Empower Teams with Virtual IT Labs | ACI Learning

Stop training. Start doing.

Certifications tell you what someone knows. Skill Labs prove what they can do.

Build job-ready skills through hands-on practice in real-world IT and cybersecurity environments.

ACI Skill Labs Overview
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Browser-based

No downloads

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Instant access

Launch in seconds

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Reset & retry

Practice with confidence

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Safe environments

Isolated. Secure. Always-on.

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Knowledge becomes capability

Doing the work is what builds skills. Skill Labs put your team inside real environments—the same tools, the same systems, the same pressure—so when something breaks at work, they've already fixed it.

92%

OF EMPLOYERS

say it's the key to prepared teams and workforce readiness.

90%

OF LEARNERS

will remember course material in an experiential setting, compared to just 5% in traditional learning.

What your team can do in Skill Labs

Technical depth. Hands-on results. Practice across technologies and platforms your team uses every day.
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Configure and troubleshoot networks

Work with real devices and simulations to build network and infrastructure skills.

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Respond to cybersecurity threats

Investigate attacks, analyze data, and strengthen your team's security posture.

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Explore and master cloud platforms

Practice in AWS, Azure, and other cloud environments with real-world scenarios.

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Build confidence in IT support tasks

Solve everyday IT challenges like password resets, patching, and ticket resolution.

Inside every Skill Lab

Everything your team needs to practice, learn, and build real-world skills.

With over 1,000 Skill Labs spanning leading technologies and certification pathways, your team can practice the skills they need most. From Microsoft and AWS to Cisco, Linux, CompTIA, and cybersecurity tools, learners gain hands-on experience in environments that mirror real-world work.

Browse Our Skill LabsCompare Plans
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Real Environments

The real thing, safely

  • Access real virtual machines, cloud sandboxes, and network simulations.
  • Example: Windows Server, Linux, AWS, Cisco, and more.
1,000+ Skill Labs
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Instant Access

Ready when they are

  • Launch labs in seconds—no downloads or installations.
  • Works in any modern browser.
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Guided Practice

Structure that builds confidence

  • Step-by-step instructions and objectives help learners stay on track and complete tasks.
  • Retry anytime and practice with confidence.

Labs across the technologies you use every day

From cybersecurity and cloud to networking and IT support, discover hands-on labs aligned to today's most in-demand technologies.

Browse our most popular labs:

Cisco CCNA (200-301)

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Designed to build CCNA-aligned networking skills through guided configuration practice, these labs progress from network fundamentals and IP addressing to VLANs, routing (including OSPF), NAT, DHCP, management services, security, QoS, and wireless—making them ideal for associate-level networking pathways.

CompTIA A+ (220-1201)

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Designed to build hands-on hardware and network troubleshooting skills through guided simulations, these labs progress through common device replacements, connectivity setup, tool usage, and real-world troubleshooting tasks—making them ideal for A+ Core 1 prep and job-ready technical support pathways.

CompTIA A+ (220-1202)

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Designed to build OS, security, and troubleshooting skills through guided practice, these labs progress from operating system installation and configuration to security controls, malware defense, mobile device support, operational procedures, and scripting concepts—making them ideal for A+ Core 2 prep and help desk technician pathways.

CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)

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Designed to build Network+ aligned networking skills through guided practice, these labs progress from the OSI model and network architecture to addressing, routing and switching, monitoring, security concepts, and troubleshooting—making them ideal for Network+ preparation and core networking pathways.

CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)

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Designed to build entry-level IT and tech support skills through guided practice, these labs progress from hardware and OS fundamentals to networking, virtualization, cloud concepts, basic programming and databases, and core security practices—making them ideal for early IT career, help desk, and foundational certification pathways.

Digital Literacy

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Designed to build essential digital workplace skills through guided practice, these labs progress from basic hardware, operating systems, and networking concepts to safe web use and core Microsoft Office productivity tools—making them ideal for entry-level IT readiness and workforce skills pathways.

Front End Web Development

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Designed to build foundational front-end development skills through guided practice, these labs progress from HTML5 and CSS3 fundamentals to building and debugging websites with JavaScript—making them ideal for introductory web development and digital product pathways.

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (ICND1 v3.0)

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Designed to build Cisco device configuration and troubleshooting skills through guided practice, these labs progress from initial device setup and addressing to VLANs, inter-VLAN routing, routing protocols, ACLs, NAT, device management, and maintenance tools—making them ideal for foundational Cisco networking pathways.

Introduction to Networking Fundamentals

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Designed to build foundational networking skills through guided practice, these labs progress from core network concepts and IP addressing to routing, DHCP, name resolution, VPN configuration, and TCP/IP troubleshooting tools—making them ideal for introductory networking and IT infrastructure pathways.

Introduction to Programming Using Python

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Designed to build foundational Python skills through guided practice, the labs progress from core syntax and data handling to control flow, file operations, functions, and standard library usage—making them ideal for introductory programming, IT, cybersecurity, and data-focused pathways.

Introduction to Wireshark

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Designed to build packet analysis skills through guided practice, these labs progress from Wireshark installation and configuration to capturing, filtering, and analyzing traffic and protocols—making them ideal for networking, troubleshooting, and security fundamentals pathways.

Networking Fundamentals

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Designed to build practical networking and network security skills through guided practice, these labs progress from core protocols and models to NAT, firewalls, policy implementation, remote access, troubleshooting, and resiliency concepts—making them ideal for infrastructure and security-aware networking pathways.

NEW! Foundational & Applied AI Skill Labs

Your team is already working alongside AI. Now they can practice with it. Foundational & Applied AI Skill Labs put learners inside real AI workflows — writing prompts, automating tasks, analyzing outputs, applying security controls — in job-based scenarios built for IT and cybersecurity professionals.

  • Fundamentals of AI Literacy (6 labs)
  • AI Applications and Workflow (7 labs)

Available as an add-on to HelpDeskPro or ITPro at checkout

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Real virtual machines, real skills.

Learn in a true-to-work environment.

Build confidence with hands-on learning in real virtual machine environments — using industry tools in a risk-free, immersive setting.

Anytime, anywhere access.

Flexible delivery for modern learning.

Skill Labs run instantly in any browser, giving learners the freedom to train in-person, remotely, or hybrid — without setup headaches.

Aligned with top certifications.

Credential-ready from day one.

Labs align to certifications from CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, and more — helping learners prepare for credentials that matter in the workplace.

Customize for your goals.

One platform, unlimited possibilities.

Use ready-made labs or tailor content to meet your training goals. It’s flexibility that supports outcomes in both academic and workplace settings.

Your team's next level starts here. Try it free.

10 days of hands-on access to our most popular, job-ready training experience — perfect for exploring how ACI delivers cyber and IT training for your team.

  • Full feature 10-day trial
  • No credit card required
  • Access to our top courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Skill Labs are real virtual machines, not simplified simulations. You’ll gain hands-on experience solving problems just like you would in a live IT environment.

They’re built for businesses training teams, individual learners seeking certifications, schools enhancing curriculum, and partners who want scalable, hands-on training solutions.

Companies use Skill Labs to upskill IT staff, validate learning, reduce risk, and ensure teams are ready to protect critical systems. Labs come with auto-scoring to measure progress and ROI.

Yes! Over 60% of labs we deliver are custom-built. We offer white-glove service for fully tailored training and easy branding integration.

Skill Labs are available through an ITPro Premium subscription for individuals, via the myACI platform for teams, or as part of a partner integration.

Labs align with certifications from CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, AWS, and more, giving learners practical preparation for today’s most in-demand credentials.

We currently offer 1,000+ labs with hundreds more added regularly, covering everything from cybersecurity and cloud to system administration and IT infrastructure.

Skill Labs resources you don’t want to miss.

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