AWS re:Invent 2021 marked the tenth anniversary of Amazon's flagship cloud conference, and Pluralsight used the occasion to deepen its partnership with AWS on cloud learning. The collaboration aims to help organizations build the skills their teams need for cloud architecture, security, and development.
The focus isn't just content delivery. Pluralsight's AWS partnership includes hands-on labs with sandbox environments, certification prep, skills assessments, and team-level analytics. The goal: move beyond passive video watching into applied learning that translates to actual cloud work.
What the Partnership Delivers
For teams building on AWS, the partnership offers structured learning paths tied to AWS certification exams. The certification catalog covers foundational, associate, professional, and specialty levels — from Cloud Practitioner through Security Specialty and Machine Learning Specialty.
Key areas include Solutions Architect (Associate and Professional), Developer, SysOps Administrator, DevOps Engineer, Advanced Networking, Security, Database, and Machine Learning certifications. Each path includes courses, practice exams, and interactive labs.
Skills analysis tools let organizations see competency levels across teams. Rather than guessing where training gaps exist, managers can identify specific areas where employees need development and assign relevant content accordingly.
How Teams Actually Learn Cloud Skills
Video courses help with conceptual understanding, but cloud work requires hands-on practice. The partnership includes sandbox environments where developers can experiment without risking production infrastructure. Practice labs simulate real scenarios — setting up networking, configuring security groups, deploying applications — without the fear of accidental bills or service disruptions.
The 14-day pilot available for new organizations lets teams evaluate the platform before committing. During the trial, up to 10 users can access courses, labs, and practice exams. Organizations can assess whether the content matches their actual workflow before scaling access.
Connecting to Sprint Work
Cloud skills matter increasingly for Agile teams, especially those adopting DevOps practices or migrating from on-premises infrastructure. A sprint that involves AWS deployment needs team members who understand the platform's quirks — IAM policies, networking configuration, cost optimization, and security hardening aren't optional knowledge anymore.
When sprint goals include cloud migration, migration-related certifications and hands-on labs reduce the learning curve. Structured learning paths let teams skill up without derailing sprint commitments — the best cloud courses take a practical angle focused on real-world scenarios rather than abstract certification memorization.
What to watch next
Watch for updates to the AWS course library throughout 2022. AWS releases new services and features regularly, and learning platforms that keep content current earn team trust. If your organization is investing in cloud skills, evaluate whether your current learning resources match what teams actually do with AWS day-to-day — courses that teach to the exam without practical context waste everyone's time.
Key takeaways
- AWS certification paths from foundational to specialty cover the range of cloud roles teams need to fill
- Hands-on sandbox labs translate to real skills better than passive video courses alone
- Skills assessment tools help managers identify specific gaps rather than guessing where training is needed
Frequently asked questions
What AWS certifications does the Pluralsight partnership cover?
Coverage spans Cloud Practitioner, Solutions Architect (Associate and Professional), Developer, SysOps Admin, DevOps Engineer, Advanced Networking, Security, Database, and Machine Learning specialties.
How does the partnership help teams rather than individual learners?
Team-level skills analytics identify organizational gaps, assigned content tracks progress toward business goals, and sandbox environments let groups practice together without production risk.
Is there a trial available for organizations evaluating the platform?
Yes — a 14-day pilot allows up to 10 users to access courses, labs, and practice exams before committing to a full subscription.
How do hands-on labs help with cloud learning?
Sandboxes provide safe environments to practice AWS tasks like networking and deployment without risking production resources or incurring unexpected costs.
What should organizations look for in cloud learning platforms?
Content currency matters most — courses that reflect current AWS services and real-world scenarios, not just exam objectives, deliver better return on learning investment.