Top 7 Sources for Learning AWS on Your Own

We’re not all the same – hence, we don’t learn the same. For some, actual teaching and guidance are musts, and others prefer independent, self-paced learning. However, the latter kind still needs quality sources and educational content to start on the right foot.

The quality of materials makes all the difference when:

• You’re diving into something completely new
• You’re studying a highly technical topic
• You’re learning to reskill/upskill rather than simply pass the time

If mastering cloud computing and Amazon Web Services (AWS) ticks all these boxes for you, let’s see what sources could help you understand the topic in-depth without any help from educators or mentors!

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide with Online Labs: Foundational (CLF-C01) Exam by Ben Piper and David Clinton

Why is this book a good choice for learning AWS?

• It follows the latest AWS CCP exam pattern (CLF-C01)
• It’s published in 2020, so the information is up-to-date
• It includes a code for free access to unique lab modules, practice exams, and AWS training flashcards

AWS Cloud Practitioner certification training course by BitDegree Academy

What makes this AWS training course better than others on the market?

• It’s very up-to-date – created in the fall of 2020 and constantly updated
• It’s all-inclusive – you get 8+ hours of videos, plus quizzes and practice exams (these can also be bought separately, by the way)
• It’s expert-made – the creators collaborate with educational scientists and AWS Pros
• You only pay once to get forever access (no regular subscription fees)
• It can offer personal AWS training mentorship if you need it (3 plans to choose from)

AWS Whitepapers

Yes, these might seem dull – but should you include them in your AWS training? Definitely yes – and here’s why:

• There’s a ton of exact technical information – you won’t find more anywhere!
• You can pick different formats (HTML, PDF, or Kindle) for reading most of them
• They’re easy to choose and use with precise filters and searchable formats

AWS Free Tier

What is it, and why should you dedicate some time for it as you learn AWS?

• The Free Tier allows beginners to explore the platform for free, using a limited amount of resources
• It includes 80+ AWS products and services
• Free offers last either 12 months, a shorter trial period, or forever
• A great way to put the knowledge you gained during AWS training to practice

The AWS YouTube Channel

Why should you look into this as you plan your AWS training?

• It contains various types of content (from introduction videos to AWS re:Invent keynote presentations)
• Short videos include explanations and demonstrations that don’t take up a ton of your time
• Playlists are well-organized according to their topics and hence easy to navigate

The AWS subreddit on Reddit

Of course, this is not something you could use as your main and complete resource when learning AWS – but why is it worth your time?

• 150,000+ members and 12+ years makes for a ton of questions, answers, and discussions
• There’s more focus on AWS training and actual everyday work with the platform rather than mere theory
• You get a chance to ask your own questions

AWS Podcast

This will not prepare you for a job or an AWS certification exam on its own, so why should this be your last step – or rather, a weekly habit?

• It’s presented by AWS professionals and has impressive guests over often
• It helps you keep track of the hottest AWS news and keep your knowledge up-to-date
• A new episode is uploaded every week and only takes up to an hour

AWS training is an exciting professional journey – good luck in yours!