Just came across this and thought it was worth sharing as there are probably quite a few people on here who qualify without realising it.
The Government Digital Service is running Get Tech Certified 2026, which gives UK civil servants and public sector employees access to 250 free technology learning and certification pathways between 1 October and 31 December 2026.
This isnt limited to people already working in IT either. There are courses from complete beginner through to advanced level.
Who can get it
Its open to UK civil servants and public sector employees, including people working in: Central government Local government/councils NHS and health Education Police Other eligible UK public sector organisations
You need to register using your work email address so they can check eligibility.
Contractors arent eligible unfortunately.
Whats included
There are over 250 learning/certification pathways covering things like: Cloud computing Cyber security AI and machine learning Data Software engineering Architecture FinOps Quantum computing
There are some pretty big names taking part too, including:
AWS
Microsoft
Google Cloud
Databricks
Datadog
HashiCorp
MongoDB
Oracle
ServiceNow
Snowflake
FinOps Foundation
QA
Celonis
STFC Hartree Centre
WSO2
ProsperOps
The exact offer varies depending on which provider you choose. Most of the training is online and self-paced, although there are also instructor-led online courses and some live events.
Free certification exams
This is probably the best part.
A number of the pathways include the opportunity to get a free certification exam voucher, so youre not just getting access to training material.
For example, AWS currently has routes for: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner AWS Certified AI Practitioner
You can do the AWS training online at your own pace or attend one of their free instructor-led virtual courses. Once youve completed the qualifying training you can request an exam voucher.
Microsoft also has certification routes covering areas including: Azure/Microsoft Cloud AI and Machine Learning Cybersecurity Data GitHub/Software Engineering Copilot and Agents Architecture FinOps Quantum
With Microsoft, you can work through the learning and then take the relevant practice assessment. If you score 80% or above, you can claim a free certification exam voucher.
Can you do more than one
Yes.
They wont issue multiple unused certification vouchers at the same time though. Once youve used/redeemed one, you can apply for another where the provider allows it.
So potentially a very good opportunity to pick up several certifications rather than just doing one course.
Do you have to finish everything by 31 December
Not necessarily.
The scheme runs until 31 December 2026, so you normally need to have registered for the learning and applied for any relevant exam voucher by then.
The actual completion/exam deadline varies by provider.
For example, the current AWS vouchers have to be requested by 31 December 2026 and the exam needs to be sat by 13 February 2027.
Worth checking the individual provider page before starting anything.
How much is it
Completely FREE.
Theres no charge to you or your organisation for the learning and certification opportunities included in the campaign.
Obviously whether youre allowed to do the training during work hours is down to your own organisation/manager, but most of the self-paced stuff can be done whenever suits you.
How to get it
Go to the deal link and either choose the subject youre interested in or scroll down and choose a provider.
Youll then be sent through to that providers Get Tech Certified page to register.
Make sure you use your public sector work email address rather than a personal one.
If youve got access to this through work, Id definitely have a look through all the providers before picking one. Some of the actual certification exam fees normally arent cheap, so the exam vouchers are probably where the real value is here.
Runs until 31 December 2026.
