As an AWS Community Builder, I’m often asked about the most effective ways to develop AWS skills beyond the usual video tutorials. One of my most popular talks has focused on how AWS provides a wealth of unique resources that cater to every learning style—from hands-on labs and gamified challenges to collaborative simulations and architecture best practices.

This article highlights 15 essential AWS resources designed for cloud professionals at all levels who are looking to broaden their skills, enhance project work, and stay competitive in the cloud landscape. Whether you’re a developer, architect, data scientist, or just diving into cloud technology, this guide will help you discover valuable tools to deepen your AWS knowledge and engage with the cloud community in new ways.

1. AWS Skill Builder: On-Demand Learning Paths and Labs

AWS Skill Builder offers over 500 courses, from foundational to advanced topics, including labs on areas like SageMaker and AWS Glue. Learning paths are designed to meet role-specific needs, making it a versatile option for continuous AWS learning.

Cost: Free-tier eligible; some advanced labs are paid
Key Benefits:
• Curated Learning Paths: Structured content tailored for specific AWS roles.
• Hands-On Labs: Covers practical labs on SageMaker, AWS Glue, and more.

Tip: Start with a learning path aligned with your role to stay focused, and track your progress through the certification courses.

2. AWS Workshops: Hands-On, Self-Paced Labs for Real-World Scenarios

AWS Workshops provides a library of self-paced labs on AWS services, allowing you to tackle real-world scenarios across areas like machine learning, security, and DevOps.

Cost: Free-tier eligible
Key Benefits:
• Comprehensive Labs: Practical labs covering a range of AWS solutions.
• Real-World Relevance: Skills translate directly to workplace scenarios.

Tip: Filter workshops by service or difficulty level to target the skills you want to develop first.

3. AWS Cloud Quest: Gamified Learning Adventure

AWS Cloud Quest combines role-playing and problem-solving in a game-like environment, making it ideal for kinesthetic learners who prefer an interactive learning experience.

Cost: Free-tier eligible
Key Benefits:
• Gamified Format: Great for visual and hands-on learners.
• Adaptive Learning: Tackle real AWS scenarios with immediate feedback.

Tip: Use Cloud Quest to reinforce foundational knowledge in a fun, relaxed setting—perfect for breaking up more formal study sessions.

4. AWS Cloud Clash: Competitive Skill-Building Challenges

AWS Card Clash is a virtual card game on AWS Skill Builder that teaches players cloud architecture design. Using AWS service cards (like EC2, Lambda, VPC), players strategically build architectures while learning about scalability, security, and cost-efficiency in AWS. The game offers paths tailored to various AWS roles, creating an engaging, hands-on approach to understanding cloud solutions.

Cost: Free
Key Benefits:
• Competitive Edge: Develop skills in a competitive, timed setting.
• Challenge-Based Learning: Ideal for those who thrive in a competitive atmosphere.

Tip: Regularly participate to track your progress and build confidence under pressure.

5. AWS User Groups: Learn Locally with Peer Support

AWS User Groups are local and virtual communities where AWS users connect to share insights, discuss best practices, and stay updated on AWS advancements. Find an AWS User Group near you.

Cost: Free
Key Benefits:
• Community-Driven: Learn and network with others in your area.
• Support and Collaboration: Gain insights and solutions from peers facing similar challenges.

Tip: Participate in discussions and ask questions to benefit from diverse experiences and insights.

6. AWS Webinars and Virtual Events: Access Expert-Led Sessions

AWS’s webinars and events cover a wide range of topics, from cloud fundamentals to advanced architecture and machine learning. Events like AWS Innovate and AWS Summit Online provide valuable opportunities for deep-dives and Q&A with AWS experts.

Cost: Free
Key Benefits:
• Direct Learning from Experts: Hear directly from AWS architects and product specialists.
• Flexible Access: Join live or access recordings later.

Tip: Check the events calendar regularly and attend sessions aligned with your career path to stay up-to-date with AWS advancements.

7. AWS SageMaker Studio Lab: Free Machine Learning Lab Environment

AWS SageMaker Studio Lab is a free Jupyter-based environment that enables machine learning experimentation without the need for an AWS account. It supports frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow.

Cost: Free
Key Benefits:
• Hands-On Machine Learning: Ideal for experimenting with ML models.
• No AWS Account Required: Explore ML concepts without incurring AWS costs.

Tip: Use SageMaker Studio Lab to test different ML models before deploying to production environments.

8. AWS Well-Architected Labs: Learn Best Practices for Cloud Architecture

AWS Well-Architected Labs is perfect for anyone interested in designing robust architectures. The labs provide hands-on learning in AWS’s five Well-Architected pillars.

Cost: Free
Key Benefits:
• Industry Best Practices: Master architecture principles for reliability, security, and efficiency.
• In-Depth Architecture Training: Practical insights for building resilient cloud solutions.

Tip: Start with the Reliability and Security labs to understand the core principles that support a stable cloud environment.

9. AWS DeepRacer League: Hands-On Machine Learning through Racing

AWS DeepRacer lets you apply reinforcement learning in a simulated racing environment. You can train and race models virtually or enter physical competitions.

Cost: Paid for hardware and events; free-tier eligible for virtual races
Key Benefits:
• Hands-On ML Training: Practical, project-based machine learning.
• Global Competition: Engage with AWS learners worldwide.

Tip: Participate in virtual races to sharpen your skills before investing in hardware or entering live competitions.

10. AWS GameDay: Team-Based Real-World Simulations

AWS GameDay is a collaborative competition that places participants in simulated, high-stakes AWS scenarios, perfect for honing troubleshooting skills.

Cost: Free, typically available through AWS events or partner programs
Key Benefits:
• Collaborative Learning: Builds teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Realistic Scenarios: Learn under pressure in authentic AWS environments.

Tip: Focus on communication and collaboration—effective teamwork is key to GameDay success.

11. AWS Solutions Library: Ready-Made Solutions for Immediate Application

AWS Solutions Library provides ready-to-deploy solutions for common business challenges. Each solution includes code samples, architecture guidance, and best practices.

Cost: Free to browse; deploying solutions may require paid services
Key Benefits:
• Practical Solutions: Quickly deploy tested solutions for various use cases.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Get step-by-step guidance on implementation.

Tip: Customize solutions to fit specific project needs, saving time and reducing deployment risks.

12. AWS Architecture Center: Dive Deep into AWS Architectures

AWS Architecture Center offers a library of sample architectures and reference diagrams across many topics, from serverless solutions to data analytics.

Cost: Free
Key Benefits:
• Blueprints and Patterns: See real-world architecture examples.
• Wide Range of Topics: Learn about best practices across cloud domains.

Tip: Reference architectures when designing or optimizing AWS solutions to ensure alignment with industry standards.

13. AWS Documentation: Comprehensive Service Guides

AWS Documentation provides detailed information for each AWS service, with examples and configuration guidance.

Cost: Free
Key Benefits:
• In-Depth Guides: Comprehensive technical documentation for all AWS services.
• Practical Examples: Reinforce learning with real-world use cases.

Tip: Bookmark key service documentation for quick reference during development.

14. AWS Partner Network (APN) Training: Specialized Partner Resources

The AWS Partner Network (APN) Training offers specialized training for AWS partners, including technical deep dives and business development resources.

Cost: Free for AWS partners
Key Benefits:
• Role-Specific Training: Targeted resources for partner roles.
• Business Development: Support for building AWS market knowledge.

Tip: Engage with APN resources if you work with AWS partner services to build both technical and business skills.

15. AWS Educate: Resources for Students and Educators

AWS Educate provides free training and AWS service access for students and educators, helping prepare the next generation of cloud professionals.

Cost: Free for students and educators
Key Benefits:
• Free Access to Resources: Ideal for early career learning.
• Career Pathways: Clear paths to building cloud-based skills.

Tip: For educators, AWS Educate offers resources to integrate cloud concepts into your curriculum.

*Embrace Continuous Learning, the AWS Way
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In the spirit of AWS’s Leadership Principles—Learn and Be Curious and Dive Deep—these resources offer a wealth of opportunities for expanding your AWS skills and cloud knowledge. Remember, you don’t need to explore everything at once. AWS provides a variety of tools precisely so you can find what resonates with your personal learning style and professional needs.

Whether you’re diving into AWS GameDay for hands-on problem-solving, building robust architectures with Well-Architected Labs, or experimenting with machine learning in SageMaker Studio Lab, these resources empower you to grow at your own pace. Choose the tools that align with your goals, ask questions along the way, and keep challenging yourself. Each step forward brings you closer to becoming a stronger, more versatile AWS professional, prepared for the ever-evolving cloud landscape.