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New MOOC Platform Provides Free IT Certification Courses

Cybrary

A new MOOC platform is offering free online training for IT and cybersecurity professionals. Cybrary.IT offers 20-plus certification courses in systems administration, network administration and cybersecurity, with more on the way. More than 3,500 students worldwide have joined so far.

Initial courses focus on entry-level skills such as A+, Network+ and CCNA, as well as advanced skills such as Microsoft's MCSA, CISSP and Advanced Penetration Testing. The company plans to introduce more classes "in response to updates and technological advances," according to a press release.

Instructors are subject-matter experts who have real-world experience and teaching backgrounds. Courses range from five to 30 hours in length, and combine individual study with instructional lectures and even interactive lab demonstrations. Students have access to study guides, white papers, case studies and other materials through the Cybrary Web site. Moderated class forums facilitate student collaboration as well as instructor-led discussions.

"We are focused on providing comprehensive IT and cybersecurity training options for the underserved, underprivileged and disadvantaged — people seeking to break into the IT field or advance in their current jobs," said Ryan Corey, co-founder of Cybrary, in a press release. "Providing free online education eliminates financial barriers, allowing anyone to learn from and engage with the IT community. We're confident our approach will ultimately reshape IT and cybersecurity training, welcome new minds into the profession and lead to a brighter future for the industry as a whole."

For more information, visit the Cybrary site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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