Blog Post

15 Free Ethical Hacking Courses with Certificates

February 27, 2025 Cyber Security, Ethical Hacking by Gihan Harindra

Cybersecurity threats are rising, and ethical hackers are in high demand to protect systems and data. But how do you start learning ethical hacking without spending a fortune? The answer lies in free ethical hacking courses with certificates—credible, structured training that equips you with practical skills and credentials.

In this guide, we’ve curated 15 free courses from trusted platforms like Cisco, EC-Council, and Harvard. These programs offer certificates to validate your knowledge, boost your resume, and prepare you for certifications like CEH or OSCP.

Why Pursue Free Ethical Hacking Certifications?

Prove Your Skills: Certificates demonstrate your commitment to employers.
Career Opportunities: Cybersecurity roles like Penetration Tester and SOC Analyst often require certified skills.
Zero Cost: Learn from world-class institutions without financial barriers.

15 Free Ethical Hacking Courses with Certificates: Build In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills (2025)

Here are the most valuable free courses to kickstart your ethical hacking journey.

1. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE)

Platform: EC-Council (Free Code)
Link: EHE Course
Duration: 12+ hours
Certificate: Yes (Digital)
What You’ll Learn: Basics of ethical hacking, footprinting, and vulnerability assessment.
Why Choose This: Created by EC-Council, the organization behind the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification.

2. Introduction to Cybersecurity

Platform: Cisco Networking Academy
Link: Cisco Course
Duration: 30 hours
Certificate: Yes
What You’ll Learn: Cybersecurity fundamentals, threats, and risk management.
Why Choose This: Cisco is a globally recognized leader in IT and security training.

3. Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Platform: edX (RIT)
Link: RIT Cybersecurity Course
Duration: 8 weeks (Self-paced)
Certificate: Free (Audit) / Paid (Verified)
What You’ll Learn: Network security, cryptography, and threat analysis.
Why Choose This: Taught by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) experts.

4. Ethical Hacking: Penetration Testing

Platform: Cybrary
Link: Cybrary Course
Duration: 10+ hours
Certificate: Yes (Cybrary Certificate)
What You’ll Learn: Penetration testing methodologies, tools like Metasploit and Nmap.
Why Choose This: Cybrary is a top platform for hands-on cybersecurity training.

5. CS50’s Introduction to Cybersecurity

Platform: Harvard (edX)
Link: Harvard Cybersecurity Course
Duration: 6 weeks (Self-paced)
Certificate: Free (Audit) / Paid (Verified)
What You’ll Learn: Encryption, SQL injection, and security best practices.
Why Choose This: Harvard’s prestige and project-based learning.

6. Ethical Hacking for Beginners

Platform: Great Learning Academy
Link: Great Learning Course
Duration: 3.5 hours
Certificate: Yes
What You’ll Learn: Basics of hacking, Kali Linux, and penetration testing.
Why Choose This: Beginner-friendly with a focus on practical tools.

7. Network Security

Platform: Udacity (Free Course)
Link: Udacity Course
Duration: 16 weeks
Certificate: Yes (Free)
What You’ll Learn: Firewalls, intrusion detection, and secure network design.
Why Choose This: Developed with industry experts like Symantec.

8. Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation

Platform: OpenLearn (The Open University)
Link: Open University Course
Duration: 24 hours
Certificate: Yes (Free)
What You’ll Learn: Forensic analysis, incident response, and malware detection.
Why Choose This: University-backed curriculum with real-world applications.

9. Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures

Platform: Alison
Link: Alison Course
Duration: 10-15 hours
Certificate: Yes (Free PDF)
What You’ll Learn: Hacking techniques, cryptography, and countermeasures.
Why Choose This: Free certificates with no hidden costs.

10. Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Platform: FutureLearn (University of York)
Link: FutureLearn Course
Duration: 3 weeks (4 hours/week)
Certificate: Free (Trial) / Paid (Upgrade)
What You’ll Learn: Ethical hacking principles, tools, and legal frameworks.
Why Choose This: Accredited by a UK university.

11. Cybersecurity Basics

Platform: Heimdal Security
Link: Heimdal Course
Duration: 5+ hours
Certificate: Yes (Email Request)
What You’ll Learn: Phishing prevention, malware defense, and secure browsing.
Why Choose This: Focuses on actionable skills for personal and professional use.

12. Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Analysis

Platform: Coursera (NYU)
Link: Coursera Course
Duration: 15 hours
Certificate: Free (Audit) / Paid (Certificate)
What You’ll Learn: Pen testing tools, vulnerability scanning, and exploit development.
Why Choose This: Taught by NYU’s cybersecurity faculty.

13. Ethical Hacking: Mobile Devices and Platforms

Platform: Udemy (Free Course)
Link: Udemy Course
Duration: 2.5 hours
Certificate: Yes
What You’ll Learn: Mobile hacking, Android security, and app vulnerabilities.
Why Choose This: Niche focus on mobile device security.

14. Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks

Platform: Coursera (IBM)
Link: IBM Course
Duration: 20 hours
Certificate: Free (Audit) / Paid (Certificate)
What You’ll Learn: Cybersecurity tools, threat intelligence, and attack vectors.
Why Choose This: Backed by IBM’s industry expertise.

15. Cybersecurity for Beginners

Platform: Heimdal Security (Advanced)
Link: Heimdal Advanced Course
Duration: 8 hours
Certificate: Yes (Email Request)
What You’ll Learn: Network security, encryption, and ethical hacking frameworks.
Why Choose This: Comprehensive and practical for aspiring professionals.

How to Maximize Your Learning

Practice Hands-On: Use platforms like Hack The Box or TryHackMe for real-world labs.
Join Communities: Engage with forums like r/cybersecurity on Reddit or Discord groups.
Pursue Advanced Certifications: After mastering basics, aim for CEH, OSCP, or CompTIA Security+.

FAQs

1. Are these certificates recognized by employers?

Yes! Certificates from platforms like Cisco, EC-Council, and Harvard carry weight in the industry.

2. Do I need prior coding knowledge?

Most beginner courses require no coding experience.

3. Can I get a job with these certificates?

They’re a strong starting point. Pair them with hands-on labs and advanced certifications for better prospects.

Key Takeaways

Start Free: No need to pay for introductory ethical hacking skills.
Certificates Matter: They validate your expertise and dedication.
Keep Learning: Cybersecurity is ever-evolving—stay updated with trends and tools.

Final Thoughts

Ethical hacking is a gateway to a rewarding career in cybersecurity. With these 15 free courses and certificates, you can build foundational skills, enhance your resume, and stand out in a competitive job market.

Pro Tip: Combine courses with Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges to test your skills in real-world scenarios.

Ready to become an ethical hacker? Enroll in a course today and secure your future!