AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials
AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Data Analytics. It is structured in 13 modules with 4 stated learning outcomes, over 35h 48m. Learners rate it 4.8/5 from 2.1K ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Data Analytics courses collection, where we compare it against 31 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 35h 48m |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.8★ (2.1K reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
Cloud computing has transformed how businesses store data, run applications, and manage IT infrastructure. It provides on-demand access to computing resources over the internet, offering flexibility and scalability. Understanding cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) is now a key skill for many roles in technology.
The AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course, offered by Amazon Web Services on Coursera, introduces the core concepts of the AWS Cloud. This beginner-level course helps you understand the fundamental aspects of cloud computing and how AWS operates. It covers a broad range of services and foundational principles, making it suitable for those new to the cloud.
This course takes you through essential cloud topics. You start with an introduction to the cloud, then explore compute services like Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud. The curriculum also covers global infrastructure, networking, storage, and database systems within AWS. You learn about emerging technologies such as AI/ML and data analytics, along with crucial areas like cloud security, monitoring, compliance, and governance. The course also discusses AWS pricing, support, and strategies for migrating to the AWS Cloud, concluding with well-architected solutions.
Upon completing this AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course, you will understand the working definition of the AWS Cloud and can differentiate between on-premises, hybrid-cloud, and all-in cloud environments. You will be able to describe the basic global infrastructure of AWS and explain its benefits. The skills you gain include a foundational understanding of Cloud Infrastructure, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Database Systems, Cloud Computing, Cloud Security, Public Cloud, Cloud Storage, Data Storage, Cloud Services, Security Controls, Amazon Web Services, and Serverless Computing.
This course is designed for learners starting their cloud journey. It provides a broad overview of topics relevant to the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam. However, it is an introductory course and does not delve into advanced architectural design, deep technical implementation, or specific development practices. If you are looking for in-depth specialization in areas like solution architecture, DevOps, or advanced security, this course serves as a necessary first step, but you will need further specialized training beyond these essentials.
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
- Learners starting their cloud journey.
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
13 modulesThe 13-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 35h 48m.
Module 1 · Module 1: Introduction to the Cloud
Module 2 · Module 2: Compute in the Cloud
Module 3 · Module 3: Exploring Compute Services
Module 4 · Module 4: Going Global
Module 5 · Module 5: Networking
Module 6 · Module 6: Storage
Module 7 · Module 7: Databases
Module 8 · Module 8: AI/ML and Data Analytics
Module 9 · Module 9: Security
Module 10 · Module 10: Monitoring, Compliance, and Governance in the AWS Cloud
Module 11 · Module 11: Pricing and Support
Module 12 · Module 12: Migrating to the AWS Cloud
Module 13 · Module 13: Well-Architected Solutions
What learners rate it
Rated 4.8/5 by 2.1K learners on Coursera (checked 10 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 10 August 2026.
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Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials This |
 Coursera
|
4.8★ | Check price | 35h 48m | Most popular — 0 learners |
| Introduction to Data Analytics |
Coursera
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4.8★ | Check price | 11h 38m | Highest rated (4.8★ from 20.8K reviews) |
| Data Analyst Online Course | Data Analytics | Udacity | Udacity | 4.8★ | Check price | 2 months | Beginner-friendly · 2 months |
| ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | Check price | 10h 52m | Quickest to finish (10h 52m) |
Where Data Analytics leads
Roles we map to Data Analytics on CoursesGlobal. This is our own mapping of subject to job, not a placement claim by Coursera.
Browse every course we track for one of these — courses for data analysts.
Common questions
How much does AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials take?
Coursera lists it at 35h 48m. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials cover?
It is organised into 13 modules, starting with Module 1: Introduction to the Cloud and going on to Module 2: Compute in the Cloud, Module 3: Exploring Compute Services, Module 4: Going Global, Module 5: Networking, among others. The full outline is on this page.