Should You Self-Study for IT Certification?

If you're eyeing a career in IT or cybersecurity, earning a certification is one of the fastest ways to get noticed. But how should you train for it? Should you go the DIY route with free YouTube videos, buy a course online, or invest in a structured program like ACI Learning?

Let’s break down the real time, effort, and outcomes of self-study—and why structure matters more than you think.

How Long Does It Take to Prepare?

It depends on the certification—and your schedule. Most learners study part-time while working or going to school.

Here are common certs and average self-study estimates:

👉 Even the “quick” ones require commitment—and drop-off rates are real.

How Many People Actually Finish?

Spoiler: most don’t.

Completion rates for online, self-paced training platforms are shockingly low:

• Coursera: ~15% completion rate (MIT study, 2020)
• edX: ~5–10% (Harvard/EdX data)
• Udemy: Often <20% unless there’s external accountability

That means 4 out of 5 people don’t finish what they started. Not because they’re not smart—but because learning solo is hard. No plan. No structure. No one checking in.

✅ By contrast, ACI Learning reports an 80%+ course completion rate—a standout in the industry. Why? Because we combine expert instruction, structured learning paths, and hands-on labs that keep learners engaged.

Pass Rates: Self-Study vs. Supported Learning

Most cert vendors don’t publish official pass rates, but here’s what industry data and learner forums suggest:

👉 Pass rates are higher when learners use hands-on labs, practice exams, and coaching—all built into the ACI Learning platform.

Self-Teaching vs. Structured Training: The Real Cost

Free might look appealing—until you factor in time, risk, and results.
Here’s how the DIY path stacks up:

👉 Bottom line: Free is only free if you finish—and pass.

Why Hands-On Practice Makes or Breaks Cert Prep

Certs like CompTIA, Cisco, and AWS don’t just test theory. They expect you to do the job—troubleshoot a network, configure a firewall, launch a cloud instance.

That’s where hands-on labs come in. Learners who regularly used labs performed better on cert exams and felt more job-ready.

✅ ACI Learning builds these into your training experience—no extra software or setup required.

What to Look for in a Tech Training Program

If you’re serious about getting certified and moving into an IT or cybersecurity role, here’s what to prioritize:

• Structured learning path: Keeps you focused and avoids YouTube rabbit holes.
• Accountability: Progress tracking and instructor check-ins help you finish.
• Hands-on labs: Simulate real-world scenarios and build practical skills.
• Practice exams: Help you walk into the test center with confidence.
• Mentor support: Get help when you’re stuck—not after you fail.

Ready to Learn (and Pass)?

Thinking of going it alone? Consider the stats:

📉 80% of self-learners never finish
⏳ Cert prep takes 3–6 months solo
✅ ACI learners finish 80%+ of courses — and pass with confidence

👉 Don’t just start—finish.

Explore ACI Learning's training options

Started a new career in tech. Accidentally majored in Cat Studies.

We’ve all clicked “just one more video.” ACI Learning gives you a clear path to certifications, labs, and real progress—no rabbit holes.

Start today, finish sooner with ACI Learning