Information technology
IT support, cloud, and networking — CompTIA, AWS/Azure/Google Cloud, Cisco, and the free Google Career Certificates and freeCodeCamp paths into them.
freeCodeCamp (nonprofit)
Completely free, project-based web-development and data certifications. Not accredited, but the projects build a real portfolio that employers respect.
✓ Free portfolio-building certs; respected for self-taught devs
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Google (via Coursera)
A beginner-to-job IT-support program from Google. Audit free, certificate ~$49/mo; ACE-recommended for college credit and a known on-ramp to CompTIA A+.
✓ Entry-level, ACE-recommended for college credit; financial aid available
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CompTIA
The baseline credential for IT support / help-desk roles. Vendor-neutral, employer-recognized. Two exams; study free via Professor Messer before paying for the exams.
✓ Industry-standard entry IT-support cert (vendor-neutral)
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Amazon Web Services
The entry point to AWS cloud certifications. Free training on AWS Skill Builder; the exam is ~$100. Strong signal for cloud-support and DevOps on-ramps.
✓ Industry-recognized foundational cloud cert
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CompTIA
The vendor-neutral networking certification that sits between A+ and Security+ — core for network/IT-support careers. Free study via Professor Messer; the exam is the paid part.
✓ Vendor-neutral networking baseline (pairs with A+/Security+)
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Cisco
Cisco's associate-level networking certification — the most-recognized networking credential. Free training via Cisco Networking Academy; one paid exam.
✓ The industry-standard associate networking cert
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Microsoft
Microsoft's role-based certifications (Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 up to Associate/Expert, plus 365). Free training on Microsoft Learn; exams ~$99–165. Strong for cloud and IT-admin roles.
✓ Industry-recognized cloud & productivity certs
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Google Cloud
Google Cloud's role-based certifications, from the entry Cloud Digital Leader to Professional Architect/Engineer. Free training paths; exams are the paid part.
✓ Recognized cloud certs (Cloud Digital Leader → Pro)
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Red Hat
A performance-based (you actually do the tasks) Linux administration certification — highly respected for ops/DevOps roles. Pricier exam, but a real skill signal.
✓ The respected hands-on Linux sysadmin cert
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The Linux Foundation
Performance-based certifications for Linux (LFCS) and Kubernetes (CKA/CKAD) — the standard for cloud-native and container roles. Free intro courses; paid proctored exams.
✓ Hands-on Linux & Kubernetes certs
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