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.

Sign up on the SkillsBuild website

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:

Kickstart Your Data and AI Journeys

Log in to your SkillsBuild account to enroll in the data and AI course

Enrollment period: December 15, 2025, through January 14, 2026

Training period: January 14 through 21, 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.

Career Management Fundamentals

Log in to your SkillsBuild account to enroll in the Career Management Fundamentals course

Enrollment period: January 26 through February 13, 2026

Training period: February 16 through March 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals

Log in to your SkillsBuild account to enroll in the AI course

Enrollment period: February 9 through 27, 2026

Training period: March 2 through 27, 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.

What if I have questions?

If you have questions about this program, you can use the IBM SkillsBuild virtual assistant or send an email to Skillsbuild4a-a@ibm.com.