Technology plays a huge role in shaping today’s career landscape. For veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life, the tech industry is worth looking into as it presents dynamic challenges and opportunities.
Your first step in your tech career journey is to acquire the right skills. With online courses for veterans available for free, former military members can easily access virtual lessons and build a solid technical foundation from the comfort of their own homes. Let’s look at five different types of free IT training for veterans, as well as some crucial tips for career success.
Free Online Courses for Veterans to Explore
Free online courses for veterans are a great place to start, especially for ex-military members with no prior tech experience. These courses are designed to make learning tech topics accessible, engaging, and rewarding. Most of them are also flexible, allowing veterans to learn at their own pace. Below are some free IT training courses for veterans that are available as of October 2025.
NPower
NPower is a New York-based nonprofit offering free training programs to empower members of underserved communities, including veterans, with job-ready skills.1 There are seven total courses offered, ranging from introductory to advanced-level courses. Subjects include tech fundamentals, cyber security, cloud computing, IT support, and app development. Lessons are delivered virtually, ensuring access to quality education no matter where students are located.
NPower has also collaborated with the Department of Defense to offer the SkillBridge program, dedicated especially to veterans looking to master cyber security skills.2 This tuition-free online course offers veterans in their last 180 days of service a chance to learn while they make their transition out of the military. The 10-week free IT training for veterans also aims to prepare them for sought-after certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Linux+.
Veterans interested in NPower programs can visit the website to submit an application for their desired program.3 Note that while all programs are available online, NPower only accepts applicants who meet the following requirements:
- U.S. resident
- Transitioning active-duty service member through the DoD SkillBridge program / honorably discharged / member of the Guard or Reserves
- Over 21 years of age
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Located in or near the following cities: Newark, New Jersey; San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; Bay Area, Sacramento, and Los Angeles, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio.
Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE)
FedVTE is an initiative created and managed by the Department of Homeland Security with the aim of providing cyber security training to the federal workforce.4 This IT training is free for veterans and all government employees, teaching them how to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cyber security threats with over 800 hours of content.
FedVTE offers a range of online courses that cover various aspects of cyber security, from basic concepts to advanced techniques. They discuss topics such as ethical hacking, cloud hacking, coding, and more. FedVTE is also designed to be flexible, allowing learners to complete high-quality training at their own pace.
Some of the courses are also designed to prepare learners for industry-leading cyber security certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These certifications can be valuable assets on a resume and boost a learner’s credibility and employability.
United Service Organizations (USO)
USO is a nonprofit that is known to provide services to boost the morale and welfare of military members.5 To empower more veterans in tech, it offers professional development services through the USO Transition Program. This is a part of USO’s efforts to ensure members of the military and veterans can make a smooth transition into civilian life.
USO works with eligible active duty members, veterans, and their family members to create personalized action plans to help them excel in areas like employment, education, and finances. It then connects individuals with resources that match their needs through partnerships with learning platforms, companies, industry players, and mentors.
If you are a veteran looking to break into tech, you can access online libraries with hundreds of learning materials on partner sites such as Skillsoft, IBM, and Coursera. Note that the USO Transition Program is only open to service members with at least 12 months of remaining active duty, veterans who have left the service for no more than a year, and military spouses.6
Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms have become an incredibly supportive resource for people seeking to acquire new skills, change careers, or enhance their knowledge. Their flexible nature gives students the opportunity to learn structured coursework that fulfills the necessary general education requirements to earn credentials, all without needing to earn a bachelor’s degree or leave their homes. These platforms support higher education by making advanced studies more accessible and helping learners advance their education and careers. Most platforms offer introductory courses at zero cost, which allows learners to dip their toes into a new field or specialization without having to make any financial commitment.
Many of these platforms offer courses across varying levels of difficulty, providing learners with valuable education benefits and opportunities. They are a great option for veterans and transitioning service members to expand their skill set and potentially open doors to a new career. Here are some notable learning platforms that offer free online courses and additional resources as of October 2025:
- Khan Academy. Fully free online courses using video-based learning.
- Codecademy. Free intro to tech courses. Upgrades are available with two pricing options.
- Udemy. Free fundamental courses. Prices for full courses vary.
- Coursera. Free intro courses. Subscriptions are available to unlock full courses or to purchase credentials.
edX. Veterans and active-duty members enjoy a 20% tuition discount on select courses.7
Tips for Veterans Starting Their Online Tech Education Journey
Starting a tech education journey as a veteran can be exciting and rewarding. Now that you have chosen a free online course for veterans that fits your needs and goals, the next step requires a lot of effort and patience. Below are some tips to help you navigate this new path and make the most of your learning experience. Understanding the importance of upskilling and reskilling is crucial, as it can significantly impact your future career opportunities and personal growth.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Decide what you want to achieve through your tech education. Whether it’s learning a specific programming language or getting certified in a certain field, having clear goals will keep you motivated and focused. It can also help you choose a learning path that matches your interests, commitment level, and professional objectives.
Leverage Military Experience and Discipline for Online Learning
It’s no secret that the military community is trained to be disciplined. When starting an online course, make sure to create a study routine and manage your time effectively. Dedicate time to learning each day or week based on your personal schedule. Remember that consistency is key to mastering tech skills, so be patient with yourself on this journey and continue to make steady progress.
Seek Support From Fellow Veterans, Mentors, and Online Communities
Tech training can be challenging, especially if you are new to the field. It’s important to have a strong support system, including access to support services and assistance available to veterans, to help you through this journey. Fortunately, there are many online forums, social media groups, and communities for veterans in tech. They include VetSec, Coding for Veterans, and Northwest Veterans in Technology. Connecting with peers and other tech professionals can provide insights, support, and networking opportunities.
Are Free Online Courses for Veterans Worth It?
Enrolling in free online courses for veterans can be very much worth it depending on your career goals, circumstances, and interests. They are particularly beneficial if you’re looking to learn without taking on a huge financial burden.
Some of the free courses are more comprehensive, equipping you with all the skills needed to succeed as a veteran in tech. Meanwhile, others are more suitable for those simply exploring new areas of interest. No matter which you choose, free IT training programs for veterans offer a flexible and cost-effective way to gain knowledge in various fields such as coding, cyber security, and data analytics.
Free Online Courses for Veterans FAQ
Yes, active-duty service members and veterans who are eligible for the GI Bill can use their educational benefits to attend a coding bootcamp. In addition to the GI Bill, other VA benefits and tuition assistance programs may be available to eligible veterans and military students to help finance their education. However, a limited number of coding bootcamps are approved by the VA. Some options include Code Fellows, Code Platoon, General Assembly, and We Can Code IT. Please note that eligibility requirements apply, and it is crucial to review important information provided by the VA or the bootcamp regarding program approval and benefit usage. For more information about education benefits offered, contact the bootcamp or your VA representative directly.
To get a job in tech as a veteran, you must be willing to put in the work and be open to learning new skills. Coming from a military background, you already possess a great set of transferable skills, such as teamwork, discipline, security, risk management, and communication. All of these skills are valuable in the tech field. One piece of the puzzle is to participate in technical training and earn necessary credentials for the tech career you want, including certification options that can further enhance your qualifications.
Some of the most accessible tech jobs for veterans are program managers, UX designers, IT support specialists, data analysts, and tech sales representatives. Other tech roles that match veterans’ backgrounds and experiences are software developers and cyber security specialists. Eligibility for certain roles may depend on your background, and obtaining certification is important for advancing in these fields.
Sources:
2 https://www.npower.org/skillbridge/
3 https://www.npower.org/skillbridge/application/
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
6 https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-transition-program
7 https://shop.sheerid.com/product/save-20-on-online-certificates-for-community-heroes/
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
