Cisco NetAcad
Networking Basics
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Guide · Last updated 2026-10-15 · 14 courses
The best free IT support certificates in 2026
If you are aiming for a help desk or IT support role, you can build a solid foundation for free. Cisco Networking Academy offers free certificates in computer hardware, operating systems and networking basics; Microsoft Learn awards free badges for Microsoft 365 and admin paths; and Professor Messer publishes a complete free CompTIA A+ video course.
| Course | Provider | Credential | Time | How to get it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Networking Basics | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 22 h | Free self-paced. |
| Introduction to IoT | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 6 h | Free self-paced. |
| Linux Unhatched | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 8 h | Free self-paced. |
| Computer Hardware Basics | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 20 h | Free self-paced. |
| Operating Systems Basics | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 15 h | Free self-paced. |
| Networking Devices and Initial Configuration | Cisco NetAcad | Free certificate | 22 h | Free self-paced. |
| GCFGlobal free tutorials (Excel, Word, computer basics) | GCFGlobal | Free certificate | varies | Free tutorials on Excel, Office and computer basics. |
| Linux Foundation free courses | Linux Foundation | Free certificate | varies | Many free courses; certifications paid. |
| Introduction to Linux (LFS101) | Linux Foundation | Free certificate | 60 h | Free; verified cert via paid edX track. |
| Windows Server / IT admin paths | Microsoft | Free badge | varies | Free modules with badges. |
| CompTIA free resources (ITF+ CertMaster sample) | CompTIA | Free training | varies | Free study resources; exams paid. |
| Google IT Support Certificate | Free to audit | 180 h | Coursera-hosted; audit free or apply for financial aid. | |
| Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) path | Microsoft | Free training | 8 h | Training free on Microsoft Learn. |
| Professor Messer CompTIA A+ free course | Professor Messer | Free training | 40 h | Free full video course for A+; exam paid. |
Course details
Cisco NetAcad
Introduction to IoT
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Cisco NetAcad
Linux Unhatched
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Cisco NetAcad
Computer Hardware Basics
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Cisco NetAcad
Operating Systems Basics
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Cisco NetAcad
Networking Devices and Initial Configuration
How to get it freeFree self-paced.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeFree tutorials on Excel, Office and computer basics.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Linux Foundation
Linux Foundation free courses
How to get it freeMany free courses; certifications paid.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Linux Foundation
Introduction to Linux (LFS101)
How to get it freeFree; verified cert via paid edX track.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Microsoft
Windows Server / IT admin paths
How to get it freeFree modules with badges.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
How to get it freeFree study resources; exams paid.
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 freeTraining free on Microsoft Learn.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
Professor Messer
Professor Messer CompTIA A+ free course
How to get it freeFree full video course for A+; exam paid.
Checked 2026-10-15Go to course
FAQ
Are there really free IT support 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 IT support 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.
More guides
The best free Google certificates in 2026The best free cybersecurity certificates in 2026The best free AI certificates in 2026The best free data analytics certificates in 2026The best free project management and business certificates in 2026The best free digital marketing certificates in 2026The best free programming and Python certificates in 2026The best free Microsoft and Excel certificates in 2026The best free cloud certificates in 2026
Sponsored placementYour training program could be featured here
From $19/mo One clearly labeled sponsor per page. Listings are never paid for.