Learn I.T. For FREE

It's not click bait, I swear!

I am sure you have seen plenty of "FREE" offers and if you're like me you have to ask "How much is FREE going to cost me? So is it FREE as in beer, or FREE as in speech?". Well, normally I charge for this kinda thing but for YOU, it's both!

So what do I stand to gain from this suspiciously one sided arrangement? You mean aside from the thrill of the notification alert that someone liked, shared and or commented on this article? I will get the satisfaction of assisting other aspiring IT pros who may not have the cash to learn a new skill. That is why I have assembled the best free resource that I HAVE FOUND since beginning to pursuing a career in IT back in 2019. I have used all of these personally along my journey, and can vouch for the value they add for the price.

These will appear in no particular order:

#1 Microsoft Learn

Yes, Microsoft has an outrageous amount of training. I wish I had found this sooner to be honest. But it make sense, seeing as they have an insane amount of certifications floating around out there. More tracks and cert paths than I can even begin to keep track of. Fundamental, intermediate, and Expert level certs for all different solutions that Microsoft offers. What is even better, is Microsoft offers FREE Beginner Level Exam VOUCHERS with their Virtual Training Days. Yes, the AZ/MS/SC/AI/DP 900 series certifications can be obtained 100% for free. Why haven't you signed up yet?!

#2 Cisco Learning Network

Now that you are back from getting all of your MSFT certifications, lets check out CISCO!

The Cisco Learning Network has a ton of free learning paths including over an 8 hour long course designed to teach you the foundations of the new CCNA. Once again, it requires you to sign up with an account but there are a great deal of other free resources as well including packet tracer. This is a no brainer for anyone who wants to learn networking.

#3 Juniper Genius

Juniper is growing in the networking world, and one of the ways they are doing that is by offering free training and a discounted exam voucher when you pass one of their courses. DevNet, Cloud, Security and even their version of the CCNA is available. There are some caveats so read the fine print, one suggestion is once you start a course see it through as there may be a time requirement to get the discount.

#4 Fortinet Institute

Fortinet stated that it wants to help close the gap on the security front, so they are offering free training for all of their exams to everyone (excluding NSE 3 as this for partners only) and even allows you to take the NSE 1 and 2 exams for free on their website. What are you waiting for? Just get em!

#5 Netacad

Netacad is technically still Cisco, but I felt they should be mentioned separately. This is where you learn Packet Tracer for free, they also have Linux and Security courses for free. The Linux courses even offer a build in Web Based Linux VM. Totally worth checking out.

#6 Linux Professional Institute

LPI is known for being a stand up certification body. They believe in the open source model and support it as much as possible. They have 100% free training for the LPI Essentials, LPI-C 1 and LPI-C 2 exams. If you're interested in learning Linux foundations and even advanced stuff check this free resource out.

#7 AWS Cloud Training

AWS (Amazon Web Services) boasts a decent share of the cloud game. The certs are not going to break the bank starting at $100 and they even have free training and very affordable practice exams. Another great perk is when you pass an AWS exam, you receive a 50% discount on your next exam and a free official practice exam of your choice. If you are interested in the AWS ecosystem, don't miss out on this resource.

There are tons of other places to learn as well which seemed too obvious to list out. Places like YouTube, Google, Reddit and the like. This article is not intended to be an end all be all list.

In closing:

This was not sponsored by any of the companies listed above but if they would like to give me some money, a free exam voucher or even a gift card to In-n-Out Burger for a Double Double (Animal Style) I would gladly accept. I'm not bashful about accepting free stuff, obviously!

To those of you that read this I hope it helps you in some way. Remember that just because you don't have the money doesn't mean you cant learn. Even if you can't afford that one certification everyone says you need to start in I.T. (you don't btw), you now know how to get at least 7 for absolutely nothing.

Lack of funds is no reason or excuse to keep from educating and bettering yourself, just remember what Will Hunting said “You wasted $150,000 on an education you coulda got for $1.50 in late fees at the public library.”

~ Antone