CBT Nuggets Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025

CBT Nuggets is an online IT training platform offering on-demand video courses and practice tools for tech certifications. It competes with other e-learning providers by focusing on IT, networking, and security topics (unlike general homework sites). This article gives students and parents an in-depth look at CBT Nuggets – its reviews, pricing, and how it stacks up against alternatives – to help them make informed decisions.

CBT Nuggets Reviews and Testimonials

G2 (IT Training Category – 469 reviews, 4.7/5): G2 shows CBT Nuggets has 469 reviews and a 4.7/5 average rating. Reviewers praise the “very knowledgeable trainers” and broad content library. Pros include clear, concise videos and up-to-date material. A few reviewers want even more content (e.g. “more videos on cybersecurity”). Overall, feedback is positive about course quality, but some wish for deeper coverage in advanced topics.

Trustpilot (4 reviews, 3.4/5): Trustpilot has only 4 reviews (average 3.4/5). One user complained it was “Expensive! Not worth the money”. Another liked the high-quality training but noted the “downside is the high price”. A third said CBT Nuggets continued charging after a trial and “refused to refund”. These comments highlight high cost and refund issues as negatives. However, even those reviewers acknowledged the content itself is good.

Software Advice (3 reviews, 4.7/5): On Software Advice, three verified business users rated CBT Nuggets 4.7/5. They commend the trainers and thoroughness. For example, one said “the trainers keep things simple” and praised the quizzes and certificates. Another noted it’s “amazing” for beginners and delivers high-quality content. No major drawbacks were mentioned beyond wishing for more advanced topics.

Company Website (Learner Stories): CBT Nuggets’ site hosts testimonials from learners. These often echo the positive G2/SW Advice themes: learners appreciate the engaging instructors and complete course library. For example, they highlight “informative, meaningful, and engaging” videos and friendly coaches. The site does not feature any negative testimonials.

Is CBT Nuggets Legit? Based on the above, CBT Nuggets is a legitimate platform. It’s well-established (founded in 1999) and used by many learners and companies. Users generally confirm it delivers real training as advertised – they get access to all content they pay for. The only complaints arise from its no-refund policy and relatively high price. In summary, CBT Nuggets is credible and effective for IT learning; just note the cost can be steep and refunds are not given once paid.

Summary: Overall, CBT Nuggets gets strong marks for course content and instructors. It has very few technical issues reported. The main negatives are pricing and refund policies. Many users feel it is more expensive than alternatives. But almost all reviews agree the training itself is high-quality and the platform is reliable.

CBT Nuggets Pricing

Pricing Range

CBT Nuggets is a subscription service, not a per-hour tutoring marketplace. Plans start at $59 USD per learner per month (billed monthly), or $599 USD per learner per year (an annual plan, saving 15%). All learners get full access to the entire course library and features; there are no a la carte options or commission fees. Tax may apply on top of these prices. In other words, if you subscribe, you can watch unlimited videos on any subject and use all labs and quizzes.

CBT Nuggets mainly offers IT certification training. It does not sell individual homework help or essay writing services. Thus there aren’t separate prices for different subjects. The price is the same whether you study networking or cybersecurity. There are special offerings: for example, active US military personnel can get IT training for a flat $599 through credentialing assistance. For businesses or government teams, CBT Nuggets provides group licenses (you talk to sales for pricing).

For more details see their pricing page.

What students say about CBT Nuggets Pricing

Many learners feel CBT Nuggets’ subscription is above average in cost. One Trustpilot user said it was “Expensive, not worth the money”. Another mentioned cheaper options (Pluralsight, ITProTV) exist. On Reddit, one user noted: “$60 a month… you’re going to take about 3 months for a cert… that’s $180+ for one video series. Sometimes you can find a good course for $10 on Udemy”. In other words, students often compare it to cheaper course sites and find CBT Nuggets pricier.

Compared to industry averages, it is relatively high. For example, Pluralsight’s standard plan is about $29 per month. Many Udemy courses cost under $20 each (one-time). So CBT Nuggets charges a premium for its all-you-can-eat library of premium content. Whether it is worth it depends on how much you use it. If you need many courses and labs, the price could be justified. Some reviews hint that heavy users feel the quality is worth the price, but more casual learners prefer cheaper alternatives.

Hidden costs

There are no hidden sign-up or cancellation fees. There is no extra registration charge beyond the subscription price on CBT Nuggets. The only additional cost is any applicable sales tax. Also, if you cancel mid-period, you don’t get money back for unused time. The Help Center notes that you must turn off auto-renew, and you keep access until the end of the paid term. They mention no refund. So the key “hidden” cost is simply that cancellations don’t reimburse any payments. Other than that, what you see is what you pay (plus tax).

How CBT Nuggets’ pricing works

You can pay monthly or annually by credit card. CBT Nuggets does not hire independent tutors – all instructors are company employees – so you do not pay them directly. Instead, your subscription fee goes to the company. For individuals, payment is upfront (monthly or yearly in advance). For teams, companies can get quotes and perhaps invoice deals. There are no group discounts advertised, except the standard 15% off for yearly plans. The site does not list any promo codes (though outside sites sometimes offer discounts).

Payment is fully in advance. There is no “pay after class” or “pay per hour” option. If your organization is eligible (like Active Military), they have fixed pricing like $599 for full access. Otherwise, it’s a self-paid subscription. There are no free Skype hours or extra add-ons – everything is bundled in the subscription.

Free Trial

Yes – a 7-day free trial is available. You can sign up and explore the entire CBT Nuggets library for a week at no cost. During the trial you get instant access to all videos, labs, practice exams, and features. (Just cancel before 7 days if you don’t want to be charged.) This gives a risk-free way to test the content.

Refund policy

CBT Nuggets’ official policy is that all payments are non-refundable. In other words, once you pay for a subscription, you cannot get your money back. Users on review sites have highlighted this. For example, one reviewer said they canceled their trial but were still charged repeatedly, and then CBT Nuggets “refused to refund”. Another noted that customer support insisted charges were final. In short, don’t expect a refund if you change your mind mid-subscription.

Because of this strict policy, many users recommend you only pay after you’re sure. The Help Center only explains how to cancel auto-renew; it never mentions refunds. In practice, reviews suggest CBT Nuggets sticks to its policy – dissatisfied users have trouble getting any money back. (One user called their billing practice “unfair” on Reddit.)

Overall, while CBT Nuggets promises a “great learning experience,” in reality it does not offer a satisfaction guarantee or refund. This is a drawback compared to some competitors (e.g. QuickStart, which has a money-back guarantee). Students should be aware: if you buy a subscription and later want to cancel, you will still lose the money already paid.

CBT Nuggets Alternatives

Even if you like CBT Nuggets, students often consider alternatives for cost, coverage, or teaching style. Common reasons include finding cheaper courses, wanting more interactive help, or looking for non-IT subjects. In summary, many alternatives exist that cater to different needs: some focus on video courses, others on 1:1 tutoring or general homework help.

Popular alternatives include Pluralsight (another IT course library), Udemy (one-time courses, broader topics), ITProTV (live IT classes), and tutoring services like My Engineering Buddy (MEB), Chegg, or Course Hero (for homework help). These options offer different balances of price, subjects, and teaching style.

Each alternative has its own pros and cons relative to CBT Nuggets:

• Pluralsight: Similar in scope but often cheaper, with large libraries of tech videos. Pros: usually lower cost (e.g. ~$29/mo) and good learning paths. Cons: its instructors may be slower to answer questions; some say CBT’s community is more responsive. Pluralsight also has more frequent updates but a slightly less personal feel than CBT.
  

• Udemy: Offers individual courses often under $20 (especially on sale). Pros: very low prices and huge variety (not just IT). Cons: course quality varies widely, no unified curriculum, and no labs or support included. Unlike CBT, you buy courses one-off, and there’s no progress tracking across courses.

  

• ITProTV (Pluralsight): IT course library with live instructor-led shows. Pros: very engaging hosts and a fun style; also cheaper monthly plans around $35. Cons: The content focuses on streaming shows, and some say CBT has more practice exercises. ITProTV is more entertaining, CBT is more concise.

  

• My Engineering Buddy: A live 1:1 tutoring service focused on engineering and STEM. Pros: personalized help for complex homework; tutors guide step-by-step. Cons: Not a course library; sessions cost by minute. Compared to CBT, MEB is better for homework help in advanced subjects, whereas CBT is better for self-paced certification study.

  

Other alternatives include general tutoring sites like Chegg or Course Hero, which are more for homework answers and tutoring in a wide range of subjects. Those are cheaper per question but do not offer structured courses or labs.

Each student’s needs differ. If you want guided on-demand videos and lab practice in IT certifications, CBT Nuggets is strong. If you need broader or cheaper content, or live tutor interaction, alternatives like Udemy or MEB may serve you better.

How it Works?

For Students

Students sign up on the CBT Nuggets website by creating an account and choosing a plan. You usually start with the 7-day free trial, then enter payment info for a subscription. No lengthy forms are needed; it’s straightforward web signup. Once subscribed, learners log in to the CBT Nuggets portal or mobile sitecommunity. at any time.

Instead of live tutors, students access a library of recorded videos. To “connect” with an instructor, you use the on-site features: videos have embedded quizzes and there is a Slack community where you can ask questions. CBT does not match you with a personal tutor or schedule live one-on-one sessions. It’s self-directed learning. If you have questions, you can reach out via the learner community or chat support.

Scheduling is simple: there is none. You watch videos whenever you want (24/7 access) and do labs on your own time. You don’t book sessions in advance. You just log in and start learning right away. In short, CBT Nuggets is entirely on-demand for students, with no fixed class times or appointments needed.

For Tutors

CBT Nuggets does not operate like other tutoring marketplaces. You cannot just sign up and offer private lessons. Instead, “tutors” are hired by CBT Nuggets as professional course creators. To become an instructor, one must apply to CBT Nuggets’ career openings (they advertise jobs on their site). There is an official “Become a Trainer” page inviting experts to apply. Hired trainers then create course videos and labs according to company guidelines.

In practical terms, there is no fixed “hourly rate” set by tutors themselves. Instructors receive a salary or contract pay from CBT Nuggets. They enjoy benefits, flexible schedules, and set their own hours as employees. To get started as an instructor, you would send your resume via the link on the site (the “VIEW open jobs” button).

FAQ for tutors:

• Can tutors set their own fees or are they fixed? CBT Nuggets trainers are company employees or contractors, so they do not set their own rates. Pay is determined by CBT Nuggets, not by individual tutors.

• What is the earning potential? Exact salaries aren’t public, but Glassdoor reviewers note CBT pays “good pay and benefits”glassdoor.com. Employees mention strong insurance and bonuses.

• How many hours can a tutor work? Trainers typically work full-time hours, but they have flexibility. According to CBT, trainers “set their own hours” and enjoy flexible schedules. Workload varies with course production needs.

• Is it easy to get students? CBT Nuggets courses are consumed by any subscriber, so instructors don’t find students personally. All learners have access to published courses, and there is no need to market yourself.

• Tips for tutors to get more students: Not applicable, since instructors create content for all users rather than individual students. The focus for instructors is on making engaging, clear videos (using interactive quizzes and lab exercises) so that the general audience stays subscribed.

• What tutors like: Employees praise the collaborative culture and benefits. They often mention excellent health coverage, profit-sharing, and a supportive teamglassdoor.com indeed.com. Many note a great work-life balance and the freedom of remote work. The company’s internal training time (30 minutes per day for personal learning) is also seen as a perk.

• What tutors do not like: Some reviews cite management and stability issues. For example, a few mention shifting priorities and a lack of clear direction from leadership. One reviewer complained about a culture of fear and no job security. In summary, instructors enjoy the benefits and mission, but have criticized upper management changes and occasional chaotic planning.

FAQs About CBT Nuggets

• How does CBT Nuggets compare to My Engineering Buddy? CBT Nuggets is a self-study video platform for IT and tech topics, whereas My Engineering Buddy (MEB) offers live 1:1 tutoring in engineering and related subjects. CBT delivers on-demand courses and labs, while MEB connects you with a tutor who helps solve your specific homework problems. In user reviews, students praise MEB for hands-on help (e.g. a tutor making tough physics easy), whereas CBT Nuggets is valued for its comprehensive video library and expert-led training.

• Is there a free trial at CBT Nuggets? Yes. CBT Nuggets offers a 7-day free trial that gives you full access to its entire course library and tools. You can explore all videos, practice exams, and labs during the trial. Just remember to cancel within 7 days if you do not want to continue with a paid subscription, because after that you’ll be billed.

• What subjects does CBT Nuggets cover? CBT Nuggets focuses on technical and professional topics. Its library includes IT and networking (Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, cloud platforms), cybersecurity (CISSP, Security+), cloud computing (AWS, Azure certifications), devops and programming, plus some business and office software (they also mention project management and MS Office). It does not cover unrelated fields like humanities or primary math.

• Does CBT Nuggets provide certificates? Yes. CBT Nuggets courses include “certificates of completion” for each training series. These are digital badges you can share after finishing a course. Note these are completion certificates, not official industry certifications. They simply show you finished the video series.

• Do I need any prior experience to use CBT Nuggets? No previous IT background is required. CBT’s FAQs state that “you don’t need to have any previous IT experience to start”. They offer beginner-level content all the way to advanced. So whether you are new to networking or an IT pro looking for a specific cert, you can start learning on CBT Nuggets.

• Does CBT Nuggets have a mobile app? No. As of mid-2024, CBT Nuggets retired its Android and iOS apps. Instead, users are directed to use the mobile-friendly website for training. So you can still learn on your phone or tablet by opening their site in a web browser, but there is no downloadable app anymore.

• Where is CBT Nuggets based? CBT Nuggets is headquartered in Oregon, USAhighperformr.ai (the website “Our Story” also notes the Eugene office). It was founded in 1999 and is now part of the Cengage Group (acquired 2021). Although US-based, its online platform serves a global audience.

• Does CBT Nuggets offer refunds? No. CBT Nuggets’ terms specify that all payments are non-refundable. In practice, if you cancel after paying, you will not get money back. Reviewers have complained that charges are final and refunds are not given. (This is unlike some competitors that have money-back guarantees.)

• Is CBT Nuggets subscription-based or pay-per-course? Subscription-based. You pay a flat fee ($59/mo or $599/yr) for unlimited access to all content. You do not buy individual courses. Once subscribed, you can use any course in their library at no extra cost.

• Who is CBT Nuggets best for? It is mainly aimed at IT learners – from students studying for certifications to professionals seeking career skills. It’s especially good if you want structured, certificate-focused training with hands-on labs. It’s less suitable if you need live tutoring or subjects outside IT. For math/homework help in engineering, a service like MEB might be better suited.

Conclusion

CBT Nuggets offers a vast, high-quality library of IT training videos and labs, with top-notch instructors and modern features (virtual labs, quizzes, Slack community). This makes it strong for certification prep and self-paced learning. Its weaknesses are mostly about cost and policies: the subscription is relatively high, and payments are non-refundable. For students who value personal attention on complex homework, My Engineering Buddy may be a better fit – MEB provides expert tutors in STEM fields and one-on-one assistance. In other words, CBT Nuggets is great if you need broad, expert-curated IT content 24/7, but for challenging engineering problems or homework, consider MEB’s personalized approach.

Sources: Information is drawn from CBT Nuggets’ own site, industry review sites, and user reviews. All data and quotes are cited above.