Free Online IT Certificates 2025

Information technology (IT) is one of the most rapidly changing fields as new technologies are constantly being developed, like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Both beginners and seasoned professionals need to learn new skills if they're looking to break into the field or change their careers.

Online professional certification courses are some of the most convenient and practical tools learners can use to develop new skills to advance their careers. Online IT certificate programs provide aspiring professionals with the fundamentals they need to start working in the IT field.

Many free certification courses allow learners to develop their skills without spending the money they would need to spend on a college degree. These skills can then be used for careers in business, education, healthcare, and other industries. Free online IT courses may even provide a certificate to the learner.

What Is an IT Certificate?

IT certificate training courses cover individual topics within the IT field and result in a certificate of completion. Certificate programs are generally self-paced and use a combination of video lessons, reading material, interactive assignments, and quizzes over multiple modules to cover single subjects or various fundamentals.

Earning a certificate provides learners with proof of their skills that they can add to their resume or LinkedIn profile. A certificate isn't the same as a degree program, but certificate holders can become more appealing in the eyes of recruiters.

Can You Earn an Online IT Certificate for Free?

There are many free online courses with certificates. IT jobs require diverse skills, but many programs can help you further develop the skills you already have or learn new ones.

It's important to research the program before enrolling though. Some programs have no costs for enrollment or exams, but accessing a printable or sharable certificate sometimes has an additional fee. Free online certification programs sometimes include a free certificate, but not all programs will allow you to share your certificate freely.

How Do I Enroll?

Online certification courses set different enrollment methods based on the provider. Some certificate programs are hosted through third-party hosting sites, while others are offered by universities on their online learning platforms.

Enrollment for third-party hosting sites is generally as easy as clicking a few buttons and filling out basic information, like your name and email address, to start working towards your certificate. If your course is offered through a college or university, you might have additional application requirements.

Top Free Online IT Certificates

Learners can find free online IT certifications for nearly any specialization. These certifications make professional development easier and more affordable. It's important to find certificates from reputable education providers, including colleges and technology companies.

Python for Data Science, AI, And Development offered by IBM

Python is one of the most commonly used programming languages in modern computing. This course is broken into 22 assessments and hands-on assignments that students can complete at their own pace.

CompTIA Security+ offered by CompTIA and Alison

CompTIA is the Computing Technology Industry Association, a nonprofit that offers certificates in multiple aspects of computer science, including cybersecurity. This certificate is one of the most respected in the cybersecurity field. This program does come with a small fee, but this can be waived based on financial need.

CS50's Introduction to Computer Science offered by Harvard University and edX

Harvard's free course on programming and computer science fundamentals is one of the most complete computer science programs available. The course prepares students for work software engineering and web development by covering skills like cybersecurity, programming, and data analysis. Students will work with multiple programming languages, including C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. This program is available on edX, but it is taught by Harvard professors.

IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate offered by Google

Google has been a leader in technology for decades and it also offers some of the most well-developed certification courses available. This course is self-paced, but it is designed to be completed over eight months through a third-party site. Students must maintain a qualifying grade on assignments and their final project will receive their free certification.

Data Science Professional Certificate offered by IBM

IBM was founded in 1911 as a company focused on record-keeping methods. In the 21st century, they are still leading experts in data analytics. This 10-month course is designed to teach beginners the basics of data visualization, SQL, and machine learning algorithms.

Digital Marketing Specialization offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Digital Marketing isn't always viewed as an IT field, but there are many overlaps between the two. Technical features of digital marketing, such as search engine optimization (SEO), provide new career opportunities. This seven-course certificate program takes eight months to complete. Students can sign up through a third-party site to access the course.

AI for Business Specialization offered by the University of Pennsylvania

Artificial Intelligence is changing the landscape for businesses. Information technology professionals with a deeper understanding of AI could have a brighter career outlook. This is a one-month program that includes four courses. UPenn's courses are divided into applications of AI for different business units, including marketing and finance through a third-party site.

Google IT Support offered by Google

This certificate covers the skills needed to work in various entry-level IT careers. This five-course program takes most students about six months to complete; however, it is self-paced so you can complete it sooner. Some of the skills students can learn from this program are computer assembly, wireless networking, installing programs, and customer service.

AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials offered by Amazon

Cloud computing has become a dominant feature of modern computing. Amazon offers a series of courses on cloud computing that can prepare learners to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. These courses are usually under 10 hours each, allowing students to complete individual courses rapidly. It's important to remember that this course works with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Some skills will apply to other cloud computing, but this is a more narrowly focused program.

Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization offered by New York University

New York University offers a program teaching cybersecurity fundamentals through a third-party site. This certification course is broken into four individual modules and takes most learners about one month to complete with about 10 hours of coursework per week.

FAQs About Free Online IT Certificates

Learners have many common questions about earning online IT certificates. Some students wonder if they are worth the time, while others question their legitimacy.

Are Free Online IT Certificates Worth It?

Free online IT certificates earned from reputable programs can be worth it. Certificates are an easy way to demonstrate your skill set to employers and can open doors to entry-level positions or career advancement when combined with degrees.

Do Employers Recognize Free Online IT Certificates?

Employers will recognize free online IT certificates from reputable sources as a demonstration of a single skill set. This doesn't mean certificates will hold the same esteem as a bachelor's degree. Even if your free program isn't widely accepted, it can still be a great tool for personal development.

What Reputable Organizations Offer Free IT Certificates Online?

Many reputable organizations and universities offer free IT certificate courses online. Some of the most popular include:

• Google
• IBM
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Cisco
• Hubspot Academy
• Stanford University
• Salesforce