A Coursera Alternative: Why CBT Nuggets is Better for IT Training & Cert Prep

A culture of continuous learning is more than just a buzzy concept for today's workforce. According to LinkedIn, companies with a strong learning culture have a 57% higher retention rate and 70% percent of people say that learning improves their sense of connection to their employer. 

Continuous learning is especially important in the IT industry, where technology is constantly evolving, and certifications are regularly updated. Platforms like Coursera are a popular option for IT professionals looking to upskill— but are they the right fit for you? 

The truth is that general learning platforms might not offer the extensive experience and training IT folks need to keep their skills fresh. Let's look at where Coursera falls short and compare it to CBT Nuggets training. 

Limitations of Coursera for IT Training

Coursera has become one of the most recognized names in the online learning community. A quick look at their website shows you can learn about a broad range of topics, including business, data science, IT, art, history, and much more. It hosts thousands of courses from well-known universities and institutions. So, what's not to like? For IT folks, there are a few missing pieces. 

Lack of Hands-On Labs 

While Coursera offers a wide range of IT courses, it also has limitations that make it less than ideal for IT learners. For starters, the courses often lack hands-on labs that allow students to configure routers, troubleshoot networks, or set up virtual machines. That type of experience is crucial for learners who want to pass certifications or use those skills on the job. 

Inconsistent Course Quality

Coursera hosts courses from many different organizations, which means some courses may be high-quality and up-to-date, while others could be outdated or less engaging.  For IT professionals who need up-to-date, consistent, high-quality instruction for changing technologies, Coursera can fall short. 

Difficulty Keeping IT Content Up-to-Date 

The fast-moving nature of technology means IT courses on Coursera may become outdated relatively quickly. For example, many certifications are updated every two years or so. The platform's focus on multiple topics means updating specialized IT content can fall by the wayside. This leaves IT learners who are looking for relevant training at a disadvantage. 

Why Choose CBT Nuggets? Features and Benefits of CBT Nuggets 

CBT Nuggets stands out as a top Coursera alternative because it was purpose-built for IT and tech training. Unlike Coursera, CBT Nuggets offers a comprehensive library of courses tailored specifically for IT professionals. Here are a few reasons why we stand out for IT learners: 

Courses Led by Certified IT Professionals with Industry Experience

One of CBT Nuggets’ key strengths is the quality of its instructors. Courses are taught by certified IT professionals who bring real-world experience to their teaching. This means that whether you're studying a Cisco certification or learning how to configure AWS, you gain insights into how to apply what you learn to your everyday job. 

Frequent Updates to Reflect Industry Trends and New Technologies

Because IT is constantly evolving, staying up-to-date is critical. CBT Nuggets regularly updates courses to reflect the latest trends, technologies, and certification requirements. Our dedication to accuracy ensures you're always learning the most up-to-date skills. 

Hands-on Learning in Virtual Labs

You can learn a lot about IT from books, but nothing quite like hands-on experience to help learners lock in new concepts. CBT Nuggets offers virtual labs that allow learners to practice in real-world scenarios without the risk of impacting live systems. This is essential for IT professionals, as it helps them develop and refine their skills in a practical setting.

Personalized Learning Paths

CBT Nuggets offers personalized learning paths designed for specific certifications and career paths. Whether you're working toward certification for CompTIA, Cisco, AWS, or any of the dozens of other certifications, CBT Nuggets can help you reach your goals. For example, if you already understand a specific topic, you can skip that video. Or, if one concept is more challenging, learners can rewatch the training or find additional training on the same topic. 

Microlearning for Busy Professionals

Most busy IT professionals don't have hours a day to dedicate to learning. Long, boring lectures are hard to sit through, and the knowledge might not stick. CBT Nuggets addresses this challenge by offering short, digestible videos. So, whether you have 15 minutes between meetings or a longer period to dive deep into new content, you'll find a course or video that meets your needs. 

Access to IT Certification Prep

Looking to ace that certification exam? Our expert trainers can help you get there. We offer resources dedicated to preparing learners for specific IT certifications, including Network+, CCNA, CCNP, CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and much more. Check out our complete list of certification training and see how we can help you reach your goals. 

Top Coursera Alternative: CBT Nuggets 

For IT professionals looking to advance their skills and gain certifications, CBT Nuggets is a better fit for online training. With its expert instructors, hands-on learning, and tailored certification prep, CBT Nuggets delivers a well-rounded, practical, and effective learning experience. 

Whether you are just starting in IT or looking to climb the career ladder, CBT Nuggets provides the tools and resources needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of technology.

Explore CBT Nuggets courses and start learning today. Sign up for a free trial.