> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://breakpoint-journal.gitbook.io/breakpoint/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://breakpoint-journal.gitbook.io/breakpoint/general/cybersecurity-certs-for-free.md).
# Cybersecurity Certs? For Free?
If you're looking to break into cybersecurity or level up your career, certifications like the **CompTIA Security+** and **Network+** are among the most recognized credentials in the field. But they aren't cheap. What many people don't know is that the U.S. Department of Labor and city-specific career advising facilities may be able to help cover the cost.
## Coursera
If you're a NYC resident, you are eligible for an assortment of free cybersecurity courses and professional certificates on Coursera from Cisco, EC-Council, Google, and more! Note that you must have a [ny.gov](https://ny.gov) account. Then when you visit Coursera, you can sign in with your institution as ny.gov and login via the ny.gov account.
## PerScholas
If you're looking for a way to take on the Security+ or other trainings for free, PerScholas offers a set of in-person and virtual classes culminating in the final exam. Note this is a commitment as it requires 9AM-4PM attendance over the course of 15 weeks, for instance, if you get into the program.
## Individual Training Grants (ITG) Fund
If PerScholas is too much of a commitment, ITG might be the right choice for you. Individuals earning less than $91K, unemployed, and meeting at least a high school diploma or GED may apply for grants to fund trainings, tuition, books, and the likes! Unfortunately this appears to be a NYC-specific opportunity - sorry non-New-Yorkers. You can find more instructions below, but in order to partake you also need to have a WorkForce1 account.
## What Is WIOA?
The **Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)** is a federally funded program designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. It funds career services and training for millions of Americans every year through a network of **American Job Centers** located across the country.
The primary way WIOA pays for training is through an **Individual Training Account (ITA)** — essentially a grant or voucher that pays an approved training provider on your behalf.
## What Is an ITA?
An **Individual Training Account (ITA)** is a workforce grant that provides funding for educational and occupational skills training for eligible job seekers. Instead of receiving cash, the funding goes directly to an approved training provider to cover the cost of your program — including, in many cases, exam vouchers.
ITA amounts vary by local workforce board but can range up to $7,000 or more depending on your area.
## Who Is Eligible?
There are two main pathways to qualify for an ITA:
### 1. Dislocated Worker
If you've lost a job through no fault of your own — such as a company closure, layoff, or military spouse relocation — you qualify as a **dislocated worker**. Your prior income has no bearing on eligibility in this category.
**Documents you'll typically need:**
* Termination letter or layoff notice from your employer
* Proof of unemployment insurance
### 2. Income-Eligible Adult
If your household income is less than **250% of the Federal Poverty Level**, you may qualify through the Adult Program. You'll need to verify income with pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of public assistance (SNAP or TANF).
### Additional Requirements for Training Funding
Beyond personal eligibility, the training itself must meet certain conditions:
* The program must be on your **state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)**
* The training must be tied to **in-demand occupations** in your local labor market
* You must demonstrate that you're unable to cover the cost through other funding sources
* A career counselor will assess your readiness and commitment to complete the program and find employment in the field
## Can WIOA Fund a CompTIA Security+?
**Yes — and it's one of the better-suited certifications for this funding.**
The Security+ exam voucher currently costs around **$425**, with total preparation costs (study materials, practice exams, etc.) ranging from **$600 to $1,500** depending on your approach. That's well within the range of what ITAs typically cover.
Security+ is widely recognized as an in-demand credential. It appears in roughly **70% of U.S. entry-level cybersecurity job postings** and is approved under **DoD Directive 8140**, meaning it's mandatory for most U.S. Department of Defense cybersecurity roles. This makes it easy to justify to a WIOA counselor as directly linked to employment opportunities.
Many community colleges and CompTIA-authorized training providers are already on state ETPLs, so finding an eligible program should be straightforward.
## Can WIOA Fund an OSCP?
**Possibly, but it's more difficult.**
The OSCP (offered by OffSec through their PEN-200 course) is a hands-on penetration testing certification — widely considered the gold standard for offensive security professionals. The **Learn One annual subscription runs approximately $2,749**, which includes course access, labs, and two exam attempts.
The challenge with OSCP and WIOA is that OffSec is a private vendor and is generally **not listed on state** [**Eligible Training Provider Lists**](https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/eligible_training_provider_list). WIOA funding can only go to programs on the ETPL, so if OffSec isn't on your state's list, the funding can't be applied directly to their courses.
**What you can do:**
* Ask your American Job Center counselor whether any **OSCP-prep bootcamps** in your area are on the ETPL — some may be
* Some states are more flexible than others, so it's worth the conversation
* If WIOA won't cover OSCP directly, ask about other funding sources your counselor may be aware of
## How to Get Started
1. **Find your nearest American Job Center** at [careeronestop.org](https://www.careeronestop.org/) or [findmyjobcenter.workforce.gov](https://findmyjobcenter.workforce.gov/)
2. **Schedule an intake appointment** — bring ID, proof of income or employment status, and any layoff/termination documentation if applicable
3. **Tell them your goal** — specifically that you want to pursue cybersecurity certifications and ask about ITAs for IT/cybersecurity programs
4. **Check your state's ETPL** — your counselor can help you find approved providers that offer Security+ training
5. **Get your Individual Employment Plan (IEP) set up** — this is the roadmap you and your counselor create together, and it's required before ITA funds are issued
## Additional Funding Options
WIOA isn't the only avenue. A few others worth exploring:
* **GI Bill / SkillBridge** — Veterans and active-duty military transitioning out of service may be able to cover certification training through VA education benefits or the SkillBridge program
* **Employer tuition reimbursement** — Security+ is on the DoD 8570/8140 approved list, making it easy to justify to an employer as a funded professional development investment
* **CompTIA promotions** — CompTIA frequently offers discounted exam bundles, particularly in Q4 and at industry conferences, with discounts of 15–25%
*The cybersecurity field is growing fast — the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% employment growth in computer and IT occupations through 2032, faster than average for all occupations. Funding is out there. You just have to know where to look.*