Free/Reduced Certifications - Free/Reduced Training

j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
in General Certification
Hi Guys,I have lurked around these forums for years and have taken, and I feel its time I share my knowledge in one concise post to help others. These are educational tools to help you achieve your goals, and the majority of them are from other TE members. The purpose of this thread is to combine the information to one place to make it easier to find. If you have any suggestions or anything to add please share!

Free Certifications


For Everyone:
 For IT Professionals:
  • VMware VSP & VTSP - Secure Customer Login - VMware offers fantastic training and certifications for partners with their VMware Sales Professional and VMware Technical Sales Professional Certifications.
  • F5 University for Partners - https://university.f5.com/ - F5 offers several sales and technical accreditation's for partner company employees.
  • Citrix Partner Central - https://www.citrix.com/partnercentral/home.html - Citrix offers free training on their products as well as the CCSP 2013 for partner company employees.
Inexpensive Certifications
  • Brocade Accreditations - $20 - Accreditation Exam Information - Brocade has 11 web based Accreditation's that are only $20. They also offer Free training PDF's for each course.
  • HP Specialty Certifications - $10-45 - https://www.myexpertone.com - HP has a series of web based Certifications (HP2-HP5 Prefix) of inexpensive exams.
  • Apple Associate Exams - $65 - Training and Certification - Thankfully Apple is moving away from their Authorized Training Centers (aka Robber Barrons) to Pearson, and are offering their Associate level Exams online from the comfort of your home for $65 and free training PDF's/iBookstore books.
  • Google Apps Education Qualification / YouTube Digital Citizen Certification - $15 - Google Apps Education Training Center - Google has 5 Exams that are $15 a piece that once all are completed earn you the Google Apps Education Qualification. The exams are web based and all training material is provided for free.
  • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification - $25 - http://campus.careersafeonline.com/public_catalog.k2?wbtClassID=327&searchString= - Yes I know it's not an IT Certification. (Though they are getting ready to release a "Cyber Safety" course) Proving that you have attended and passed the 10 Hour OSHA training course will give you a leg up over other applicants in certain industries.
Reduced Certifications
  • Microsoft Exams through Prometric (070, 071, MTA) - Retake Microsoft Certification Exam for Free | Microsoft - Microsoft's Second Shot is back! Now through May 31st, 2014 you can obtain a voucher to have a free retake on almost all of their technical exams. Dynamics is sadly excluded. In addition you can save an extra 15% if you order a certification pack (MCSA, MCSE, MCSD) with a second shot.
  • Exin Exams through Prometric - https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/EXIN/Pages/free-retake.aspx?button - Now through December 31st, 2013 Exin is offering a free retake of any exam taken through Prometric by signing up for a voucher.
  • Teradata Exam Promotion - Promo Code: PTNR2013 - Special Promotions - Teradata Exams - Teradata is having a promotion celebrating the release of their new series 14 reducing the price of their exams from $170-195 to $114. They have also released a new training app to help you prepare.
  • Check Point - Training and Certifications - Check Point is offering 50% off all examination retakes and provides free training.
  • Juniper Fast Track - https://learningportal.juniper.net/juniper/user_fasttrack_home.aspx - Juniper is offering a 50% discount on 4 of their exams by taking and passing a free pre-assessment. Best of all they offer free elearning as well! (Thanks Zartanasaurus)
  • Stanley Community College - VCP-DCV VMware Course - VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage - Definately the best education deal for VMware, though unfortunately you need to go on a waiting list. For $200 you get the full online VMware Academy course as well as a 70% off Exam voucher. The labs are great and the instructors are great.
  • Oracle Beta Exams - Beta Info - Oracle offers beta exams for $50 instead of $150-$245. You can see what the release date is for each and when to expect a score report. As far as training goes... Oracle isnt the most benevolent of companies to starving IT professionals.
  • Get Certified 4 Less - http://www.getcertified4less.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=129 - Get Certified 4 Less runs short sale specials discounting specific exam vouchers that must be taken rather soon. In addition to that they tend to sell exam vouchers $10-20 less than directly from the vendor. (Thanks Kriscamaro68 and shyguyIT)
For IT Professionals:
  • Brocade CNE - Education - Promo Code: CNE250BCNEPromo - Brocade is offering a Free BCNE exam voucher for current CCNA holders with purchase of the $100 CNE 250 training.
For Students: Free Training For IT Professionals
  • Microsoft Partner Network - https://mspartner.microsoft.com/en/us/Pages/index.asp - A fantastic training site that explores in most Microsoft products and has assessments. Most assessments can be linked to specific partner competencies, and the best part is the completed courses are tied to you. If you change companies and associate your Microsoft Professional account with them they will get all the benefits of what you have accomplished.
  • EMC Powerlink - http://powerlink.emc.com/ - EMC Powerlink is for employees of Partner Organizations to learn and take assessments validating Sales and Engineering for both EMC Solutions and RSA Security.
  • Meraki - Cisco Meraki Webinars - Free Meraki 802.11n cloud managed AP for attending a webinar. IT professionals only, you must register with your company email.
Reduced Training
  • Western Governors University - Online University | Online Degree Programs | The University of You - As many of you are aware, WGU is one of the best deals in post-secondary education. Think of it as the public version of Phoenix University. It's Online, Accredited, Accelerated, and Inexpensive. For my broke IT professionals you can get student loans via fafsa (Yes its debt, but think of it as a down payment for a better future). The majority of their IT classes revolve around obtaining a certification, and they give you all the training you need. You can actually structure and accelerate your classes to where your term is cheaper than it would be to get the certs separately, and you earn college credit.
Associations & Membership Perks

For Everyone
  • Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) - FREE - CSTA - Individual Membership - The CSTA is focused on IT Education, and unlike the title says is not just for educators, but anyone interested. From time to time Microsoft offers free MTA exam vouchers to member, and other vendors provide perks, as well as being given a full ACM Membership.
  • Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) - $19/$99 - Membership — Association for Computing Machinery - ACM is an incredible value for students at $19 a year, or IT professionals at $99 a year. (That is if you aren't interested in education and opt for the CSTA membership). Member perks include Free access to Safari, books24x7, and skillsoft. Email forwarding and filtering through postini with an @acm.org email, access to their digital library and tri-weekly news emails keeping you up to date. Additional perks as a Student member include Microsoft Dreamspark/Dreamspark Premium (Yay free software! And typically a free MS Voucher yearly) , and CA Academic Initiative.
  • Microsoft DreamSpark/DreamSpark Premium - Free, Students only -https://www.dreamspark.com/Student/Default.aspx - Microsoft has a decent program for students that give them access to free software in the Programming/Server fields. If your school is awesome they will have access to DreamSpark Premium which gives you a plethora of keycodes and software that rivals the midrange MSDN account. WGU and Stanly CC are both Premium members. Both offer VMware software and keycodes, as well as VMware voucher and training discounts.
  • Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) - $25+/$165+ - Join ISACA - IT Professional - IT Student - IT Educator - Memberships | ISACA - ISACA is for the big boys and cool kids. Those that are certified are typically more tenured higher level IT professionals. You are required to pay your local chapter dues in additional to the association dues, but $25 is fantastic for students. You get access to networking events, continuing education, COBiT access and data, and discounts on their certifications. Even the professional level at $165 pays for itself after 1 exam.
  • Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) - $30/$95 - https://www.issa.org/?page=MembershipTypes - ISSA is a great resource for people looking to network or break into the InfoSec world. While not as many tangible benefits as ISACA, at $30 for students and $95 for professionals it is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of chief information security officer challenges.
  • Project Management Institute (PMI) - $32/$129 - Types of PMI Memberships | Project Management Institute - PMI is still the gold standard in project management, and the benefits of membership enable you to discounts on their certifications, a free digital edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), discounts on training and resources, and great networking opportunities. If you are pursuing the PMP or Associate of PMP $32 for students and $129 for professionals is a great deal.
  • The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) - $250 - Become a CompTIA Member - CompTIA membership is different from being CompTIA certified. Membership is primarily aimed at companies, but what IT professional isn't a consultant on the side? This year they had a $100 discount on membership for people who signed up to go to their free conference. Not if you actually went, just signed up. At $250 for an individual I am not sure it is as good of a deal, but the perks are Free CompTIA Executive Certifications and training, 80% discount on your first voucher purchase, 15% off every following voucher purchase. (80% off casp+ for $150 and 15% off every other voucher sold me)
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - $32/$187 - IEEE - Join IEEE - The IEEE is probably the most important association in the IT industry. Student members get another DreamSpark Premium Account. All members get access to publications, standards, networking, googleapps@IEEE (An IEEE.org email, advertisement free gmail, 30GB of shared storage Google Drive/Gmail), and a tremendous amount of other benefits.
  • VMware User Group (VMUG) - Free/$200 - http://www.vmug.com/l/pw/rs - VMUG is a great resource for VMware enthusiasts. Membership is free, and includes free access to local conferences, meetups with local chapters, and discounts on elearning books. For $200 you can become an Advantage member which will give you 35% off VMware Lab Connect, 20% off VMware-Delivered Classes, 20% off VMware Certifications, $100 Discount to VMworld, and 50% off VMware Fusion and Workstation Licenses. In the spring and summer to generate memberships they like to include a free VMware voucher (Which makes it a no brainer).
  • Help Desk Institute (HDI) - $35/$165 - http://www.thinkhdi.com/membership.aspx - HDI membership offers discounts on their certifications and training, as well as access to white papers and networking events. At $35 for students you will immediately recoup the membership on the first exam you take.
  • ASIS International - $25/$215 - https://www.asisonline.org/Membership/Pages/default.aspx - ASIS International is another specialized higher end security education and certification firm. Membership benefits include discounts on exams and education materials.
Third Party Transferable Certifications

https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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Comments

  • N2ITN2IT Inactive Imported Users Posts: 7,483 ■■■■■■■■■■
    Wow nice post.
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  • j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
    To think it only took me 6 hours to write...
    https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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  • ratbuddyratbuddy Member Posts: 665
    Nice work, thanks.

    Worth mentioning that WGU students can get the VCP exam for 70% off, and there's no class/training requirement when you take the exam with that discount voucher.*

    *Assuming I understand the process correctly. Will confirm in a week or so when I get access to the good stuff.
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  • j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
    You are correct. I actually failed the DCV exam the first time I took it with the 70% off voucher, then used the WGU 70% off voucher (that doesn't require the class) for the second time I took it.
    https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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  • Khaos1911Khaos1911 Member Posts: 366
    Awesome thread, bro!
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  • About7NarwhalAbout7Narwhal Member Posts: 761
    Thanks for gathering the information.
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  • cgrimaldocgrimaldo Member Posts: 439 ■■■■□□□□□□
    Thank you!
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  • cyberguyprcyberguypr Mod Posts: 6,928 Mod
    Worth adding:

    For those interested in vulnerability scanning, PCI compliance, and other security matters, Qualys offers free online and in-person training. After attending either, you get access to take a free exam that will grant you the corresponding Qualys certification. If you have the time go to an in-person local event for free training, free lunch, and free cert. Can't beat that.

    https://community.qualys.com/community/training
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  • gabyprgabypr Member Posts: 136 ■■■□□□□□□□
    Very nice information. Thanks for your effort!!!
    EC-Council Master in Security Science M.S.S [Done]

    Reading Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Exam prep by Sohel Akhter
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  • coffeeluvrcoffeeluvr Member Posts: 734 ■■■■■□□□□□
    Great information!! Thanks for creating this list.
    "Something feels funny, I must be thinking too hard. - Pooh"
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  • CodyyCodyy Member Posts: 223 ■■■□□□□□□□
    Awesome post! Have you confirmed that the SolarWinds cert is still free? I emailed them a couple of weeks ago and did not get a response, I saw someone on here posted that they could not get a response either.
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  • stryder144stryder144 Member Posts: 1,684 ■■■■■■■■□□
    Codyy wrote: »
    Awesome post! Have you confirmed that the SolarWinds cert is still free? I emailed them a couple of weeks ago and did not get a response, I saw someone on here posted that they could not get a response either.

    It was as of the 14th of this month.
    The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don't let them put you in that position. ~ Leo Buscaglia

    Connect With Me || My Blog Site || Follow Me
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  • chownwwwchownwww Member Posts: 7 ■□□□□□□□□□
    Thanks for sharing this list.
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  • GoodBishopGoodBishop Member Posts: 359 ■■■■□□□□□□
    I don't give reputation often, typically only to folks who have passed a certification or did a great post, but this post is awesome! Reputation granted.
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  • veritas_libertasveritas_libertas Member Posts: 5,746 ■■■■■■■■■■
    Free Six Sigma Certification - Six Sigma White Belt
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  • j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
    veritas_libertas wrote: »
    Free Six Sigma Certification - Six Sigma White Belt

    Good call out, I had completely forgotten about this guy.
    https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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  • umarbhattiumarbhatti Member Posts: 67 ■■□□□□□□□□
    Great post. So much useful information
    Mods can this be made a sticky?
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  • tprice5tprice5 Member Posts: 770
    I posted about a Microsoft offer that is currently going on right now here..
    http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcsa-mcse-windows-2012-general/94764-free-microsoft-exam-voucher.html

    Edit: Just saw you update this. Good looking out. Rep +1.

    Re-Edit: I second the vote to sticky this.
    Certification To-Do: CEH [ ], CHFI [ ], NCSA [ ], E10-001 [ ], 70-413 [ ], 70-414 [ ]
    WGU MSISA
    Start Date: 10/01/2014 | Complete Date: ASAP
    All Courses: LOT2, LYT2 , UVC2, ORA1, VUT2, VLT2 , FNV2 , TFT2 , JIT2 , FMV2, FXT2 , LQT2
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  • j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
    Added WGU because it is such a fantastic resource, and this new fangled 'degreed' website.
    https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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  • LarryDaManLarryDaMan Member Posts: 797
    j23evan wrote: »
    As many of you are aware, WGU is one of the best deals in post-secondary education. Think of it as the public version of the University of Phoenix.

    I wonder how all of the WGU supporters would feel about that comparison. Interesting.
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  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 2,091 ■■■■■■■■■■
    Thanks. I'm a Six Sigma White Belt now.
    2018 Certification Goals: Maybe VMware Sales Cert
    "Simplify, then add lightness" -Colin Chapman
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  • j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
    Exin is now offering a free retake voucher through prometric (ITIL, ISO 20k, ISO 27K)
    https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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  • kingholmeskingholmes Member Posts: 32 ■■□□□□□□□□
    I took the Six Sigma White Belt too. Ha. I don't think I will be adding that to my signature. Signed up for the free Solarwinds too.
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  • ZartanasaurusZartanasaurus Member Posts: 2,008 ■■■■■■■■■□
    Juniper has the FastTrack program where they will give you a 50% off voucher for a test if you can pass their pre-assessment exam. The pre-assesment is online and you can take it multiple times I think.
    https://learningportal.juniper.net/juniper/user_fasttrack_home.aspx
    Currently reading:
    IPSec VPN Design 44%
    Mastering VMWare vSphere 5​ 42.8%
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  • j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
    Zartanasaurus wrote: »
    Juniper has the FastTrack program where they will give you a 50% off voucher for a test if you can pass their pre-assessment exam. The pre-assesment is online and you can take it multiple times I think.
    https://learningportal.juniper.net/juniper/user_fasttrack_home.aspx

    Thanks so much, added!
    https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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  • stryder144stryder144 Member Posts: 1,684 ■■■■■■■■□□
    Here are a couple more for you: edX XSeries certificate. Take, and pass, seven courses and you will receive the Foundations of Computer Science XSeries certificate from MITX.

    Saylor.org has numerous computer science courses you can take, for free and at your own pace. They won't get you a certificate but they could be just the ticket if you need to brush up on a subject. Numerous other subjects are available, as well.

    Almost forgot this one: Charles Sturt University Short Courses - CISSP
    The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don't let them put you in that position. ~ Leo Buscaglia

    Connect With Me || My Blog Site || Follow Me
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  • j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
    Great finds thank you, I have vetted and added them!
    https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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  • CDRichardsCDRichards Member Posts: 84 ■■□□□□□□□□
    I, um, WOW!!!! Thank you
    2013 - MTA Networking Fundamentals [x] MTA Security Fundamentals [x] MTA Operating System Fundamentals [x] CompTIA Network+ [x] CCENT [in progress] CCNA [ ]
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  • N2ITN2IT Inactive Imported Users Posts: 7,483 ■■■■■■■■■■
    Scrum Association Found this it's formed from a LinkedIn community who don't believe in expensive hotels and insane cost of exams just to have the content change in the next 6 months. Scrum Certification.
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  • j23evanj23evan Member Posts: 135 ■■■■□□□□□□
    Awesome Awesome Awesome find. This is where my focus of 2014 is heading. I tried to get a student loan for a lean six sigma course at a local community college for which I was declined. (I guess they dont like my $80,000 in student education bills I have already accumulated). I'm going to use the extra money from my WGU tuition to pay for it this spring. Thanks N2IT!
    https://vWrong.com - Microsoft Certified Trainer 2013-2018 - VMware vExpert 2014-2018 - Cisco Champion 2018 - http://linkedin.com/in/j23evan/
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