The internet is full of “free certification” lists that waste your time. Half of them are outdated. The other half confuse “free course” with “free certification”—which aren’t the same thing.

Here’s the difference that matters: A course teaches you something. A certification proves you know it. Employers care about the second one. And while most valuable certifications cost $150-$500 per exam, there are legitimate free options from major vendors that carry real weight on your resume.

This isn’t a list of random Udemy certificates or participation badges. These are actual certifications from companies like Fortinet, Oracle, IBM, and Cisco—the names hiring managers recognize.

The Certification vs. Certificate Trap

Before diving in, let’s clear up the confusion that trips up most job seekers.

Certification = You passed a proctored exam that validates specific skills. Usually vendor-specific (Cisco, Microsoft, AWS) or industry-recognized (CompTIA). These have expiration dates and renewal requirements because the knowledge needs to stay current.

Certificate of completion = You finished a course. It proves you watched videos or clicked through modules. Better than nothing, but carries far less weight with employers.

Most “free certification” articles mix these together. You’ll see headlines like “50 Free IT Certifications!” and find a list of Coursera course completions. Those aren’t certifications. They’re participation trophies.

The certifications below are the real thing—proctored exams or rigorous assessments from recognized vendors.

Fortinet NSE Certifications: The Best Free Security Certs

If you’re interested in cybersecurity careers, Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) program is the most valuable free certification path available.

What You Get for Free

Fortinet offers NSE 1 through NSE 3 completely free:

LevelFocusTime RequiredWhat You Learn
NSE 1Threat Landscape1-2 hoursModern cyberattacks, threat actors, attack vectors
NSE 2Technical Foundations2-3 hoursCybersecurity fundamentals, security concepts
NSE 3Product Basics8-10 hoursFortinet product administration, day-to-day operations

These aren’t throwaway credentials. Fortinet is a major player in enterprise security—their firewalls and security appliances protect Fortune 500 companies. Having NSE certifications on your resume signals you understand real security infrastructure, not just theory.

Why Hiring Managers Notice

The NSE program was overhauled in October 2025, reintroducing the clear level progression (NSE 1-8) that helps employers understand exactly where you are in your security journey. NSE 1-3 are entry-level, but they’re legitimate vendor certifications that demonstrate initiative.

For someone breaking into entry-level cybersecurity jobs, these free certs show you’ve gone beyond just watching YouTube tutorials. You’ve engaged with actual vendor training.

How to Get Started

  1. Create a free account at training.fortinet.com
  2. Enroll in NSE 1: The Threat Landscape
  3. Complete the self-paced video modules
  4. Pass the assessment to earn your digital badge
  5. Progress through NSE 2 and NSE 3

The courses are self-paced and entirely free. Fortinet doesn’t even require a credit card. The only catch is that levels 4 and above require paid training or exam fees—but NSE 1-3 give you a genuine head start.

Bonus: Fortinet training hours count toward CISSP CPE credits, so security professionals can use these free courses for continuing education.

Oracle Cloud Certifications: Free Through Special Programs

Oracle’s cloud certifications carry serious weight, especially if you’re targeting enterprise IT roles. While the standard exams cost $245, Oracle regularly offers free certification paths.

The Race to Certification Program

Oracle’s “Race to Certification” program provides free exam attempts for popular cloud certifications. The 2025-2026 program covered:

  • OCI Foundations
  • OCI AI Foundations
  • Oracle Data Platform Foundations
  • Various OCI Professional certifications

Program participants who completed requirements by October 2025 have free exam attempts valid through October 2026. Oracle typically announces new rounds of free certification programs annually—watch the Oracle University blog for announcements.

Always-Free Foundations Certifications

Some Oracle certifications are permanently free:

OCI Foundations is the entry point for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. It validates understanding of cloud concepts, OCI services, and basic architecture. The course and exam are free on MyLearn.

OCI AI Foundations covers artificial intelligence basics, machine learning concepts, and Oracle’s AI services. Perfect for anyone wanting to add AI credentials without prior coding knowledge.

The ROI Angle

Oracle certifications aren’t as common as AWS or Azure certs, which can work in your favor. According to Oracle’s own data, certified professionals earn approximately 20% more than their non-certified peers. Whether that holds across all markets is debatable, but it reflects real demand for Oracle skills in enterprise environments.

If you’re targeting companies that run Oracle databases, ERP systems, or cloud infrastructure—which includes a huge portion of large enterprises—these free certifications provide genuine differentiation.

IBM SkillsBuild: Free Professional Credentials

IBM’s SkillsBuild platform offers entirely free training and credentials across high-demand tech fields. Unlike many “free” programs, there’s no catch—no trials that convert to paid plans, no hidden certification fees.

What’s Actually Free

IBM SkillsBuild provides over 1,000 free courses with professional credentials covering:

  • Artificial Intelligence - AI fundamentals, machine learning basics, generative AI concepts
  • Data Science & Analytics - Data analysis, visualization, statistical thinking
  • Cybersecurity - Security fundamentals, threat detection, incident response basics
  • Cloud Computing - Cloud concepts, IBM Cloud services, hybrid cloud architecture
  • IT Support - Technical support fundamentals, troubleshooting methodologies

Completing certain learning paths earns you IBM digital badges through Credly—verifiable credentials you can add to your LinkedIn profile or resume.

Who This Is For

SkillsBuild specifically targets:

  • Career changers with non-tech backgrounds
  • Recent graduates entering the job market
  • Unemployed professionals looking to upskill
  • Anyone wanting vendor-backed credentials without cost barriers

The platform doesn’t require prior tech experience. The courses start from fundamentals and build up, making them accessible to complete beginners. If you’re switching to IT from another field, this is a solid starting point.

The Coursera Connection

IBM also offers Professional Certificate programs on Coursera:

  • IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
  • IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate

You can audit these courses for free to access all learning materials. The certificate itself requires a Coursera subscription, but the knowledge is available at no cost. If you complete the learning and can demonstrate the skills, you’ve still gained marketable abilities.

Cisco Networking Academy: Free Foundation Courses

Cisco’s networking certifications (CCNA, CCNP) aren’t free, but Cisco Networking Academy offers substantial free training that prepares you for those certifications—plus some actual free credentials.

Free Courses with Certificates

Cisco NetAcad provides these courses free with completion certificates:

Networking Basics (15 hours) - Basic networking concepts requiring no prior experience. Perfect for absolute beginners.

Introduction to Cybersecurity (15 hours) - Cybersecurity fundamentals, career paths, and security concepts.

Networking Essentials (70 hours) - Deeper networking coverage, preparing you for entry-level networking roles.

Linux Essentials (70 hours) - Linux fundamentals for IT professionals—highly valuable given how many servers run Linux.

Python Essentials (8 hours) - Programming basics with Python, increasingly important for automation in IT roles.

Hands-On Practice Included

NetAcad courses include access to Cisco Packet Tracer—network simulation software that lets you build and troubleshoot virtual networks. This hands-on practice is invaluable for developing real skills, not just passing quizzes.

For anyone pursuing network engineering careers, these free courses provide a structured foundation before you invest in CCNA exam fees.

The CCST Pathway

Cisco now offers the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) certification as an entry-level option. While the exam isn’t free, NetAcad courses specifically align with CCST objectives. Complete the free training, then decide if the certification exam is worth the investment.

Microsoft Virtual Training Days: Free Exam Vouchers

Microsoft’s certifications aren’t free, but Microsoft regularly gives away exam vouchers through Virtual Training Days—live, online training events.

How It Works

  1. Find an upcoming Virtual Training Day on Microsoft Events
  2. Register and attend the live session (usually 1-2 days)
  3. Receive a free exam voucher after completing the training
  4. Schedule your certification exam at no cost

Recent Virtual Training Days have covered:

  • Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) - Cloud basics, a common entry point for cloud careers
  • Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) - AI concepts and Azure AI services
  • Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) - Low-code development and automation
  • Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) - Security concepts for Microsoft environments

The Student Angle

Students can access free certification exam vouchers directly through Microsoft Learn for Students. One free voucher per Fundamentals exam, per student. If you have a .edu email, check eligibility.

Timing Matters

Virtual Training Days fill up quickly and aren’t always available. Check the events calendar regularly. Missing a session means missing a free $165 exam voucher.

Google Cloud: Free Training, Paid Exams (With Exceptions)

Google Cloud certifications cost $99-$200, but Google offers extensive free training and occasional free exam opportunities.

Google Cloud Skills Boost

Google Cloud Skills Boost provides:

  • 300+ hands-on labs with free skill badges
  • Self-paced learning paths for various cloud roles
  • Guided projects building real cloud infrastructure

The badges aren’t the same as certifications, but they demonstrate hands-on cloud experience. Completing multiple labs in a learning path shows genuine practical skills.

GEAR Program for Free Exams

Google’s GEAR (Google Cloud Readiness) program occasionally offers free certification vouchers. To qualify:

  • Work for a Google Cloud customer
  • Use a corporate email linked to Google Workspace
  • Complete specified learning paths

If you work at a company using Google Cloud (or can convince your employer to become one), this is a legitimate path to free Professional certifications worth $200 each.

No-Cost Learning Strategy

Even without free exam vouchers, Google’s free training prepares you for certifications. Complete the learning for free, then decide if the exam investment makes sense for your career path. The Cloud Engineer certification, for example, shows up consistently in job requirements for cloud roles.

AWS: Free Training, Discounted Exams

AWS certifications aren’t free either, but AWS provides valuable free resources and occasional promotions.

AWS Skill Builder Free Tier

AWS Skill Builder offers:

  • 600+ free digital courses
  • Exam preparation modules
  • Foundational cloud training

The free tier doesn’t include hands-on labs (those require a subscription), but you get solid video training and exam prep at no cost.

AWS Educate for Students and Job Seekers

AWS Educate provides:

  • Free cloud content specifically for career preparation
  • Self-paced courses from cloud fundamentals to advanced topics
  • Access to the AWS Emerging Talent Community job board

No AWS account required. No credit card. Just free training designed to help you break into cloud careers.

Free Exam Retakes

AWS periodically offers free exam retake promotions. The most recent (November 2025 - February 2026) allowed one free retake if you failed your first attempt. Watch the AWS Certification page for similar promotions.

The 50% Discount Hack

Once you pass any AWS certification, you permanently unlock 50% off all future AWS exam attempts. Pass the Cloud Practitioner at $100, and every subsequent exam costs half price. This makes the “pay for one, discount all others” math work in your favor.

Linux Foundation: Free Courses, Promotional Discounts

Linux Foundation certifications (LFCS, CKA, CKAD) are highly respected but cost $395+. However, they regularly run promotions with significant discounts.

Free Introduction to Linux Course

The Introduction to Linux (LFS101) course is permanently free on edX. It covers the command line, file systems, permissions, networking, and more. For anyone building Linux skills for IT, this is a solid foundation.

Promotional Bundles

Linux Foundation frequently offers bundle deals with 50-75% off. Recent promotions have included:

  • Cloud Native Super Bundle (CKA + multiple courses)
  • Cybersecurity Super Bundle (CKS + security training)

These aren’t free, but waiting for promotions can save $200-400 on certification bundles.

For Kubernetes certifications specifically, the CKA remains one of the most valuable credentials in cloud-native computing. If you can catch a bundle deal, the ROI improves significantly.

CompTIA: Not Free, But Funded Options Exist

CompTIA certifications (A+, Security+, Network+) aren’t free from CompTIA directly. But various programs fund them for eligible individuals.

Workforce Development Programs

Many states and nonprofits offer free IT certification training including CompTIA exams:

Climb Hire - Free CompTIA A+ training and exam vouchers for low-income individuals. Funded by government grants and philanthropy.

Year Up - Intensive training program covering CompTIA certifications, completely free for participants. Includes job placement support.

Per Scholas - Free IT training including CompTIA certifications. Multiple locations nationwide.

Local Workforce Development Boards - Many states fund IT training through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants. Check your local workforce center.

Veteran Programs

Military veterans often have access to:

  • GI Bill funding for certification training
  • VET TEC program covering IT bootcamps
  • VA-approved training providers offering CompTIA prep

The Investigation Required

These programs exist but require finding them. Check:

  • Your state’s workforce development website
  • Local community colleges (many partner with workforce programs)
  • Nonprofits focused on tech career access
  • CompTIA’s funding resources page

Building Your Free Certification Strategy

Collecting certifications randomly wastes time. Here’s how to approach free certifications strategically.

Match Certifications to Career Goals

Career InterestFree Certifications to Pursue
CybersecurityFortinet NSE 1-3, IBM SkillsBuild Security, Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity
Cloud ComputingOracle OCI Foundations, AWS Skill Builder + Cloud Practitioner prep, Google Cloud Skills Boost
NetworkingCisco NetAcad courses, Linux Foundation Intro to Linux
General IT/Help DeskIBM SkillsBuild IT Support, Microsoft Virtual Training Days (Azure Fundamentals)
Data/AIOracle AI Foundations, IBM Data Science badges, Google Cloud AI training

The Stacking Approach

One free certification alone doesn’t transform your resume. But stacking multiple relevant credentials shows consistent effort and broad foundational knowledge.

For example, someone targeting security roles might complete:

  1. Fortinet NSE 1-3 (free) - Vendor-specific security fundamentals
  2. Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity (free) - Networking security concepts
  3. IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Fundamentals (free) - Additional security training
  4. CompTIA Security+ (funded or paid) - Industry-standard certification

The free certifications build knowledge and demonstrate commitment. The paid certification (Security+) provides the credential that shows up in job requirement filters.

Don’t Stop at Free

Free certifications open doors. They won’t keep them open forever.

Use free certifications to:

  • Build foundational knowledge before investing in premium exams
  • Demonstrate initiative when you lack professional experience
  • Supplement other credentials on your resume
  • Explore different tech specializations before committing

But recognize that employers ultimately want certifications that validate employable skills. Free certs are a starting point, not an endpoint.

What Free Certifications Won’t Do

Let’s be realistic about limitations.

They Won’t Replace Experience

Certifications prove you know concepts. Experience proves you can apply them. Employers value both, but most prioritize demonstrated ability to do the job. Build a home lab, contribute to open source projects, or complete practical projects alongside certification study.

They Won’t Beat Paid Certifications in Job Filters

Many job postings specifically require “CompTIA Security+” or “AWS Solutions Architect.” No amount of free certifications substitutes for the credential explicitly requested. Free certs complement required credentials—they don’t replace them.

They Won’t Stay Current Automatically

Most certifications expire. Fortinet NSE credentials need renewal. Oracle certifications have validity periods. Budget time for recertification or treat these as stepping stones to longer-lasting credentials.

The Realistic Timeline

Starting from zero, here’s what a strategic free certification path might look like:

Month 1: Complete Fortinet NSE 1-2 + IBM SkillsBuild fundamentals Month 2: Finish NSE 3 + Cisco NetAcad Networking Basics Month 3: Oracle OCI Foundations + AI Foundations Month 4: AWS Skill Builder exam prep + schedule Cloud Practitioner exam

Within four months, you’d have multiple vendor credentials, foundational knowledge across security, cloud, and networking, and preparation for your first paid certification. Total cost: whatever you invest in that first paid exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are free IT certifications worth putting on a resume?

Vendor-backed free certifications like Fortinet NSE, Oracle Foundations, and IBM SkillsBuild credentials are worth including. They show initiative and foundational knowledge. Generic “certificate of completion” badges from random online courses? Less valuable. Focus on certifications from recognized vendors that hiring managers will recognize.

How do I know if a free certification is legitimate?

Check three things: Is it from a recognized vendor (Fortinet, Oracle, IBM, Cisco, Microsoft, Google, AWS)? Does it involve an actual assessment, not just video completion? Can you verify it through a platform like Credly or the vendor’s verification system? If yes to all three, it’s legitimate.

Can I get a job with only free certifications?

You can get interviews, but landing the job typically requires either relevant experience, paid certifications that appear in job requirements, or exceptional practical skills demonstrated through projects. Free certifications supplement your candidacy—they rarely carry it alone. Pair them with a solid IT resume and demonstrated practical abilities.

Which free certification should I start with?

For cybersecurity interest: Start with Fortinet NSE 1. For cloud interest: Start with Oracle OCI Foundations or AWS Skill Builder fundamentals. For general IT: Start with Cisco NetAcad Networking Basics or IBM SkillsBuild IT Support paths. Choose based on the career direction you’re exploring.

Do free certifications expire?

Most do. Fortinet NSE certifications need renewal. Oracle certifications have validity periods (typically 18 months to 2 years). IBM badges may also have expiration dates. Always check renewal requirements before completing a certification to understand the ongoing commitment.

Moving Forward

Free certifications won’t hand you a job. But they remove the excuse that getting started in IT requires significant upfront investment.

The vendors offering free certifications aren’t being charitable—they’re building pipelines of professionals trained on their products. That’s fine. Their business motivation doesn’t diminish the value of the credential on your resume.

Start with one certification that aligns with your interests. Complete it. Then decide whether to stack more free credentials or invest in a paid certification that carries more weight in job searches.

The knowledge is available. The credentials are achievable. What happens next depends on whether you use them.

Ready to build hands-on skills alongside certifications? Shell Samurai offers interactive Linux and security training that complements certification study with practical command-line experience.