certifications / security
Free Cybersecurity Certifications
Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand, best-paid fields in tech — and you can start proving your skills without paying a cent. These are real, currently-free training programs and credentials, each one checked and worth your time.
Breaking into security doesn't require an expensive bootcamp. Major vendors give away their foundational training to build a pipeline of talent, and the big career-certificate programs are free to audit. Below: vendor and network-security credentials that carry weight on a résumé, plus a hands-on lab and a career certificate to tie it together. Where a completion certificate costs money, we say so.
01 · VENDOR & NETWORK
Vendor & network security
Free self-paced training and badges from the companies whose gear runs the internet.
- Fortinet Training Institute ↗Free, self-paced network-security courses and certification tracks (the NSE program) from a leading firewall vendor.training.fortinet.com
- Cisco Networking Academy ↗Free introductory cybersecurity, networking, and Python courses with completion badges from Cisco.netacad.com
- Microsoft Learn — Security Fundamentals ↗Free training paths for security, compliance, and identity (SC-900 and more). Training is free; the exam is paid.learn.microsoft.com
02 · CAREER & HANDS-ON
Career certificate & hands-on labs
A structured career path plus a place to actually practice attacking and defending.
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate ↗A complete, beginner-friendly career certificate. Free to audit all the material; the certificate itself is paid (financial aid available).coursera.org
- TryHackMe ↗Guided, gamified hacking labs with a generous free tier — learn security by doing, in a safe legal environment.tryhackme.com