Beginner's Challenge Roadmap
Take your first steps into the cloud with our AWS Beginner's Challenge. Designed for complete beginners, this challenge provides a structured path through essential AWS services.
Is this for me?
This pathway is designed for:
- Complete beginners with no cloud experience
- Students exploring cloud computing careers
- Professionals wanting to understand AWS basics
- Anyone curious about cloud technology
What will I learn?
You'll build hands-on projects that:
- Set up and secure your AWS account
- Host websites using Amazon S3
- Implement basic security with IAM
What do I get?
NextWork gives you:
- Step by step projects for the real world
- A supportive community that helps you solve problems
- Professional documentation that showcases your skills in real time
Your path to becoming a competent Beginner
Build real-world projects with comprehensive step-by-step guides that transform into portfolio-ready achievements. Every project you complete becomes a powerful showcase piece for your resume and professional profile.
Challenge Introduction
Begin your AWS journey by understanding the challenge structure and getting oriented with cloud computing fundamentals.
Account Setup
Create and secure your AWS account with best practices. Learn to navigate the console and understand the Free Tier.
Website Hosting
Deploy your first website to the cloud using Amazon S3. Learn object storage fundamentals and static website hosting.
Cloud Security
Master cloud security fundamentals with AWS IAM. Learn to create users, set permissions, and manage secure access to your AWS resources.
Beginner's Challenge FAQs
Everything you need to know
A NextWork roadmap is a structured learning path that teaches real-world tech skills through hands-on projects. NextWork offers 5 career-focused tracks: Cloud Engineer, AI/ML Engineer, Solutions Architect, DevSecOps Engineer, and the Beginner's Challenge. Each roadmap includes step-by-step project tutorials, portfolio-ready deliverables, and community support. You learn by building actual projects, not watching videos, so you finish with proof of your skills that you can show employers.
The Beginner's Challenge is the best starting point for anyone new to tech. This roadmap takes 7-10 hours to complete and introduces core concepts like cloud computing, basic networking, and hands-on project workflows. After completing the Beginner's Challenge, NextWork recommends Cloud Engineer for infrastructure roles, AI/ML Engineer for data and AI careers, Solutions Architect for system design, or DevSecOps Engineer for security-focused positions.
No prior experience is required for NextWork roadmaps. The Beginner's Challenge is designed for complete beginners with zero technical background. Each roadmap clearly states its prerequisites. Most require only completing the Beginner's Challenge first. NextWork provides step-by-step instructions for every project, so you can follow along regardless of your starting point.
It really depends on how fast you want to go. Each project is designed to be about an hour in length, but this varies based on your previous experience and learning pace. Some students like to take their time and work through projects methodically, while others move quickly through familiar topics. All NextWork content is completely self-paced with no enrollment deadlines, so you can learn on your own schedule and take as much time as you need.
You will build real, portfolio-ready projects in every NextWork roadmap. Examples include: deploying websites and applications to AWS, creating AI chatbots using Amazon Bedrock, building secure cloud infrastructure with VPCs and IAM, automating DevOps pipelines with Docker and Kubernetes, and designing multi-cloud architectures. Every project teaches practical skills used in professional tech roles and becomes a portfolio piece you can showcase to employers.
NextWork is completely free. Our mission is to build the best learning experience in the world, and we don't want to limit anyone based on their financial circumstances. You can do the projects on NextWork completely for free, including all the projects in the different roadmaps showcased. Simply create an account and start learning.
NextWork provides multiple support channels for learners. Every project includes detailed step-by-step instructions with screenshots. The NextWork Discord community offers peer support and mentorship from experienced members. YouTube walkthroughs provide additional guidance for complex projects.
NextWork roadmaps are designed to build job-ready skills and portfolio evidence that employers value. While no course guarantees employment, NextWork focuses on practical project experience, the #1 thing hiring managers look for in candidates. You'll finish each roadmap with completed projects demonstrating real skills, not just certificates. Many NextWork learners have successfully transitioned into Cloud Engineer, DevOps, and AI/ML roles using their portfolios.
Ready to start your journey?
Start building real-world projects and advance your Beginner's Challenge career