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Entry Paths Into Tech

Certifications, free courses, no-cost bootcamps and paid apprenticeships that real career changers use to get a first tech role.

15 listings · every one links to its source

Google Career Certificates ↗

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)
Source: Grow with Google Checked 2026-10-11

CompTIA A+ ↗

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
Source: CompTIA Checked 2026-10-11

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner ↗

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
Source: AWS Checked 2026-10-11

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
Source: AWS Skill Builder Checked 2026-10-11

Microsoft Learn ↗

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
Source: Microsoft Learn Checked 2026-10-11

freeCodeCamp ↗

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
Source: freeCodeCamp Checked 2026-10-11

The Odin Project ↗

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
Source: The Odin Project Checked 2026-10-11

Harvard CS50 ↗

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)
Source: CS50 Checked 2026-10-11

Per Scholas ↗

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
Source: Per Scholas Checked 2026-10-11

Apprenti ↗

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)
Source: Apprenti Checked 2026-10-11

Apprenticeship.gov ↗

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
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Checked 2026-10-11

IBM SkillsBuild ↗

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
Source: IBM SkillsBuild Checked 2026-10-11

Salesforce Trailhead ↗

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
Source: Trailhead Checked 2026-10-11

Senior Planet from AARP ↗

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
Source: Senior Planet Checked 2026-10-11

ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) ↗

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)
Source: ISC2 Checked 2026-10-11

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