“Free IT certifications” are having a moment on social media right now. Open TikTok or LinkedIn and your feed will probably be packed with wide-eyed claims that a lucrative career in cloud, AI, cybersecurity or networking could be yours – and all without spending a cent.
But nevermind the hyperbolics, what about the truth?
Sadly, that’s less generous. Sure, many providers offer free training paths. But the certification exams themselves—well, they come at a cost.
Converting to the cause?
For providers like Google, Microsoft, or AWS, free training courses are all about building ecosystems of skilled users—which is why they’re happy to provide the training for free.
That’s great for individuals, but what’s it worth to an MSP that can’t point to a certificate to back it up? Clients won’t just take your word for it.
Is the impact certification can make on your business worth the impact it’ll make on your wallet? We took a close look at 10 of the top “free” IT training paths available in 2025 to find out.
1. Google IT Automation with Python (Coursera – Google)
Aimed at entry-level IT professionals, this program covers Python scripting, Git, and IT automation. For MSPs, Python is a powerful tool for streamlining repetitive tasks, improving client onboarding processes, and strengthening network monitoring.
● Training cost: Free to audit on Coursera.
● Certification cost: $49/month Coursera subscription if you want the certificate.
● Value to MSPs: Automating workflows reduces overhead—critical in competitive managed services company environments.
2. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – Microsoft Learn
Azure dominates enterprise cloud, and AZ-900 is the on-ramp. It introduces cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, and governance. For MSPs, it’s especially relevant to MSP network security and compliance conversations.
● Training cost: Free via Microsoft Learn modules.
● Certification cost: Around $99 USD for the exam.
● Value to MSPs: Essential foundation for building an MSP in networking practice that’s cloud-ready.
3. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate (Coursera – IBM)
Cybersecurity remains the number-one growth area for both MSPs and MSSPs. This certificate covers threat intelligence, incident response, and SIEM tools.
● Training cost: Free to audit on Coursera.
● Certification cost: $49/month Coursera subscription for a certificate of completion (about 6 months recommended).
● Value to MSPs: Equips teams for MSP cybersecurity offerings and helps clarify the difference between MSPs and MSSPs.
4. AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials – AWS Training
This entry-level AWS course introduces cloud concepts, security, architecture, and pricing—essential skills for MSPs supporting hybrid or multi-cloud clients.
● Training cost: Free on AWS Training.
● Certification cost: $100 for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.
● Value to MSPs: Helps establish credibility with SMB clients moving workloads to AWS.
5. Google AI Essentials (Coursera – Google)
AI-literacy is the defining skill of 2025. This course demystifies generative AI, ethical use, and practical applications.
● Training cost: Free to audit on Coursera.
● Certification cost: $49/month subscription.
● Value to MSPs: Supports MSPs in delivering AI-driven analytics, compliance monitoring, and service automation.
6. Cisco Networking Basics – Cisco Networking Academy
Networking remains the backbone of any networking MSP practice. Cisco’s free courses cover the fundamentals, such as TCP/IP, routing, and switching.
● Training cost: Free via Cisco Networking Academy.
● Certification cost: Exams vary, but CCNA certification costs around $300.
● Value to MSPs: Provides the foundation for advanced MSP networking events, where client trust is built on robust infrastructure expertise.
7. Linux Fundamentals by edX – Linux Foundation
Linux runs most of the internet, powering roughly 70% of servers. This training path builds comfort with the command line, system architecture, and package management.
● Training cost: Free to audit on edX.
● Certification cost: $99 USD for a verified certificate.
● Value to MSPs: Crucial for MSPs managing open-source stacks or delivering MSSP security services on Linux servers.
8. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) – CompTIA Training
A great entry point for newcomers to IT, this CompTIA course covers hardware, software, security, and networks.
● Training cost: Free sample resources; full courses vary.
● Certification cost: Around $134 USD for the exam.
● Value to MSPs: Provides broad knowledge supporting everything from networking to cybersecurity—a smart way to introduce junior staff or apprentices to the basics.
9. Google Cloud Digital Leader Training – Google Cloud Skills Boost
An executive-level program covering cloud strategy, digital transformation, and compliance. Ideal for MSP leaders positioning themselves as trusted advisors.
● Training cost: Free on Google Cloud Skills Boost.
● Certification cost: $99 USD for the Cloud Digital Leader exam.
● Value to MSPs: Strengthens client conversations about cost, governance, and security—vital for any MSSP.
10. Red Hat Enterprise Linux Fundamentals – Red Hat Academy
An introduction to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), a standard language in enterprise IT.
● Training cost: Free via Red Hat Academy partners.
● Certification cost: RHEL exams start at $400.
● Value to MSPs: Critical for MSPs supporting enterprise clients with RHEL-based systems, especially in MSP network security contexts.
A free hand?
Free IT training in 2025 is abundant. Free certifications? Rarer than hens’ teeth.
Although the real demonstrable value for an MSP is in the certification—whether it’s a new specialism or validation of an existing skill—training paths are excellent for building internal knowledge. Plus they’re actually free (if you discount the loss of working time to the business, that is). So why not?
As for certificates, you should think carefully about the value they could bring to your business. Maybe you’ve lost a cybersecurity contract not because you can’t do the work, but because you can’t prove you can. It comes down to client perceptions and client trust. Certifications might just be the deciding factor—and you can’t put a price on that.
October 22-23, 2025 – 
PortAventura Theme Park (Barcelona), Spain