AWS (Amazon Web Services) is one of the leading cloud platforms in the world. Whether you're a developer, data analyst, system admin, or student, learning AWS can open up countless career and project opportunities.
In this guide, you’ll find a step-by-step approach to learning AWS the right way—starting from the basics and building your way up to more in-depth knowledge, along with hands-on experience.
Step-by-step guide to learning AWS
1. Learn the fundamentals of AWS and cloud computing
Start by learning the fundamentals of AWS and cloud computing which may include basic understanding of cloud computing and the specific services offered by AWS. While learning the fundamentals, you’ll also learn about:
EC2 (virtual servers)
S3 (object storage)
RDS (databases)
IAM (user permissions)
Lambda (serverless functions)
Recommended read: What is Cloud Computing?
Additionally, you can take beginner-friendly AWS courses on platforms like YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, or the official AWS learning platform.
2. Create an AWS free-tier account
Once you’ve understood the basics, set up a free AWS account to practice what you’ve learned. The Free Tier includes many services that are free to use up to certain limits.
You can sign up for the free tier at the following link: https://aws.amazon.com/free
3. Follow a learning path based on your role
Depending on who you are and the depth of knowledge you need, you can choose a learning track for yourself. Here are a few sample learning paths for you on the basis of job roles:
Developer: Learn Lambda, API Gateway, EC2, S3, DynamoDB
SysAdmin/DevOps: Lear EC2, VPC, CloudFormation, IAM, CloudWatch
Data Engineer: Learn S3, Redshift, Glue, Athena
Beginner: Start with Cloud Practitioner Essentials
You can check out the official AWS courses for more information.
4. Practice with hands-on projects
Take up sample projects and practice with them. This builds real confidence. Use AWS Free Tier and AWS Hands-On Labs to practice safely.
Think of project ideas that you take up. Here are some sample ones to get you started:
Host a static website on S3
Launch a WordPress site on EC2
Create a Lambda function to send emails
5. Get a certification (Optional)
Certifications help if you want to validate your skills or apply for jobs. For this, you’ll need to take an exam. Once you pass the exam, you’ll be rewarded with the AWS certificate. You can check out more details on this on their official website.
FAQ
Do I need coding knowledge to learn AWS?
You don’t necessarily need coding knowledge to learn AWS. For basic services and Cloud Practitioner learning, no coding is needed. But for DevOps or advanced usage, basic scripting helps.
Is AWS free to learn?
Yes. Many learning materials and services on the Free Tier are 100% free if used within limits.
How long does it take to learn AWS?
For beginners, 1–2 months of consistent learning can help you gain a solid foundation. The duration ultimately depends on what kind of expertise you’re looking to gain.
Can I get a job after learning AWS?
Yes, roles like cloud engineer, DevOps, support specialist, and solutions architect often require AWS knowledge.
