It is a networked world, and virtually every industry relies on the internet for success. IT and computer networking skills are great in demand. As a veteran, you should totally look into these free courses. They would help boost you into a life of success and knowledge. Here, I have outlined most things you would need to know as a veteran looking to get free IT certification. Meanwhile, the table of content is below.
Why get an IT certification as a Veteran?
There are several reasons why you should get an IT certification as a veteran. As an IT certified veteran, you can get paid for the certification. Being certified also opens you up to a lot of opportunities that you may not have otherwise. To be able to bid for a government job, getting certified can make you eligible for set-aside contracts. Currently, the departments of veteran affairs offer set-aside contracts for both certified veteran-owned small businesses. The federal government has 3% of contracts set aside for veterans with IT certifications. Even if your IT certification as a veteran does not target federal contracts, getting certified can give you an advantage in the corporate and private world. Many companies maintain a goal for using veterans with IT certifications. Research has also shown that two-thirds of citizens prefer to use the services of IT-certified veterans. Applying for an IT certification as a veteran, you will find that it pays to explore your options, especially when those options require a time investment, but not a financial one.
Can a Veteran get Certified for Free?
Some IT programs may require successful completion in order to be truly cost-free, others may offer students experiencing trouble while taking the coursework an out depending on how long they have attended and where. No two veteran certifications are the same and as such, it cannot be safe for you to just simply assume that the terms and conditions of one will apply to the other, even if they are in the same state or specialty. Read: Top 15 Data Analytics Certifications to Enhance your Career
Does VAs pay for Certifications?
Reimbursement for licensing and certification tests that have been approved and GI Bill is provided by the VA. VA can pay only for the cost of the tests, not any other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification as a veteran. You can receive reimbursement of up to $2,000 per test but not more than the actual cost of the test. You can receive benefits to retake a test if you fail. The number of tests you can take is unlimited, except that you can’t receive benefits to retake a test you passed.
Does the Military pay for Certificates?
If you are in the military, you can use the GI Bill to pay for your certifications in the IT industry. As a veteran, there may be reimbursement if you decide to take multiple tests, the same test a couple of times, and even if you do not pass the certification test. However, there is a clause that this benefit only covers the cost of a test up to $2,000. You can also use scholarships to pay for your certification. All these depend on the certification you want; so you should do well to do your research before you proceed.
Is Military Training Free?
Military training is a process that intends to establish and improve the capabilities of military personnel in their respective roles. It begins with recruit training, proceeds to education and training specific to military roles, and sometimes includes additional training during a military career. For military training, you do not have to pay any money. Instead, you receive compensation and your cost of housing, meals, uniforms, and moving expenses. The military even offers thousands of dollars for certain skills. For instance, if you are an operator for heavy construction equipment can receive a $5,000 bonus. If you are a signals intelligence analyst who interprets foreign communications, you can be eligible for up to $15,000 just as an enlistment bonus. If you do enjoy cooking and are good at it, you would have a bonus of at least $12,000.
1. Choose a program
Most certifications are free. Do your research and find a certification you want to receive. Choosing a program or certification is the first step you should take to becoming an IT veteran.
2. Apply
After you have found the certification you want, take the bold step by either going through their online website to apply; or you could also find out where the office is located. Then, go there physically and apply. You will need your resume, past tax returns, operating agreement; amongst others.
3. Complete the request for certification
Most veteran certifications would require some documents. You have to meet all the requirements needed for the certification. This means you have to get all the necessary documents and fill all of the required forms.
4. Submit the enrollment certification form to the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs
After filling the request form, the next step is to submit the enrollment certification form to the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Wait for the notification of application acceptance or failure.
5. Go through the program
Diligently and passionately go through the program.
6. Get certified
At the end of the program, you would be certified according to the program which you have run. Certification procedures vary depending on the benefit for which you are eligible. Your certification is however only valid for a specified period of time.
What are the best Free IT Certifications for Veterans in 2022| 10 Free ICT Certifications for Veterans in 2022?
The Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedFTE)FedVTE Public Available Free Courses (no login required)SANS Cyber Talent Immersion AcademyNPower Tech Fundamentals ProgramSkillsoft Free Unlimited Access of Training and Certification ToolsCisco Military and Veterans ProgramThe Department of Veterans Affairs VET TEC ProgramUSO and Skillsoft ProgramThe Department of Veterans Affairs VET TEC ProgramAccenture Veteran Technology Training Program
1. The Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedFTE)-
The Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedFTE)offers free IT certifications for veterans. This program contains more than 800 hours of training on topics like ethical hacking and surveillance, risk management, and malware analysis. The certification courses are proficient enough as their proficiency levels range from beginner to advance. The certification preps you on topics like certified information security manager and certified information systems security personnel. If you are a veteran, it is automatically free for you. Read: Top 10 Microsoft SQL Certifications (Updated)
2. FedVTE Public Available Free Courses (no login required)-
FedVTE Public has a lot of available free courses with no log. These courses are mostly online so you will use a modern browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) and have cookies in other to ensure that your progress is tracked through your free IT certification process. Some of the free IT certification courses available for veterans are- coding for the public, critical infrastructure protection for the public, cryptocurrency for law enforcement for the public, cyber supply chain risk management for the public, reverse engineering for the public. Fundamentals of cyber risk management, cyber essentials, cloud computing security, foundations of cybersecurity for managers, securing internet-accessible systems, understanding DNS attacks; amongst others. All you simply need to do is to go through the list and pick a free IT certification that suits you.
3. SANS Cyber Talent Immersion Academy-
The SANS Cyber Talent Immersion Academy has created intensive free certifications for veterans to quickly and effectively launch careers in cybersecurity. More than 600 scholarships have been awarded so far and more than 90% of graduates from the academy find jobs between the first 2-4months of graduation. To get certified in this academy costs nothing as they are open to transitioning veterans and those who transitioned in the last ten years and not currently working in cybersecurity in a civilian role. The opportunity to earn industry-recognized certification is an unparalleled benefit.
4. NPower Tech Fundamentals Program-
TheNPower Tech Fundamentals Program is put in place for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities. It offers free IT certifications for veterans. To qualify for tech fundamentals, you must be 18-25 years old, with a high school diploma or its equivalent. You must be an active-duty member of the armed forces, military veteran, or spouse over 21. You must also be eligible to work in the United States. Advanced training in cybersecurity and cloud computing is available to you. Application is through an online application, next is an interview assessing your commitment to the program and interest in technology. The duration is usually a full-time 26-week program, and it is entirely free. Read: Top 15 Quick Certifications That Pay Well
5. Skillsoft Free Unlimited Access of Training and Certification Tools-
Skillsoft Free Unlimited Access of Training and Certification Tools partners with top legal and safety experts to develop accurate and up-to-date training content in 33 languages with translation support and cultural adaptation. With their certification tools, you choose to learn paths by role or skill, evaluate your knowledge with course assessments, learn online or on the go with the mobile app. Likewise, you practice skills with test preps and hands-on coding sandboxes, get personalized data-driven recommendations. In addition, you receive professional accreditation from organizations that accelerate impacts and results through scenario-based learning.
6. Cisco Military and Veterans Program-
Cisco creates a training and career opportunity for transitioning service members, military veterans, and their spouses through a variety of programs. These include IT training and employment programs that create pathways to meaningful careers in technology. In this course, you will be taught Introduction to cybersecurity, cybersecurity essentials, Linux unhatched, Linux essentials; amongst others. From this free veteran certification, you can expect cutting-edge courses designed by technology experts, entry-level to advanced courses, network simulations, and real-world IT problem-solving.
7. The Department of Veterans Affairs VET TEC Program-
This certification program can give you experience as a computer software engineer, computer programmer, data processor, information scientist, and experience in media applications. The training would provide your housing stipend which would be equal to the monthly military basic allowance for housing. This depends on the zip code where you attend your training. After you complete your training, you will receive a certification of your new skills.
8. USO and Skillsoft Program-
The USO, in partnership with skillsoft offers active duty to members, spouses, and veterans free unlimited access to an entire library of training and certification tools. If you are looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity, get your project management certification, or just advance your business skills to fill out that resume, the program is a great deal. Normally, these courses usually require a whole deal of money, but for veterans today, they are free.
9. The Department of Veterans Affairs VET TEC Program-
This free IT certification places military veterans with market-leading training providers offering high-tech training and skill development sought by employers. All VET TEC classes are paid for by the department of veteran affairs and all students get a monthly housing stipend for the duration of the training period. You are given a choice to learn information sciences, software, programming, media, and data processing. At the end of this free IT certification, you will receive a certification for your time in training.
10. Accenture Veteran Technology Training Program-
This program is offered to military service members and veterans who want to pursue a career in technology and software engineering. Those who complete this IT certification for veterans are given an interview with Accenture. The ones hired will apply in addition to their military background, their new java skills to assist with the development, delivery, and management of technology-based business solutions. They’ll be given further opportunities to learn new tech skills through Accenture’s employee training programs. Some IT certifications require continuing education. You will need to discuss the disciplines you are interested in with a program representative to see what you can expect once obtaining the credentials you seek. Most of these programs require screening processes to ensure candidates are academically suited to this kind of training. This largely depends on the kind of IT program you are running. Most of the time, it takes about 6months- 1 year to complete an IT certification. Depending on how well you did, you can get employed and earn as much as $60,000 yearly from your free IT certification as a veteran. Except you think your skills have gotten rusty, there is absolutely no need to renew your certification.
Conclusion
If you have served in the military, you have earned a veteran status and you can put it to work. Not everyone needs to get IT certifications as a veteran, but you should know that getting the IT certification would open many doors for you.
References
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