Cloud Computing Learning Roadmap (2025)
Start Date: May 20, 2025 | Target Audience: Absolute Beginner | Goal: Job-Ready Cloud Professional
This roadmap is designed for individuals with no technical experience to become proficient in cloud
computing and job-ready in 30 weeks. It covers AWS, Azure, and GCP, includes hands-on projects,
certifications, and job preparation, and emphasizes practical skills for entry-level cloud roles (e.g., Cloud
Support Engineer, Junior Cloud Administrator).
Phase 1: Foundations (Weeks 1–8)
Build core IT and cloud knowledge to establish a strong foundation.
Weeks 1–2: IT Fundamentals for Beginners
• Topics: Networking (TCP/IP, DNS), Operating Systems (Windows, Linux), Databases (SQL ba-
sics), Virtualization.
• Why: Provides essential context for cloud computing.
• Resource: Udemys “IT Fundamentals for Beginners” or CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+).
Weeks 3–4: Introduction to Linux for Beginners
• Topics: Linux commands, file systems, permissions, basic scripting (Bash).
• Why: Linux is critical for cloud environments.
• Resource: Udemys “Introduction to Linux for Beginners.”
Week 5: Python for Cloud Automation (Beginner)
• Topics: Python basics (variables, loops, functions), simple scripts for cloud tasks (e.g., AWS
Boto3).
• Why: Scripting is essential for automation and DevOps.
• Resource: Udemys “Python for Beginners” with cloud-focused exercises.
Weeks 6–7: Cloud Computing for Beginners
• Topics: Cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment models (public, private, hybrid), major
providers (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Why: Introduces cloud fundamentals.
• Resource: Udemys “Cloud Computing for Beginners.”
Week 8: Cloud Networking Basics
• Topics: VPCs, subnets, IPs, firewalls, load balancers, DNS.
• Why: Networking is foundational for cloud architecture.
• Resource: Udemys “Cloud Networking Basics” with hands-on labs.
Phase 2: Core Cloud Platforms (Weeks 9–16)
Learn the fundamentals of AWS, Azure, and GCP with hands-on practice.
Weeks 9–10: AWS for Beginners
• Topics: EC2, S3, RDS, IAM, basic VPC setup.
• Why: AWS is the market leader; early exposure builds confidence.
• Resource: Udemys “AWS for Beginners” + AWS Free Tier labs.
Weeks 11–12: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900 Prep)
• Topics: Azure core services (VMs, Blob Storage, App Services), AZ-900 exam prep.
• Why: Azure is a major player; AZ-900 is an accessible entry-level cert.
• Resource: Udemys “Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep.”
Weeks 13–14: Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for Beginners
• Topics: Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, BigQuery, basic networking.
• Why: GCP is growing; multi-cloud skills enhance employability.
• Resource: Udemys “Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for Beginners.”
Weeks 15–16: Cloud Storage and Databases
• Topics: Object storage (S3, Blob, Buckets), relational (RDS, Azure SQL), NoSQL (DynamoDB,
Cosmos DB).
• Why: Storage and databases are core to cloud applications.
• Resource: Udemys “Cloud Storage Basics” + hands-on labs.
Phase 3: Intermediate Skills and DevOps (Weeks 17–24)
Deepen technical skills with DevOps, automation, and advanced cloud concepts.
Week 17: Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Topics: IAM roles, policies, and best practices on AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Why: Security starts with proper access control.
• Resource: Udemys “Identity and Access Management on AWS, Azure & GCP.”
Weeks 18–19: Introduction to DevOps and Docker
• Topics: DevOps principles, Docker containers, building Docker images.
• Why: DevOps is integral to cloud; Docker is a key tool.
• Resource: Udemys “Docker for Beginners” and “Introduction to DevOps.”
Weeks 20–21: Kubernetes for Cloud
• Topics: Kubernetes clusters, pods, services, deployments, managed Kubernetes (EKS, AKS,
GKE).
• Why: Kubernetes is critical for container orchestration.
• Resource: Udemys “Kubernetes for Beginners.”
Week 22: Terraform for Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• Topics: Terraform basics, provisioning AWS/Azure resources, IaC best practices.
• Why: IaC is essential for automation and scalability.
• Resource: Udemys “Terraform for Beginners.”
Week 23: Serverless Computing
• Topics: AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, GCP Cloud Functions, event-driven architectures.
• Why: Serverless is a growing trend for cost-efficient applications.
• Resource: Udemys “Serverless Computing on AWS” or equivalent.
Week 24: Cloud Cost Management
• Topics: Cost optimization strategies, AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, GCP Billing.
• Why: Cost control is a key responsibility in cloud roles.
• Resource: Udemys “AWS Cost Management” or vendor-specific tutorials.
Phase 4: Advanced Skills, Certifications, and Job Prep (Weeks 25–30)
Prepare for certifications, build advanced projects, and get job-ready.
Weeks 25–26: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Prep
• Topics: AWS architecture, high availability, cost optimization, practice exams.
• Why: Validates intermediate AWS skills and is highly valued.
• Resource: Udemys “AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate” + practice tests.
Week 27: Cloud Security and Compliance
• Topics: Encryption, zero-trust, compliance (GDPR, HIPAA), AWS Security Hub, Azure Sentinel.
• Why: Security is a top priority; compliance knowledge boosts employability.
• Resource: Udemys “Cloud Security Fundamentals” + vendor-specific security courses.
Week 28: Capstone Project 1: Multi-Region Web App on AWS
• Topics: Deploy a web app with EC2, S3, Route 53, CloudFront, and RDS across multiple regions.
• Why: Demonstrates practical AWS skills and multi-region architecture.
• Resource: Guided project on Udemy or AWS tutorials.
Week 29: Capstone Project 2: Serverless App on Azure
• Topics: Build a serverless app with Azure Functions, Cosmos DB, and Blob Storage.
• Why: Showcases serverless expertise and Azure proficiency.
• Resource: Azure tutorials or Udemy project.
Week 30: Job Preparation and Portfolio Building
• Topics: Resume building, LinkedIn optimization, cloud portfolio (GitHub with capstone projects),
mock interviews, soft skills.
• Why: Prepares learners for job applications and interviews.
• Resource: Udemys “Tech Resume Writing” + mock interview platforms like Pramp.
Additional Recommendations
• Free Tier Accounts: Sign up for AWS, Azure, and GCP free tiers early (Week 6) to practice and
avoid costs.
• Community Engagement: Join cloud communities on Reddit (r/cloudcomputing), Discord, or X
for networking.
• Practice Exams: Use Whizlabs or Udemy for practice tests before certifications.
• Portfolio: Document projects on GitHub with clear READMEs to showcase to employers.
• Soft Skills: Practice explaining technical concepts simply, as communication is key.
