IBM SkillsBuild program
The IBM SkillsBuild program offers more than 1,000 free online courses to help you start or advance your career. These courses are for both beginners and advanced learners, so you don’t need any subject-matter knowledge or experience before you enroll. Find out how to sign up for SkillsBuild.
Can I take online courses through the IBM SkillsBuild program?
If you’re at least 18 years old, you can take free online courses through SkillsBuild if 1 of these describes you:
- Veteran
- Active-duty service member
- Member of the National Guard or Reserve
- Spouse of a Veteran
- Child of a Veteran
- Caregiver of a Veteran
What types of courses does SkillsBuild offer?
SkillsBuild offers courses to help you find a job in fields like data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and information technology (IT) support. There are 2 types of courses:
- Guided learning experiences (GLEs): These structured courses have a start and end date. These are live sessions. You’ll get a weekly learning plan and ongoing support. You can earn professional certificates and digital credentials.
- Independent learning (eLearning and other online learning activities): These courses are available to you 24/7, so you have the flexibility to take courses when it’s convenient for you and your schedule. You can earn professional certificates and digital credentials.
How do I sign up for IBM SkillsBuild?
You can create an online account on the IBM SkillsBuild website. After you sign up, we’ll automatically direct you to the section of the website for Veterans, service members, dependents, and caregivers.
Note: By registering for this learning experience, you acknowledge that SkillUp, a training delivery vendor of IBM SkillsBuild, will process your data (name and email only). SkillUp may contact you about your participation in this experience and other IBM SkillsBuild educational activities. You also understand that SkillUp will share your data with us so we can support your experience with this program.
How do I enroll in guided courses (GLEs)?
After you sign up and have your online SkillsBuild account, you can then enroll in guided courses. Here are the GLEs available now:
Artificial Intelligence Pathway (10 week)
Log in to your SkillsBuild account to enroll in the Artificial Intelligence Pathway course
Enrollment period: June 22 through July 12, 2026
Training period: July 13 through September 13, 2026
When you complete a GLE, you’ll earn industry-recognized credentials. You can add these credentials to your professional networking profile, like LinkedIn. Credentials are verified proof of your subject matter expertise.
AI in Healthcare (4 weeks)
Log in to your SkillsBuild account to enroll in the AI in Healthcare course
Enrollment period: July 13 through July 31, 2026
Training period: August 3 through August 28, 2026
When you complete a GLE, you’ll earn industry-recognized credentials. You can add these credentials to your professional networking profile, like LinkedIn. Credentials are verified proof of your subject matter expertise.
Cybersecurity Pathway (10 weeks)
Log in to your SkillsBuild account to enroll in the Cybersecurity Pathway course
Enrollment period: July 20 through August 7, 2026
Training period: August 10 through October 23, 2026
When you complete a GLE, you’ll earn industry-recognized credentials. You can add these credentials to your professional networking profile, like LinkedIn. Credentials are verified proof of your subject matter expertise.
Gen AI and Data Analytics (4 weeks)
Log in to your SkillsBuild account to enroll in the Gen AI course
Enrollment period: August 31 through September 21, 2026
Training period: September 21 through October 16, 2026
When you complete a GLE, you’ll earn industry-recognized credentials. You can add these credentials to your professional networking profile, like LinkedIn. Credentials are verified proof of your subject matter expertise.
Webinars
Transform Your Job with AI-Powered Research (1 hour)
Log in to your SkillsBuild account to sign up for the AI-Powered Research webinar
Enrollment period: July 1 through July 14, 2026
Training period: July 15, 2026
Join this IBM SkillsBuild webinar to learn how skills-first hiring works, and how you can use AI tools and IBM SkillsBuild to align your career preparation with industry needs.
Make Agentic AI Work for You (1 hour)
Log in to your SkillsBuild account to sign up for the agentic AI webinar
Enrollment period: August 3 through August 17, 2026
Training period: August 18, 2026
This webinar is designed to help you take the first step in your AI learning journey. You’ll build practical, productivity-enhancing skills while earning an industry-recognized digital credential that signals your capabilities and strengthens your professional profile.
What if I have questions?
If you have technical questions about SkillsBuild, create your account and send a message to the virtual assistant or send an email to ibmskillsbuild.va@skillup.online.