How Do Online IT Certifications Work?
Information Technology (IT) is an in-demand and growing field. Earning an IT certification demonstrates proficiency in a dynamic and evolving industry. It’s also an indication to employers that you’re committed to keeping your skills current and taking advantage of professional development opportunities.
There are dozens of online IT certifications to choose from. Each requires you to demonstrate a different set of skills through an examination process.
Alison’s online IT certificates include basic IT training, more advanced skill reinforcement, and exam preparation. This training is absolutely free to you and provides the building blocks needed to get started on your journey to an IT certification.
What Are Top Online IT Certificates?
Alison's free online IT certificates include clear and simple lessons on how to develop software, manage computer networks and maintain vital IT systems across computers and phones.
Choose from top online IT certifications:
- CompTIA, including the following specialized certificates:
- A+ 1000 Parts 1 and 2
- Cloud+ Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
- Computer Networking, including the following specialized certificates:
- Digital Network Security
- Local Area Networks and the OSI Model
- Wired and Wireless Networks
- Digital and Cyber Security Awareness
- Microsoft, including the following specialized certificates:
- Teams
- Word, beginner through advanced levels
- Excel, beginner through advanced levels
- PowerPoint, beginner through advanced levels
What Are Key Takeaways I’ll Learn?
Alison’s free online IT certifications range in subject from introductory software and data management to network security, from blockchain technology to AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam prep--and everything in between.
If you’re just starting out, our certificates introduce foundational skills and allow you to learn the language of IT.
If you are further along in your career, more advanced certificates allow you to hone your skills, keep up with the most current technology and prepare for IT certification exams.
How Are IT Certifications Structured?
IT certifications typically fall into one of two categories:
- General IT certifications, such as those issued by the non-profit Computing Technology Information Association (CompTIA). These certifications demonstrate broad-based and foundational knowledge that can be applied across a variety of devices and platforms.
- Vendor-specific IT certifications, such as those issued by Cisco or AWS. These certifications indicate familiarity and experience with software-specific tools and technologies.
With so many IT certifications available, it can be confusing to choose the “correct” one.
Consider your existing experience and what you hope to gain from certification. Then sign up for Alison’s free online IT certificates to narrow your interest and skill set and help determine which IT certification pathway is right for you.
Who Should Study for an IT Certification?
In today's digital world, technology facilitates almost everything we do in our personal and professional lives. This means that IT professionals are highly sought-after and valued employees.
In some cases, particularly for government employees, an IT certification is expected, if not required. However, any IT professional or individual looking to enter the information technology field can benefit from IT training and certification. It signals to employers that you have obtained the necessary skills and provides a distinct edge over non-certified IT professionals when seeking a job or promotion in the field.
Alison has 1,012 high-quality IT certificates available, all absolutely free to complete. Our online courses are self-paced and have been designed by IT experts and universities to provide an interactive and enriched learning experience.
If you’re seeking to boost your IT skills or work toward IT certification, Alison’s free online certificates are a perfect place to start.
