How to get it freeFree digital course on Skill Builder.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Guide · Last updated 2026-10-15 · 15 courses
The best free cybersecurity certificates in 2026
Cybersecurity is one of the best areas for free credentials. Cisco Networking Academy, Fortinet, ISC2 and IBM SkillsBuild all offer self-paced training with a free certificate or digital badge, and Harvard's CS50 Cybersecurity awards a free CS50 certificate.
| Course | Provider | Credential | Time | How to get it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Security Fundamentals | AWS | Free certificate | 2 h | Free digital course on Skill Builder. |
| Introduction to Cybersecurity | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 6 h | Free self-paced; certificate on completion. |
| Cybersecurity Essentials (Endpoint Security) | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 30 h | Free self-paced. |
| Network Defense | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 27 h | Free self-paced. |
| Ethical Hacker | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 70 h | Free self-paced. |
| Fortinet Training Institute (FCF/FCA) | Fortinet | Free certificate | varies | Free self-paced; FCF free. |
| Fortinet Certified Fundamentals in Cybersecurity | Fortinet | Free certificate | varies | Free self-paced courses + exam. |
| CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity | Harvard | Free certificate | 20 h | Free certificate via cs50.harvard.edu. |
| Cybersecurity Fundamentals | IBM SkillsBuild | Free badge | 8 h | Free; badge on completion. |
| Qualys Training & Certification | Qualys | Free certificate | varies | Free self-paced training and exams. |
| Information Security | freeCodeCamp | Free certificate | 300 h | Complete projects; claim free. |
| Google Cybersecurity Certificate | Free to audit | 180 h | Coursera-hosted; audit free or apply for financial aid. | |
| IBM Cybersecurity Analyst (Coursera) | IBM | Free to audit | 100 h | Audit free; certificate paid or via financial aid. |
| Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) | ISC2 | Free training | 20 h | The One Million Certified free enrollment reportedly closed May 20, 2026; check ISC2 for current offers. |
| Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) path | Microsoft | Free training | 8 h | Training free; watch for Virtual Training Days vouchers. |
Course details
Cisco NetAcad
Introduction to Cybersecurity
How to get it freeFree self-paced; certificate on completion.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Cisco NetAcad
Cybersecurity Essentials (Endpoint Security)
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Cisco NetAcad
Network Defense
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Cisco NetAcad
Ethical Hacker
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
FO
How to get it freeFree self-paced; FCF free.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeFree self-paced courses + exam.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeFree certificate via cs50.harvard.edu.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
IBM SkillsBuild
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
How to get it freeFree; badge on completion.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
QU
How to get it freeFree self-paced training and exams.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
freeCodeCamp
Information Security
How to get it freeComplete projects; claim free.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeCoursera-hosted; audit free or apply for financial aid.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeAudit free; certificate paid or via financial aid.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeThe One Million Certified free enrollment reportedly closed May 20, 2026; check ISC2 for current offers.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeTraining free; watch for Virtual Training Days vouchers.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
FAQ
Are there really free cybersecurity certificates in 2026?
Yes. Every course tagged “Free certificate” or “Free badge” below lets you earn the credential at no cost as of 2026-10-15. Courses where only the training is free are labeled separately.
Which free cybersecurity certificate should I start with?
Start with a short course from a well-known provider in the table, finish it, and add the credential to LinkedIn before moving on to longer paths.
Do employers value free certificates?
They do not replace degrees or proctored exams, but credentials from recognized providers demonstrate initiative and verified skills, and many can be verified online.
How do you check these courses?
Each course is read on the provider's own site, the cost of the credential is checked, and every link is tested regularly. Each listing shows its last check date.
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