to do after a bachelor’s degree is to pursue certifications and the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate is a good choice to make.
This IT certification training is offered on Coursera and stands out as a unique free resource for anyone wanting to unleash the power of Python for automating IT tasks.
This six-course program, developed by Google itself, empowers you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in a growing field.
You’d have access to engaging video lectures, readings, quizzes, and hands-on projects, all at no cost while learning through practical applications, including file and process management, configuration management, and cloud deployment.
If you’re looking for a free, high-quality, and practical introduction to IT automation with Python, this Google-backed certificate is a compelling option.
Whether you’re an IT professional seeking to upskill or a complete beginner exploring tech pathways, this program equips you with valuable knowledge and practical skills.
3. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is a valuable resource for anyone curious about cloud computing and the Microsoft Azure platform.
This free certification, offered by Microsoft itself, equips you with the essential knowledge to understand cloud concepts.
You’d gain access to various free learning materials, including Microsoft’s learning path, virtual training days, and online content from reputable sources.
If you’re eager to understand cloud computing, curious about Azure’s potential, and looking for a budget-friendly entry point, then the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is an excellent option.
Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or a tech enthusiast curious about the future, this certification lays a solid foundation for further exploration and career advancement.
If you are looking to pick up your career after a long break, check out Microsoft’s official learning path to get started with your free cloud computing education.
4. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification opens the door to the vast world of Amazon Web Services (AWS), the leading cloud computing platform.
This free certification, offered by AWS itself, equips you with the fundamental knowledge to understand cloud concepts, navigate core AWS services, and unlock exciting career possibilities.
While you’ll learn at your pace and schedule, you’d need to dedicate roughly 15-20 hours to complete the official AWS learning path and adjust for additional resources you choose.
Check out AWS’s official learning path to get started with your free cloud computing education.
5. IBM Skills Academy
The IBM Skills Academy shines as a powerful platform for both free and paid learning in the IT space.
While access to specialized certificates and dedicated pathways requires a subscription, the free tier offers impressive resources to kickstart your tech journey.
The free tier includes subject areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, AI, blockchain, and more.
Knowledge of AI is particularly one of the free certifications you need to spice up your resume.
You get to learn at your speed and convenience, fitting studies into your busy schedule.
It’s perfect for exploring different IT fields and discovering your areas of interest.
6. Red Hat Learning Subscription
The Red Hat Learning Subscription stands as a robust platform. It caters to individuals seeking to hone their Red Hat skills and unlock exciting career possibilities.
While not strictly “free,” it offers flexible options tailored to specific learning needs and budgets.
It offers a vast array of courses covering core Red Hat technologies like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, OpenShift, Ansible, and more.
You can choose from Developer, Standard, and Basic options, each offering varying levels of access and features.
Leverage the free trial and free community resources to gain foundational knowledge before committing to a paid option.
See these 10 Things To Do After NYSC.
7. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification carries immense value in the cybersecurity field.
Given the many benefits businesses enjoy hiring hackers, certified hackers are in high demand.
While not entirely free, it opens doors to exciting career opportunities and validates your skills in navigating the complex world of ethical hacking.
Backed by (ISC)², the CEH certification stands as a globally recognized and respected credential, demonstrating your competence in ethical hacking methodologies and tools.
You should consider this program if want to deepen your understanding of ethical hacking concepts and practices for personal growth and potential career exploration.
The CEH offers significant value, but it’s an investment. Weigh the costs and benefits based on your circumstances.
Start with free resources and assess your interest, then explore paid options if needed.
8. Security+
Achieving the Security+ certification, offered by CompTIA, is a significant milestone for individuals looking to establish their expertise in cybersecurity.
While it may seem like a daunting task, attaining this certification is indeed achievable for those who are committed to their learning journey and have access to the right resources.
Both businesses and individuals are looking to develop cyber resilience strategies given the level of pollution in the digital landscape.
The Security+ certification is designed to be accessible to individuals with varying levels of experience in cybersecurity.
While some foundational knowledge in IT security is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement.
This makes this certification suitable for both entry-level professionals and seasoned IT professionals looking to validate their skills.
One of the main ways individuals can achieve Security+ certification is through comprehensive and free study resources available online.
Various platforms offer free Security+ training courses, study guides, practice exams, and interactive labs that cover the exam objectives in detail.
These resources provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills. You will be able to confidently tackle the Security+ exam without the need for costly training programs.
9. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification stands as a towering peak in the field of cybersecurity credentials.
It is recognized globally as the gold standard for broad-based security knowledge and management skills. It equips professionals with the expertise to navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Unlike vendor-specific certifications, the CISSP focuses on general cybersecurity principles and practices, applicable across various technologies and vendors.
The exam covers eight domains of the (ISC)² CBK. It encompasses a wide range of security knowledge, from security and risk management to cryptography and communication security.
Earning the CISSP demands demonstrated experience, making it less accessible for beginners.
Maintaining the certification requires continuing education and recertification every three years. If you seek a prestigious credential signifying your cybersecurity expertise, go for it.
If you possess the experience and are dedicated to continuous learning, then the CISSP might be your Everest to conquer.
Read 8 Security Measures Necessary For Any Business.
10. Linux Foundation Training
The Linux Foundation Training stands as a powerful platform for individuals seeking to master the open-source world of Linux.
While offering both free and paid options, its extensive free resources make it an exceptionally accessible starting point for beginners and professionals alike.
Explore the rich collection of free courses, materials, and communities before committing to paid options.
Choose the path that best fits your unique goals, budget, and preferred learning style.
Conclusion
You just explored 10 FREE IT certifications, each paving the way to exciting career possibilities.
With these certifications, you’ll gain practical skills, industry recognition, and a confidence boost that can catapult you towards your dream tech job.
But don’t just take my word for it!
Check each certification and explore the free resources.
Share your thoughts in the comments
