Best Free Practice Test Resources for IT Certifications 2025
Save $50-150 on practice exams with these high-quality free resources for AWS, CompTIA, Cisco, and more certifications
Practice tests are essential for certification success, but they can be expensive ($20-150 per exam). This guide reveals the best free practice test resources that match or exceed the quality of paid options.
Why Free Practice Tests Matter
Practice tests typically cost $20-50 from Tutorials Dojo, $35 from Pocket Prep, or $99-149 from Boson. Using free alternatives can save you $50-150 per certification while providing similar quality preparation.
Top Free Practice Test Platforms
1. ExamReady
100% free practice tests for 17+ popular IT certifications including AWS, Azure, CISSP, Security+, CCNA, and PMP. Community-driven platform with verified questions and detailed explanations.
Pros
- ✓ Completely free - no limitations
- ✓ Detailed explanations for all questions
- ✓ Modern, user-friendly interface
- ✓ Regularly updated content
- ✓ Practice mode and timed exams
- ✓ Progress tracking and analytics
Cons
- ✗ Limited to 17 certifications
- ✗ Newer platform (smaller question bank than mature platforms)
Best For:
AWS, Azure, Security+, CCNA, CISSP, and other popular IT certifications. Perfect for anyone wanting comprehensive practice without spending money.
2. ExamTopics
Massive question database for 50+ certifications. Free tier available but limited. Known for community discussions that help verify answers.
Pros
- ✓ Huge certification catalog (50+)
- ✓ Large question banks
- ✓ Active community discussions
- ✓ Good for obscure certifications
Cons
- ✗ Free version very limited
- ✗ Inconsistent question quality
- ✗ Detailed explanations require premium ($19-49/mo)
- ✗ Some content is outdated
- ✗ Basic UI
Best For:
Niche or obscure certifications not available on other platforms. Free tier is limited, so only use if your certification isn't on ExamReady IT.
3. AWS Skill Builder (Official)
Official AWS practice exams. Free sample questions available, but full practice exams cost $40 each.
Pros
- ✓ Official AWS questions
- ✓ Free sample questions available
- ✓ Matches actual exam format
Cons
- ✗ Full practice exams cost $40
- ✗ Limited free content (20-30 questions)
- ✗ Only AWS certifications
Best For:
Use free sample questions to understand AWS exam format, but use ExamReady for comprehensive free practice.
4. Professor Messer (CompTIA)
Free CompTIA video courses and practice questions. Primarily known for excellent video content, with some free practice questions available.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent free video courses
- ✓ Trusted CompTIA resource
- ✓ Some free practice questions
Cons
- ✗ Full practice exams cost $30
- ✗ Limited free practice questions
- ✗ Only CompTIA certifications
Best For:
CompTIA video learning (A+, Network+, Security+). Combine with ExamReady's free practice tests for complete prep.
5. Microsoft Learn (Official)
Official Microsoft training platform with free learning paths. Includes some practice questions but limited compared to dedicated practice test platforms.
Pros
- ✓ Completely free
- ✓ Official Microsoft content
- ✓ Hands-on labs included
Cons
- ✗ Very limited practice questions
- ✗ No comprehensive practice exams
- ✗ Focus is on learning, not testing
Best For:
Learning Azure concepts, but use ExamReady for comprehensive Azure practice tests.
How to Use Free Practice Tests Effectively
1. Start Early in Your Study Plan
Take a diagnostic practice test on Day 1 to identify weak areas. Focus your studying on gaps, then take full practice exams weekly to track progress.
2. Aim for 85%+ Before Real Exam
Don't attempt the real exam until you're scoring 85%+ consistently on practice tests. This ensures you're truly ready and reduces the risk of expensive retakes.
3. Review Explanations Thoroughly
Don't just check if you got it right. Read detailed explanations for ALL questions, even correct ones. This deepens understanding and reveals knowledge gaps.
4. Simulate Real Exam Conditions
Use timed mode with no distractions. Match actual exam timing and question count. This builds stamina and reduces test-day anxiety.
Comparison: Free vs Paid Practice Tests
| Feature | ExamReady (Free) | Paid Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $15-149 |
| Question Quality | Verified & High | High to Excellent |
| Detailed Explanations | ✓ All Questions | Usually Yes |
| Number of Exams | 17 Certifications | Varies (10-200+) |
| Progress Tracking | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Best Value | Winner for Budget | Winner for Variety |
Bottom Line
For the 17 certifications ExamReady covers (AWS, Azure, CISSP, Security+, CCNA, etc.), there's no reason to pay for practice tests. You'll get the same quality for $0. Only pay for practice tests if you need a certification not available for free.
Start Practicing Today
Ready to ace your certification exam? Try ExamReady's free practice tests and save $50-150 on prep materials.
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