Free Career Tools

Are you looking for a new career path but don't know where to start? We have collected everything you need in one place. Discover your best job match, compare pay rates, and download free kits to help

Resources for every
career stage

As a workforce development nonprofit, our mission goes beyond certificates—it’s about empowering you to build the career you’ve always dreamed of.

Whether you upskill through our programs or on your own, these tools are designed to help you succeed.

lock_open At no cost — no signup required
volunteer_activism From Merit America, a workforce nonprofit
groups 20,000+ alumni nationwide
Professional reviewing data on a laptop
work

Working Professionals

Learn what makes you unique and how well-suited you are to your current role.

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Career Changers

Thinking about what’s next? Use these tools to point you in the right direction.

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Returning to Work

Learn how to apply your existing skills and translate them into where you’re going.

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Entering the Workforce

See the range of careers you can pursue aligned with your interests.

One skill at a time, when a career change isn’t right yet.

Essentials Courses are short skill-builders for adults who want a focused win without committing to a longer career program. All four run 3–6 weeks at 10 hours per week, at no cost.

Swipe to see all four programs arrow_forward
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Workplace AI Essentials

calendar_today 6 weeks schedule 10 hrs/week No cost

Build practical AI skills you can use immediately at work — no technical background required.

  • check_circle Master effective prompting
  • check_circle Automate routine tasks
  • check_circle Portfolio-ready capstone
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Digital Tools Essentials

calendar_today 3–4 weeks signal_cellular_alt No experience No cost

Foundational digital literacy for confident workplace navigation and beyond.

  • check_circle Google Workspace + online platforms
  • check_circle Pro communication in Slack & Zoom
  • check_circle Foundation for advanced training
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Career Readiness Essentials

calendar_today 6 weeks schedule 10 hrs/week No cost

Build the workplace soft skills employers expect, plus a polished professional brand.

  • check_circle Communication + conflict resolution
  • check_circle Polished resume + LinkedIn profile
  • check_circle Personalized career plan
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school

GED Prep Essentials

calendar_today 6 weeks schedule 10 hrs/week No cost

Build the study habits and confidence to pass all four GED subjects in six weeks.

  • check_circle Personalized plan + AI study tools
  • check_circle Adult test-taking strategies
  • check_circle Math, language arts, science, social studies
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Need more than a skill boost?

Career Tracks are our 12–22 week programs built to launch you into a new career in IT, Data, UX, Cybersecurity, and more — with industry-recognized certificates from providers like Google.

Explore Career Tracks arrow_forward

Career Tools

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QUESTION 1 OF 6
Stability
Growth
Career Discovery

Find a path that values your experience

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Identify your hidden transferable skills.
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Get matched to high-growth roles.
View Your Match arrow_forward
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Potential Salary
$75,000/yr
Data Explorer

See exactly what your talent is worth

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View local salary data for beginner roles.
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Negotiate future offers with confidence.
insights Powered by Lightcast labor market data
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Reviewing a resume
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ATS-Friendly
Optimized for screening.
Templates

Modernize your resume for today’s market

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Download 2026 ATS-friendly templates.
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Learn how to professionally explain resume gaps.
Download Kit download
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ASSESSMENT
B2
Identify the objective.
To establish protocols.
Skill Assessment

Test your workplace English readiness

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Receive an immediate proficiency baseline.
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Determine your readiness for tech training.
Take Assessment spellcheck
Professional taking notes
Career Pause | 2022–2024
Focused on full-time caregiving while completing online coursework…
Career Guide

Turn your career break into a comeback

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Reframe your experience as growth, not loss.
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Learn how to handle résumé gaps confidently.
Read Guide arrow_forward

Open Resource Library

Access tools, guides, and support systems curated by Merit America. Whether you are navigating a career change or looking for personal support, these resources are available to everyone.

Daily Essentials

Support for everyday needs including housing, food security, transportation, and caregiving resources.

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9 Resources

Career & Financial

Tools for navigating the job market, securing disability accommodations, and free financial coaching.

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4 Resources

Tech & Up-skilling

Access to refurbished devices, free Wi-Fi spots, English language education, and track-specific practice.

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9 Resources

Health & Wellbeing

Confidential crisis support, free therapy, grief counseling, and LGBTQIA+ community resources.

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11 Resources
No resources found matching your search. Try a different keyword.

Daily Essentials

Aging

AARP Friendly Voice – We may be isolated, but we don’t have to be alone. Trained AARP Friendly Voice volunteers will provide a call to say hello.

Request a call:

  • Call 1-888-281-0145 and leave your information, someone will call you back.
  • Llámanos directamente al 1-888-497-4108.
Caregiving (for Adults & Children)
Cold Weather & Storm Alerts

Access severe cold and winter storm updates that can affect travel, power, heating, and personal safety. These national resources provide real-time alerts and safety guidance.

Discount Codes: Wizard Perks

Wizard Perks are benefits designed to support you with practical solutions that make everyday challenges easier to manage. You have access to discounts such as:

  • Exclusive hotel deals when you’ve got an interview in another city.
  • Car rental discounts when your car’s in the shop and you need to get to work.
  • Free items on Wednesdays to help stretch your budget!

Learn more and access Wizard Perks.

Food Insecurity & Local Food Banks

Feeding America: Find your local food bank here.

USDA National Hunger Hotline: Aids low-income individuals or communities by providing food assistance and other nutrition and social services information.

  • By Phone: 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time)
  • By Text: Text to 914-342-7744 with a keyword such as “food” or “meals” to receive automated local resources.

Explore Federal Food Assistance Programs

Formerly Incarcerated

Resources for anyone impacted by the justice system:

  • Federal Bonding Program (U.S. Department of Labor) – offers no-cost fidelity bonds to returning citizens and other hard-to-place job applicants.
  • Record Clearing (a.k.a. “expungement”, “non-disclosure”, or “record sealing”).
  • Career One Stop – Offers guidance for ex-offenders seeking employment.
Housing
Immigrant Rights & Resources
Transportation
  • Essentials to Work (in partnership with Lyft) – may provide no-cost transportation to interviews.
  • 211 (United Way) – By calling 211 or visiting 211.org, people can search for free or discounted transportation options in their area.
Veterans

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (24/7): Assists homeless Veterans and their families.

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces.

Career & Financial

Accommodations and Disabilities

JAN Network – The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a comprehensive resource offering free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues.

Job Concerns and Supports
  • Empowerwork.org – Empower Work is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the way people receive support in the workplace.
  • EARN Job Seeker Resources – Target audience: learners with disabilities.
Remote Job Boards

Remote Work-focused Sites:

TrustPlus: Free Financial Coaching

Your well-being matters. All One Health offers free, confidential support for everything from stress and relationships to financial concerns and mental health.

Tech & Up-skilling

Affordable Tech Support

👉 Pro tip: If the issue is software-related, start with free options. Paid services usually only make sense for hardware issues.

Free Tech Support Options:

  • Reddit’s r/techsupport – Active online community.
  • Microsoft Support / Apple Support
  • Local Public Libraries
  • Senior Planet / OATS
  • Manufacturer Support

Low-Cost Tech Support Options:

  • Best Buy Geek Squad
  • uBreakiFix (by Asurion)
  • Local Computer Repair Shops
  • Micro Center / Staples Tech Services
Chrome Extensions: Accessibility

25 Google Chrome Extensions for Accessibility – Links to a variety of extensions that support speech-to-text, text-to-speech, readability, and focus.

Community Centers
English Language Resources
Hotspot and Wi-Fi Resources
Merit America FAQs

We understand starting a new program can feel overwhelming. Read our Merit America FAQs for advice and answers from the Merit America Team!

Refurbished Laptops
Track-Specific Up-Skilling

All of the following resources are free so you will not need to pay anything to start practicing!

Cyber Security: CyberDefenders

Data Analytics: Kaggle

Human Resources: 10 In-Demand HR Skills | How to Break Into the Field

IT Support: OverTheWire

Project Management: Scrum Training | Trello | ClickUp

UX Design: Figma Best Practices | Daily UI | Sharpen | UX Games

Health & Wellbeing

Abuse
Addiction
All One Health: Free Therapy

Your well-being matters. All One Health offers free, confidential support for everything from stress and relationships to financial concerns and mental health.

Explore All One Health services here.

Autism

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan.

Bullying
Crime
Grief
LGBTQIA+ Support
Natural Disaster Relief

Disaster Distress Helpline:

  • Phone: 1-800-985-5990
  • Text: TalkWithUs to 66746

Hurricanes & Federal Relief:

Physical Fitness
  • Darebee.com – 100% free site with visual workout plans.
  • HASfit – Free fitness programs.
Self-Harm & Suicide

National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Dial 988 to connect with trained professionals 24/7.

S.A.F.E. Alternatives / RAINN: Call 1-800-366-8288.