Is the Linux Foundation Zero Trust Course LFS183 Free?

The Linux Foundation’s Introduction to Zero Trust course (LFS183) is free to audit—you can access all video lectures, readings, and quizzes without paying anything. However, if you want a certificate of completion, you must purchase the verified track, which typically costs around $299 (pricing may vary). The free audit gives you full access to the course content for a limited time, while the paid version adds a certificate and sometimes extended access.

Formula

The calculator above computes the effective cost per hour of learning for the LFS183 course, using the formula:

Cost per hour = Course fee ÷ Total study time

Where:

• Course fee (in USD) – what you pay for the verified certificate track (the free audit costs $0).
• Total study time (in hours) – how long you expect to spend on lectures, labs, and quizzes.

The result tells you how much you are effectively paying per hour of content, which helps you decide if the certificate is worth it for your budget.

Worked Example

Using the default values: a course fee of $299 and a study time of 20 hours.

• Cost per hour = $299 ÷ 20 = $14.95/hour

So, if you spend 20 hours on the course, each hour of learning costs about $15 when you buy the certificate. If you audit for free, your cost per hour is $0.

What Exactly Is LFS183?

LFS183 is a self-paced, online course offered by The Linux Foundation as part of its training catalog. It introduces the Zero Trust security model—a framework that assumes no user or device is trusted by default, even if inside the network perimeter. The course covers core concepts like identity, device trust, network segmentation, and continuous verification. It is designed for IT professionals, security engineers, and anyone starting in cybersecurity.

The course is delivered through the edX platform, where The Linux Foundation hosts many of its free courses. You can enroll in the audit track at no cost, which gives you access to most course materials for a set period (usually several weeks). The paid verified track adds a certificate and sometimes longer access to the content.

How the Free Audit Works

When you enroll in LFS183 on edX, you’ll see two options: “Audit� and “Verified.� Choosing Audit lets you start learning immediately without paying. You can watch videos, read transcripts, and attempt quizzes. However, you won’t receive a certificate, and you may lose access after the course ends (typically 10–12 weeks from the start date). Some learners find that the audit track is enough to learn the material, especially if they don’t need proof of completion for a job or resume.

To switch to the verified track later, you can upgrade before the course ends. The price is set by edX and The Linux Foundation, and it often includes a discount if you upgrade early. Always check the edX course page for the current fee and upgrade deadline.

What You Get With the Paid Certificate

Paying for the verified track gives you:

• A shareable certificate of completion (with your name and the course title).
• Graded assignments that count toward a final score.
• Access to the course after the audit period ends (usually for as long as the course is archived).
• Support from edX and The Linux Foundation, though response times vary.

The certificate can be added to your LinkedIn profile or resume, which may help in job applications. However, it is not a formal certification like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP—it’s more of a proof that you completed a short course.

Is the Certificate Worth the Cost?

That depends on your goals. If you just want to understand Zero Trust principles, the free audit is sufficient. If you need a credential for a job requirement or to show a manager, the certificate might be worth it. Compare the cost to other security training: many online courses charge $50–$500 for certificates, and LFS183 sits in the mid-range. The Linux Foundation is a reputable organization, so the certificate carries some weight, but it’s not a substitute for hands-on experience or a full security certification.

One common misconception is that the free audit gives you a certificate—it does not. Another is that you can get the certificate for free by applying for financial aid. edX does offer financial assistance for verified tracks, but approval is not guaranteed and requires an application. If you are a student or from a low-income country, you may qualify for a discount, but you must apply and provide documentation.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Learners often run into a few issues:

• Missing the upgrade deadline: If you want the certificate, upgrade before the course ends. Once the course is over, you can’t upgrade.
• Losing access after audit: The audit track is time-limited. If you need more time, either upgrade or plan to finish within the audit window.
• Assuming the course is a certification: LFS183 is a short course, not a full certification. It won’t replace a vendor-neutral security certification.
• Not using the labs: Some courses include hands-on labs, but LFS183 is mostly conceptual. Don’t expect to configure a Zero Trust network after this course—it’s an introduction.

Alternatives to LFS183

If you’re interested in Zero Trust but want a different format or price, consider:

• Free resources: NIST’s Zero Trust Architecture publication (SP 800-207) is free and is the basis for many courses.
• Vendor courses: Microsoft, Google, and AWS offer free or low-cost Zero Trust learning paths on their own platforms.
• Other Linux Foundation courses: They have other security courses like LFS201 (Linux System Administration) that may complement your skills.

But if you want a structured, vendor-neutral introduction, LFS183 is a solid choice—especially since the audit is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a certificate for free?

No, the certificate is only available with the paid verified track. The free audit gives you access to content but not a certificate.

How long do I have to complete the free audit?

The audit period is typically about 10–12 weeks from the course start date. After that, you lose access unless you upgrade.

Is LFS183 recognized by employers?

Some employers value it as evidence of self-learning, but it’s not a formal certification. It’s more like a continuing education course.

Do I need prior security knowledge?

No, the course is introductory. Basic IT knowledge helps, but you can start from scratch.

Can I upgrade to verified after starting the audit?

Yes, you can upgrade at any time before the course ends. The price may increase after a certain date, so check early.

Is the course available on other platforms?

LFS183 is hosted on edX. The Linux Foundation also offers some courses on its own platform, but this one is on edX.

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in t | Time to complete | hours | 20 | 0
in c | Course fee (USD) | USD | 299 | 0
out hourly | Cost per hour (with cert) | USD/hour | c / t | 2
out cert | Certificate included | - | 1 | 0