DENVER, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ACI Learning, a leader in IT, cybersecurity, and audit training, today announced the release of its new report, The State of Skills Training in Tech & Cybersecurity. The study reveals what business leaders and learners say is working in training today, what’s missing, and the skills most in demand over the next 18 months.

Key Findings

Training matters more than ever—but it must be hands-on, flexible, structured, and outcome-driven to deliver results. Leaders emphasized four essentials of effective training:

Hands-on labs for real-world application
Flexible access to fit busy schedules
Clear learning paths tied to certifications and growth
Tangible outcomes like productivity and performance gains

What Businesses Gain

74% of business respondents were IT or cybersecurity leaders, and they agreed: effective training is a strategic tool. Companies reported benefits including faster onboarding, higher productivity, improved compliance, and stronger retention.

What Learners Value

Learners identified confidence as the top outcome of training. Many credited courses with promotions or raises. The most effective tools include video-based lessons, practice assessments, and virtual labs that simulate real work environments.

What’s Urgent Now

While networking, systems, and security remain foundational, demand for AI, cloud, and automation training is rising rapidly. Leaders also highlighted the need for process frameworks and role-based training beyond certifications.

Barriers and Gaps

Top challenges include inflexible tools, lack of advanced content, poor visibility, and unclear learning paths. Leaders stressed that off-the-shelf content alone isn’t enough—they want customizable, role-specific programs that go deeper.

“This report makes it clear—effective training is no longer a perk, it’s a business necessity,” said Scott Horn, CEO of ACI Learning. “Both cybersecurity and IT leaders and learners want hands-on, structured, and flexible programs that deliver measurable outcomes. That’s the model ACI Learning is delivering.”

Read the Full Report

The complete report, The State of Skills Training in Tech & Cybersecurity, is available now at ACI Learning 2025: State of Skills in Tech & Cybersecurity.

About ACI Learning
ACI Learning is where audit, IT and cybersecurity teams go to get certified, compliant, and job-ready. With cert-aligned courses, hands-on labs, and 90%+ completion rates, ACI delivers training that works—and proves ROI without the complexity.

Media Contact:
Kate Matty, Director of Content and Brand
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