AWS has a variety of resources to help you get started learning cloud tech. For Free!
When I started using AWS back in 2013 I had an objective, I needed to launch a website for an iPhone app I created. With over 200 services, navigating the AWS management console was intimidating to say the least. I didn't know where to even start. (I'm someone who had several years of tech experience to boot.)
Over the past several years, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has developed a suite of structured training programs designed to enhance your cloud computing knowledge. As you progress in your AWS journey, certifications serve as important milestones.
My primary motivation for pursuing AWS certifications has always been to validate my technical knowledge. The reason I've gone through certification are for the following benefits:
Structured Learning: Studying for a certification provides a coherent path through AWS's extensive portfolio of products and services.
Best Practices and Architecture: Studying for certification helps you understand industry best practices and effective architectural patterns for cloud solutions.
Practical Confidence: The process builds confidence in implementing cloud solutions in real-world scenarios.
Professional Credibility: Certifications enhance your credibility when working with clients or stakeholders, they demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Current Technology: Preparation and ongoing recertification ensure you stay updated with the latest cloud technologies and innovations.
AWS certifications not only validate your existing knowledge but also provide a structured framework for continuous learning and professional growth in the continually evolving field of cloud computing.
If you are just getting started in the cloud or technology, I believe the AWS Cloud Practitioner foundational certification is great place to start. Studying for this certification provides a solid foundation in AWS's product ecosystem, the Well-Architected Framework, cloud best practices, the Cloud Adoption Framework, security protocols, and pricing models. This comprehensive knowledge base equips you with essential skills for navigating the AWS landscape effectively.
Let's look at the AWS free resources available to those new to the cloud or tech in general.
If you have very little technical experience the next couple of resources are for you . . .
AWS Skills Centers
AWS Skills Centers offer free instructor led training. Yes, a person @aws you can actually ask questions of!
At the Skills Centers, AWS instructors lead live training, enabling participants from all technology backgrounds to explore cloud career possibilities. You can attend classes in person In Seattle, Arlington Va. or Cape Town South Africa. Can't attend in person? You can join live sessions from anywhere in the world remotely. Check out the Skills Center page for more info.
AWS SKills Centers
AWS Educate
Another great free learning option for entry level cloud learners is AWS Educate.
AWS Educate has content that is designed for beginners. Learners as young as 13 can sign up. No credit card is needed and there is a job board available for those 18+. As you learn new technologies you'll earn digital badges that you can post on your social medial profiles to help recognize your progress learning new technologies. Check out the AWS Educate page for more information.
AWS Digital Badge
AWS Skill Builder
AWS Skill Builder is an online learning platform that has foundational up to advanced level courses available. The cool thing here is that there are more than 600 free courses and lab experiences in up to 20 languages. A large amount of training and labs for the Cloud Practitioner Certification are available for free without a subscription. This link will bring you to a few that I think are really helpful.
Free SkillBuilder courses, labs, and gamified learning.
As you can see there are several ways to get started learning cloud technology. One additional document worth looking at is the official AWS Cloud Essentials Ramp up Guide. Go get that certification!
Did I miss a free resource? feel free to add it in the comments.
Any opinions in this post are those of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of AWS.
