Resources · Free certification paths
A first credential should not cost a month's rent.
The free voucher program for ISC2's Certified in Cybersecurity closed to new sign-ups on May 20, 2026; the exam now costs $199 plus a $50 annual fee, and anyone holding an older free voucher must test by December 31, 2026. Here is what is still free, what is cheap, and what is worth paying for later.
Free training, free or low-cost exam
Cisco Networking Academy
Free self-paced courses, including Introduction to Cybersecurity and Networking Basics, with completion badges employers recognize. Start here if you have never studied networking.
netacad.comFortinet Training Institute
Free self-paced training across the Fortinet certification track; the Fundamentals-level content is a solid first security course.
training.fortinet.comCISA Learning
Free federal cybersecurity courses from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, from awareness to incident response.
learn.cisa.govMicrosoft Learn
Free learning paths for the SC-900 security fundamentals exam; the exam itself has a fee, and students and job seekers can often find discounted vouchers.
learn.microsoft.comPaid, and what they cost
When you are ready to pay for one.
| Credential | What it signals | Cost, as published in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) | Entry-level security concepts; the one we taught for two years | $199 exam + $50 per year |
| CompTIA Tech+ / ITF+ | IT foundations; what our school pathway maps to | Check comptia.org; prices change yearly |
| CompTIA Security+ | The standard first job credential; what ACCESS Granted prepares you for | About $400; check comptia.org |
Prices are as published by the certifying bodies when this page was written; confirm on their sites before you pay. Our donors fund exam fees for trainees who qualify, so money is never the reason someone does not sit.
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