Cookie Policy

Understanding how we use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how IT Skills Academy uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners. Cookies contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive and allow us to recognize your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting privacy preferences, logging in, or filling out forms. Essential cookies include:

  • Session management cookies that keep you logged in during your visit
  • Security cookies that authenticate users and prevent fraudulent use
  • Load balancing cookies that distribute website traffic efficiently
  • Cookie consent cookies that remember your cookie preferences

Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They allow us to:

  • Count visits and traffic sources to measure and improve website performance
  • Identify which pages are most and least popular
  • See how visitors move around the site
  • Identify technical issues and optimize user experience
  • Track course completion rates and learning progress (for enrolled students)

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use on our pages. Functional cookies help us:

  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Provide personalized content and course recommendations
  • Remember your progress through multi-page forms
  • Enable social media features and integrations
  • Provide live chat and customer support features

Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns. They help us:

  • Show you relevant course recommendations and educational content
  • Limit the number of times you see the same advertisement
  • Measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
  • Provide targeted content based on your interests
  • Enable remarketing to show relevant ads on other websites

3. Third-Party Cookies

We work with trusted third-party service providers who may place cookies on your device. These include:

Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about your use of our website, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, and pages visited. This information is used to compile reports and help us improve our website.

Social Media Platforms: We use social media plugins and widgets that may set cookies to enable sharing functionality and track social media interactions.

Payment Processors: When you make payments for courses, our payment processors may use cookies to ensure secure transactions and prevent fraud.

4. Cookie Duration

Cookies can be either session cookies or persistent cookies:

Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. They are used to maintain your session while you navigate through our website.

Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They are used to remember your preferences and provide a more personalized experience on return visits. Most of our persistent cookies expire within 12 months, though some may last up to 2 years.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies:

Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse all cookies, accept only certain cookies, or notify you when a cookie is being sent. However, please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

Cookie Consent Banner: When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to accept or customize your cookie preferences. You can change these preferences at any time by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting our site.

Opt-Out Tools: For advertising cookies, you can use industry opt-out tools such as the Digital Advertising Alliance's opt-out page or the Network Advertising Initiative's opt-out page.

6. Mobile Devices

Mobile devices may use different technologies for tracking, such as mobile advertising identifiers. You can control these through your device settings. For iOS devices, you can limit ad tracking in the Privacy settings. For Android devices, you can opt out of personalized ads in the Google Settings app.

7. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business practices. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy and, where appropriate, provide additional notice on our website.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us. We're committed to transparency and will be happy to explain our cookie practices in more detail.

Quick Cookie Guide

Essential: Required for website functionality - cannot be disabled

Analytics: Help us improve the website - can be disabled

Functional: Enhance your experience - can be disabled

Marketing: Show relevant content - can be disabled