Training
Regional
AWS Academy

AWS Academy

AWS Academy is a dedicated online learning platform that provides students and educators with access to high-quality AWS training materials. As part of Skills53, participants in the regional championships can receive free access to two AWS Academy courses designed to help them prepare for the competition and enhance their cloud computing skills.

The two courses offered are:

  • AWS Academy Cloud Foundations: A foundational course covering key AWS infrastructure services with guided tutorials and labs.
  • AWS Academy Learner Lab: A sandbox environment allowing participants to explore AWS services hands-on with $50 in free credits.

These resources are provided at no cost and do not require any credit card information.

What AWS Academy Offers

AWS Academy Cloud Foundations

This course is ideal for participants who are new to AWS or cloud computing in general. It provides a comprehensive introduction to key AWS services, concepts, and best practices.

  • What’s Included:
    • Video tutorials and interactive lessons.
    • Hands-on labs to practice using AWS services in real-world scenarios.
    • A final lab exam to assess your understanding and reinforce what you’ve learned.
  • What to Expect:
    • You’ll cover essential topics such as compute, storage, networking, databases, and security.
    • While many topics are relevant to the competition, some may go beyond the regional championship’s specific scope.

AWS Academy Learner Lab

This course offers a free sandbox environment to explore AWS services independently. It’s perfect for participants who prefer self-paced learning or want to practice with real AWS infrastructure.

  • What’s Included:
    • $50 in AWS credits for exploring and testing cloud services.
    • A safe environment to experiment with AWS services without needing a credit card.
  • What to Expect:
    • Complete freedom to build and test various scenarios using AWS services.
    • Use the Sample Tasks page as inspiration for what you can practice in the sandbox.

Training Opportunities for 2025

For the 2025 regional championships, Skills53 participants can access two dedicated AWS Academy courses. Registration is required, and you will receive invitations for both courses once your registration is processed.

  • AWS Academy Cloud Foundations [104696]
  • AWS Academy Learner Lab [104695]

These courses are available free of charge and provide tailored resources for Skills53 competitors. Ensure you accept both course invitations to access the full range of training materials.

How to Register

To enroll in the 2025 training courses:

  1. Complete the registration form: Register for Training.
  2. Look out for two separate email invitations - one for each course.
  3. Accept both invites to gain access.

Already Have AWS Academy? If your school provides access to AWS Academy and you already have the same courses, you can use them for training. If you don’t, no problem - we’ll provide you with the necessary invites.

FAQs

Do I need to pay for these courses? No, both courses are completely free. They include all materials and credits at no cost to you.

What happens if I only accept one invite? You’ll only have access to the course you accepted. Make sure to accept both invitations to get full access.

Can I use these courses if my school already provides AWS Academy? Yes! If your school offers AWS Academy and you already have access to these courses, feel free to use them. If not, don’t worry - we’ll provide you with full access.

Are these courses required to compete? Not strictly, but they are recommended for a better chance at scoring your best possible result. The courses help you become familiar with AWS and provide excellent preparation for the tasks you may encounter.

Maximizing Your Training

Here are a few tips to make the most of your AWS Academy courses:

  • Start with AWS Academy Cloud Foundations if you’re new to AWS or want guided learning with structured content and labs.
  • Use the AWS Academy Learner Lab to reinforce your skills by practicing scenarios similar to the competition tasks.
  • Explore the Sample Tasks page for ideas on what you can build and test in the Learner Lab sandbox.
  • Take notes and screenshots during your practice to refer back to during the competition.