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Digital Skills Resources for Washingtonians

Walk-through of available resources, learning paths, and value of outcomes.

Do You Live, Work or Attend School in Washington State?

Logo of the Washington State Library

  • Public, Tribal, and College Libraries statewide offer free education to learn digital skills.

  • Start where you are comfortable: We offer educational resources from beginner computer user to advanced technical certifications that build your career and earning potential.

  • ALL FREE for anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Washington.

  • This program is funded by the state legislature, through the Washington State Library to build more accessible pathways to living wage jobs.

Why Get Certified?

Image listing the benefits of earning certification- increased earnings & vocational mobilityImage: 91% of jobs in Washington require some level of digital skills

^1 National Skills Coalition, "Expanding Opportunities: Defining Quality Non-Degree Credentials for States" (2019) https://nationalskillscoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/9.18-NSC_QNDC-paper_web.pdf.

What Do You Offer?

 Northstar

Northstar Logo, a Black, bold letter N surrounded by yellow and turquoise triangles 

  • Assessments of digital skills & online classes to learn digital skills needed for daily life.

  • Northstar is used in public, tribal, and college libraries and community-based organizations across Washington.

  • Visit our Northstar Guide for more details.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning Logo

  • Access to video tutorials, courses, and full learning paths that prepare learners for a wide variety of professional, technical, and creative jobs.

  • Includes courses and learning paths that prepare learners for industry-specific certifications.

  • Available in every public Library in Washington.

  • Visit our LinkedIn Learning guide for more details

GMetrix

Blue Gmetrix letters with an orange rainbow above

  • Hands-on, real world simulations of the software you're learning, including timed practice exams to help you prepare for the actual exam environment.

  • Detailed Feedback: Gives learners feedback and performance, highlighting areas for improvement to focus efforts.

  • Learning materials, labs, workbooks, and other study tools included.

  • Visit our GMetrix guide for more details.

Cisco Networking Academy

Microsoft LEARN (Formerly Imagine Academy)

Microsoft LEARN Logo

  • Microsoft LEARN provides up-to-date information and hands-on training materials for people looking to learn or enhance their skills in Microsoft technologies.

  • Offers a wide range of free, self-paced courses, documentation, and tutorials, available to keep up-to-date with ever-changing products.

  • Visit our Microsoft LEARN guide for more details.

FREE CERTIFICATION EXAMS

QuickBooks Certification Badge
  •  
  • Use LinkedIn Learning, GMetrix, Cisco Networking Academy, and Microsoft LEARN to prepare.
  • Score 80% or higher on a practice test or (of show passing classroom grade)
  • Your library or partner agency will refer you to schedule your exam.  Exam voucher and proctoring are paid for by the state of Washington.
  • Visit How to Use the Free Certification Program for more details