Certifications, free courses, no-cost bootcamps and paid apprenticeships that real career changers use to get a first tech role.
Self-paced online certificates in IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, UX Design, Cybersecurity and more. Taken through Coursera.
Why it's here: No degree or experience required. A structured first step for career changers.
Paid monthly subscription via Coursera (financial aid available)
Entry-level IT support certification covering hardware, operating systems, networking and troubleshooting.
Why it's here: A widely recognized starter credential for help-desk and IT support roles.
Paid exams
Foundational Amazon Web Services certification on cloud concepts, billing and core services.
Why it's here: A low-barrier way into cloud work. AWS Skill Builder has free prep material.
Paid exam; free prep on AWS Skill Builder
Amazon's online learning center for AWS cloud skills, with free digital courses and paid extras.
Why it's here: Free way to try cloud work before paying for anything.
Free tier + paid subscription
Free self-paced training paths for Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, security and more, mapped to Microsoft certifications.
Why it's here: Skills from many office jobs (Excel, SharePoint, admin) lead naturally into Power Platform and M365 admin roles.
Free training; paid exams
Nonprofit with free, self-paced coding curricula and certifications (web development, Python, data analysis).
Why it's here: Completely free, so you can test whether you like coding without spending money.
Free
Free, open-source full-stack web development curriculum built around real projects.
Why it's here: Project-based, so you finish with a portfolio. Has an active community for help.
Free
Harvard's intro to computer science course, with lectures and problem sets free online.
Why it's here: A rigorous foundation if you want to understand programming deeply, not just tools.
Free (paid verified certificate optional via edX)
Nonprofit offering no-cost training in IT support, cybersecurity, data analytics, data center and cabling at 25+ campuses.
Why it's here: Tuition-free, with credentials and career support included.
No cost to learners
Runs Registered Apprenticeships in tech and healthcare: paid, on-the-job training with partner employers.
Why it's here: Earn while you learn, with no student debt. Most apprenticeships need no prior experience.
Paid apprenticeship (you earn)
U.S. Department of Labor's official site to search Registered Apprenticeship openings, including IT roles.
Why it's here: The official national source for paid apprenticeships near you or remote.
Free
Free online learning from IBM in AI, cybersecurity, data, cloud and workplace skills, with digital credentials.
Why it's here: Free, with badges you can add to LinkedIn.
Free
Free learning platform for Salesforce admin, developer and business analyst skills.
Why it's here: Salesforce admin work suits people with sales, ops or process backgrounds. Training is free.
Free training; paid certifications
Free technology classes (live online, in person and on demand) for adults 60 and older.
Why it's here: A low-pressure way to build digital confidence before harder certifications. Ages 60+.
Free
Entry-level cybersecurity certification from ISC2.
Why it's here: A recognized first security credential. Note: the free "One Million CC" program closed to new enrollments on May 20, 2026. The exam is now $199.
$199 exam + $50/yr maintenance (per ISC2)