How to Learn AWS From Scratch in 2025: The Complete Guide

What is AWS?

Let's begin by providing background information about AWS for complete beginners. If you're more advanced, feel free to skip this section!

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the leading cloud computing platform, offering a suite of services that allow companies and individuals to build, deploy, and manage applications globally. Launched in 2006, AWS provides over 200 fully featured services, including compute, storage, networking, machine learning, analytics, and more. These services eliminate the need for physical infrastructure, making developing scalable solutions easier and more cost-effective.

AWS is widely adopted by all types of industries, including healthcare, finance, retail, and entertainment. Whether enabling real-time streaming for Netflix or powering data analysis for NASA, AWS powers most modern cloud computing.

More specifically, some of the most common AWS use cases are the following:

• Web hosting: Powering websites and applications with scalable compute and storage services.
• Data analytics: Processing large datasets using services like Redshift and Athena.
• Machine learning and AI: Training and deploying machine learning models with SageMaker.
• Backup and disaster recovery: Ensuring data safety with S3 and Glacier.
• IoT applications: Managing IoT devices and data streams with IoT Core.

The popularity of AWS comes from its features and advantages, like the following:

1. Scalability:
• Quickly scale your resources up or down based on demand.
• Pay only for what you use, minimizing wasted resources.
2. Cost-effectiveness:
• The pay-as-you-go pricing model eliminates upfront infrastructure costs.
• Access to tools like the AWS Free Tier helps you start small and experiment without financial risk.
3. Global reach:
• AWS operates in 31 regions and 99 availability zones worldwide, enabling you to deploy applications closer to your customers.
• This global infrastructure enables low latency and high reliability.
4. Comprehensive service ecosystem:
• With over 200 services, AWS caters to diverse needs, from basic web hosting to advanced AI and machine learning.
5. Security:
• AWS provides security features, including encryption, identity management (IAM), and compliance with global standards like GDPR and HIPAA.

Example architecture diagram showing different AWS core services and how they interact with each other in a cloud application. Image source: AWS

Who Uses AWS?

If you’re considering learning AWS, you likely have a specific career or role in mind. However, understanding the broader range of career paths AWS can unlock might inspire you to explore new possibilities!

So, let’s break down the primary types of AWS users and how they use its services:

Developers

AWS provides developers with tools to build, deploy, and test applications. Services like AWS CodePipeline streamline CI/CD workflows, while AWS Lambda enables serverless application development, allowing developers to run code without managing servers. These capabilities make AWS a go-to platform for creating scalable applications.

Data engineers

Data engineers rely on AWS to process and manage huge amounts of data. With services like AWS Glue for ETL processes, Amazon S3 for scalable storage, and Amazon Redshift for data warehousing, they can efficiently build and optimize data pipelines, enabling data integration and processing.

Data scientists and analysts

AWS helps data scientists and analysts extract insights and create predictive models. Tools like Amazon Athena allow for serverless querying of large datasets, while Amazon SageMaker simplifies machine learning workflows, from model training to deployment. For big data processing, Amazon EMR is a popular choice.

DevOps engineers

DevOps engineers use AWS to automate and manage infrastructure. Tools like AWS CloudFormation enable infrastructure-as-code, Elastic Beanstalk simplifies application deployment, and Amazon CloudWatch monitors resources for optimal performance and uptime.

IT professionals

AWS offers tools for IT professionals to manage cloud environments. They use services like AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) for secure access control and AWS Auto Scaling to maintain performance during peak usage.

What’s Required to Learn AWS?

Learning AWS doesn’t require you to be an expert in all things tech, but having a solid foundation in some areas can make the journey smoother. Here are some skills that are good to cultivate before or along with AWS:

1. Technical prerequisites

• Basic programming knowledge: Familiarity with at least one programming language (Python, Java, or JavaScript) is beneficial, especially for scripting, automation, or working with AWS Lambda and SDKs.
• Networking fundamentals: Understanding basic networking concepts like IP addresses, DNS, firewalls, and VPNs will help you grasp AWS services like VPC (Virtual Private Cloud), Route 53, and Elastic Load Balancing.
• Operating system basics: Knowledge of Linux or Windows systems is practical since AWS heavily involves managing virtual servers through EC2 instances.
• Cloud computing basics: If you’re new to the cloud, understanding core cloud principles (like on-demand computing, scalability, and pay-as-you-go pricing) is a good starting point.

2. Problem-solving skills

AWS includes hundreds of services, and you’ll often encounter situations where you need to find the best solution for a specific problem. This happened to me essentially in all my jobs! Developing strong problem-solving skills will help you:

• Choose the right AWS service for a task.
• Optimize costs and performance.
• Troubleshoot issues effectively.

3. Curiosity and continuous learning

AWS is continuously evolving, with new services and features being released regularly. A curious mindset and a willingness to explore will keep you up to date. Reading the documentation, experimenting with free-tier services, and staying informed about updates are all important for learning AWS.

4. Attention to detail

Small configurations in AWS, like setting permissions in IAM or defining security group rules, can have significant impacts. Paying close attention to these details is important for security, functionality, and efficiency in your deployments.

5. Soft skills

• Time management: Balancing learning with practice requires discipline.
• Adaptability: AWS spans many fields (e.g., storage, machine learning, DevOps). Being flexible and open to learning new topics will make your AWS journey smoother.
• Communication: If you work in a team, learning how to explain AWS architectures or services to non-technical stakeholders is important.

Step-by-Step Roadmap to Learning AWS

Finally, we arrive at the core of this blog post: the roadmap will take you from zero to hero in your AWS learning path. 

Learning AWS can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps will help you stay focused and make steady progress. We all have different goals, so feel free to modify this roadmap based on your specific needs. 

Step 1: Get familiar with cloud computing concepts

Understanding the fundamentals of cloud computing is essential before diving into AWS.

• Learn the basics: Start with key concepts like IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service). Understand the benefits of cloud computing, such as scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility.
• Recommended resources:
• Take the Understanding Cloud Computing course on DataCamp. 
• Take the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course to build foundational knowledge.
• Use the AWS Free Tier to experiment with services at no cost.
• Outcome: You’ll have a clear understanding of why cloud computing is powerful and how AWS fits into the ecosystem.

Step 2: Explore AWS core services

As I’ve mentioned before, AWS offers hundreds of services, but focusing on the core ones gives you a solid foundation.

• Core categories:
• Compute: Start with EC2 (virtual servers) and AWS Lambda (serverless computing).
• Storage: Learn about S3 (object storage) and EBS (block storage for EC2).
• Databases: Familiarize yourself with RDS (relational databases) and DynamoDB (NoSQL).
• Hands-on practice:
• Take the AWS Cloud Technology and Services course on DataCamp.
• Use the AWS Free Tier to launch an EC2 instance or create an S3 bucket.
• Experiment with storing and retrieving data.
• Outcome: You’ll understand how to use the AWS basic building blocks for computing, storing, and managing data.

Step 3: Learn how to deploy and manage infrastructure

Once you’re comfortable with core services, dive into managing and deploying scalable and secure infrastructure.

• Core concepts:
• Networking: Learn about VPCs (Virtual Private Clouds), Route 53 (DNS service), and subnets.
• Load balancing and auto-scaling: Understand how Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) and auto-scaling groups keep your applications resilient and responsive.
• Hands-on practice:
• Deploy a simple web application, complete with load balancing and auto-scaling.
• Configure a custom VPC and connect resources within it.
• Outcome: You’ll know how to create and manage a secure, high-performing AWS environment.

Step 4: Master security and monitoring

Security and monitoring are critical skills for managing cloud resources effectively.

• Focus areas:
• IAM: Learn how to manage access and permissions securely.
• CloudTrail: Track and log account activity for compliance and security.
• CloudWatch: Monitor performance, set alarms, and analyze metrics.
• Hands-on practice:
• Take the AWS Security and Cost Management course on DataCamp.
• Set up IAM roles and policies.
• Monitor resource utilization and configure alerts in CloudWatch.
• Outcome: You’ll ensure your AWS environments are secure, compliant, and monitored.

Step 5: Explore specialized services based on your career path

In my opinion, this is where things get interesting. AWS offers services specifically for different roles and industries. You don’t need to be an expert on everything! Only dive into the ones most relevant to your goals. Here are some examples: 

• Machine learning: Use SageMaker to build, train, and deploy machine learning models.
• Analytics: Explore Redshift for data warehousing and Athena for querying data.
• Serverless: Combine API Gateway, Lambda, and DynamoDB to build serverless applications.
• Hands-on practice:
• Train a basic machine learning model in SageMaker.
• Build a data pipeline using S3, Glue, and Redshift. For this one, you can take the Introduction to Redshift course on DataCamp.
• Create a serverless backend for an application.
• Outcome: You’ll gain expertise in AWS services tailored to your career path, making you job-ready.

AWS services to focus on depending on your role. Image by Author

Step 6: Work on real-world projects

Now, the most important part of the roadmap is experimenting with projects. The best way to solidify your knowledge is by applying it to real-world scenarios.

• Project ideas:

• Outcome: These projects reinforce your skills and serve as portfolio pieces to showcase your expertise.

Learning AWS Timeline

The following table summarizes the steps and offers a suggested timeline. Assuming no previous knowledge, this roadmap would allow you to learn AWS in around 12 weeks. Of course, the timeline depends on your availability and commitment. Feel free to tailor it to your specific needs!

Recommended Learning Resources

We have a clear roadmap now, but building expertise in AWS requires access to reliable learning resources. Here are my top recommendations:

Courses

Online platforms like DataCamp offer structured courses, hands-on labs, and real-world projects. Some excellent options include:

• Introduction to AWS: A beginner-friendly course to understand AWS basics.
• AWS Cloud Technology and Services: Learn core AWS services like EC2, S3, and RDS.
• AWS Security and Cost Management: Focus on AWS security practices and cost-optimization strategies.
• AWS Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 Certification Track: A comprehensive track combining the above courses to prepare you for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.

Books

Books provide in-depth explanations and serve as excellent reference materials:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Official Study Guide: A must-have for certification aspirants.
• AWS for Dummies: A beginner-friendly book that explains AWS concepts in simple terms.
• Amazon Web Services in Action by Michael Wittig and Andreas Wittig: A practical guide with hands-on examples.

AWS training and certification

Once you’re ready, AWS provides official training and certifications to validate your skills. Some popular certifications include:

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: Perfect for beginners to grasp AWS fundamentals.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: Ideal for those aiming to design scalable, distributed systems.
• AWS Certified Developer – Associate: Focused on those interested in developing and maintaining AWS-based applications.

Official courses and exam details are available on the AWS Training and Certification page. For a comprehensive overview, see our blog post on AWS certifications. 

What to Avoid When Learning AWS

Learning AWS can be exciting, but it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls that can slow your progress. Here’s my list of things to watch out for—and tips to avoid them:

Jumping into advanced services without understanding the basics

AWS has hundreds of services, and it’s tempting to dive into exciting ones like SageMaker or Athena immediately. However, skipping foundational concepts can leave you confused and struggling later on.

• What to do instead: Focus on core services like EC2, S3, and IAM before exploring advanced tools. A strong foundation will make learning specialized services much easier.

Trying to learn everything at once

Attempting to master everything can lead to burnout or a lack of focus.

• What to do instead: Create a clear roadmap (which you already have) and prioritize the services that align with your goals. It’s okay to leave some services for later until you’ve gained confidence with the basics.

Not utilizing the AWS free tier for hands-on practice

AWS offers a generous Free Tier to help you experiment without incurring costs. Skipping this opportunity can lead to theoretical learning with no practical application.

• What to do instead: Use the Free Tier to practice launching instances, creating S3 buckets, and configuring IAM roles. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and understanding how services work together.

Skipping the documentation

AWS official documentation is one of the most detailed and up-to-date resources available, but many learners avoid it because it can feel overwhelming.

• What to do instead: Use the documentation as a reference when experimenting with new services. Start with the “Getting Started” sections, which are created for beginners.

Ignoring cost management tools

Sometimes, we just want to learn how to create interesting applications. However, AWS operates on a pay-as-you-go model, and it’s easy to rack up unexpected costs if you’re not careful. This is particularly common in professional settings, not just when learning.

• What to do instead: Familiarize yourself with tools like AWS Cost Explorer, AWS Budgets, and Billing Alarms. Regularly monitor your usage and set alerts to stay within budget.

Overlooking security best practices

I know this is not as exciting, but neglecting security—such as using overly permissive IAM policies or exposing sensitive data in S3—can lead to vulnerabilities. Again, this is common in a job setting, not so much when just learning. 

• What to do instead: Always follow AWS security best practices, such as enabling MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), configuring least privilege access in IAM, and enabling encryption for your data.

Conclusion

Learning AWS opens up endless possibilities in the world of cloud computing. Whether you're a beginner exploring cloud concepts or an experienced professional looking to specialize in advanced AWS services, the key is to approach learning step by step. 

Start with compute, storage, and networking basics, then move on to infrastructure management, security, and specialized tools.

Hands-on practice is important! Use the AWS Free Tier to experiment. Equally important is staying curious and continually exploring new services.

DataCamp courses provide an excellent foundation for structured learning and guided practice. From the Introduction to AWS for beginners to the comprehensive AWS Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 Track, you’ll find resources for your skill level and career goals.