AWS Power Hour: Cloud Practitioner series on Twitch returns April 26

Last year, we announced the launch of our first ever Get AWS Certified Global Challenge and its companion Twitch series, AWS Power Hour: Cloud Practitioner. We made these training resources free in order to help people all over the world develop the cloud skills that are needed in today’s workplace. Over 30,000 customers participated in the global challenge, taking advantage of weekly Twitch episodes, downloadable resources, practice questions, and more.

We know it can be hard to dedicate time to earning an industry-recognized credential like an AWS Certification—especially if it is the first technical certification you’ve pursued. That’s why we decided to bring back the challenge this year. We’re very excited to announce this year’s challenge, Global Kick Start: Get AWS Certified Challenge. We’re also bringing back our Twitch series, AWS Power Hour: Cloud Practitioner, with brand new hosts but the same fun, interactive, and weekly format. Get ready to build your foundational AWS Cloud knowledge and prepare to earn the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification with these two free offerings.

What is AWS Power Hour: Cloud Practitioner

Beginning the week of April 26, 2021, join us for AWS Power Hour: Cloud Practitioner, a Twitch series from AWS Training and Certification. The series is designed for anyone looking to build their AWS Cloud knowledge, and is free, fun, and an informal way to learn with a community of individuals who have similar goals to build cloud skills.

“Twitch has been a great way to help people of all backgrounds and ambitions to learn about cloud. Customers tell us that the flexible and interactive nature of Twitch content really helps them stay engaged and develop foundational cloud knowledge,” said Scott Barneson, director of Learning Products, AWS Training and Certification. “Last year, Amazon announced that we’re committed to helping 29 million individuals around the world grow their tech skills with free cloud computing skills training by 2025. The new AWS Power Hour: Cloud Practitioner series presents one more step toward that commitment.”

AWS Power Hour: Cloud Practitioner is a twice-weekly livestream that will cover the essential information to build your future in the AWS Cloud. Over the course of six weeks, our AWS experts, Chris Rach, Rafael Lopes, and Morgan Willis will serve as hosts and guide you through the content with demonstrations and real world examples. You’ll start with cloud basics and key AWS services, and then explore topics like the AWS Well-Architected Framework, building and securing applications in the cloud, pricing and support, and how to innovate. You’ll receive tips, resources, and exercises to help you strengthen your knowledge and prepare you to get AWS Certified. You might even get assigned homework and have your submission featured by our host on the show!

Every 60-minute episode is interactive and you can ask questions of our hosts and the chat moderators (all AWS Authorized Instructors) throughout the episode. Immediately following each show, stay with us for AWS Power Hour: Q&A, a 30-minute open forum live stream where you can continue to interact with the show hosts and your fellow learner community, and ask questions.

Each episode will livestream twice per week (identical content) to accommodate learners in various time zones: on Mondays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. PDT and Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m. PDT. You’ll also be able to access recorded episodes anytime, immediately after they stream.

Is AWS Certification your goal?

The Global Kick Start: Get AWS Certified Challenge is another way to help you stay accountable and become AWS Certified in 2021. The challenge provides a recommended preparation path that includes free training, resources, and a learner community to help you along the way. All participants will also receive access to a one-stop resource hub, a voucher for a free practice exam, and weekly tips on getting ready. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam has a cost of $100 USD.

“Our customers are looking to demonstrate that they have the cloud fluency that nearly every organization needs. An industry-recognized credential like an AWS Certification helps employees validate their skills and allows employers to identify candidates who can help them reach their cloud goals,” said Diana Godwin, AWS Certification leader in AWS Training and Certification. After earning your AWS Certification, you’ll receive a digital badge for your resume and social profiles to help you showcase your ability to contribute to a company’s cloud adoption from any role.

How can I get started?

Both the Twitch series and the training recommended for the certification challenge are free and available to anyone, globally. AWS Power Hour: Cloud Practitioner begins the week of April 26. Learn more and explore which stream dates and times work for you. Registration is currently open for the Global Kick Start: Get AWS Certified Challenge, so learn more and sign up today.