Learning Cloud Computing with AWS: Where to Start in 2026
Publishing a system on the internet once required purchasing servers and setting up your own infrastructure. Today, much of this work can be done through cloud computing services, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the leading platforms used for this purpose. For students of software engineering, understanding how the cloud works helps them understand where applications are executed, how resources are provided, and how infrastructure can be managed.
What Changed in AWS Free Access
AWS's free access model underwent significant changes in 2025. Before July 15, 2025, the Free Tier was mainly based on 12-month offers, trial periods for certain services, and services with always-free usage limits. Accounts created before this date remain subject to the previous model.
For new customers, the current model offers two options when creating an account: a free plan and a paid plan. Under the free plan, users receive US$100 in credits after creating an account and can receive up to an additional US$100 by completing certain activities involving AWS services. These activities include using Amazon EC2, Amazon Bedrock, AWS Budgets, AWS Lambda, and Amazon RDS.
The free plan can be used for up to six months or until the available credits are fully consumed, whichever comes first. During this period, users are not charged as long as they remain on the free plan and use resources covered by its conditions. At the end of the period or when the credits are exhausted, the free account is automatically closed. AWS states that resources and data are retained for a limited period before being permanently deleted if the account is not upgraded to the paid plan.
In addition to the credits, AWS maintains more than 30 services with always-free usage offers within their respective monthly limits. These offers are available to both new and existing customers, although the specific conditions vary depending on the service.
Be Careful with Costs
One of the main concerns for people learning cloud computing is keeping track of resource usage. Even with credits available, it is important to understand which services are being used and what conditions apply to each one.
Some habits can help:
- Monitor your credits. AWS provides information about the remaining credit balance and the account plan through the billing management console. AWS also provides notifications when a significant portion of the available credits has been consumed.
- Check the billing currency. AWS generally uses U.S. dollars as the default billing currency, but other currencies, including Brazilian reais, may be available depending on the account, services, and payment conditions.
- Monitor your resources. Virtual machines, databases, and other services can generate resource consumption. Therefore, it is important to stop or delete resources that are no longer being used.
- Set a budget. AWS Budgets allows users to establish cost thresholds and receive alerts when spending reaches or is forecast to reach specific amounts. AWS also includes budget configuration among the activities that may generate additional credits for new customers.
Certification as a Starting Point
For those who want to obtain an entry-level certification, one of AWS's options is the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. This certification validates fundamental, high-level knowledge of the AWS Cloud, its services, and its terminology. AWS presents the Cloud Practitioner as a starting point for people who are beginning their journey in cloud computing.
AWS provides official preparation materials, including official questions, a pre-test, and a practice exam. Learners can also use resources available through AWS Skill Builder, including hands-on labs and other educational content.
Another resource recommended for beginners is AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials, an introductory course provided by AWS. The course covers cloud concepts, computing, storage, databases, security, monitoring, pricing, artificial intelligence, and architecture.
After completing the Cloud Practitioner certification, learners can continue their studies with Associate-level certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, AWS Certified Developer - Associate, and AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer - Associate.
AWS certification also provides a financial benefit for future exams. After obtaining an AWS certification, professionals receive a 50% discount voucher that can be used toward another certification exam or certain recertification options.
AWS also reports that job postings requiring the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification increased by 84% between October 2021 and September 2022, according to Lightcast data cited by AWS. This is historical data and should not be interpreted as a current measurement of the job market in 2026.
Conclusion
AWS has made it easier for beginners to get their first experience with cloud computing. However, the current credit-based model requires attention to deadlines, usage limits, and resource consumption. For beginners, a practical approach can involve small projects, cost monitoring, and the use of official AWS learning materials.
In addition to hands-on experience, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner can be used as a way to validate fundamental knowledge of the platform. From this foundation, students can continue exploring specific AWS services and Associate-level certifications according to their professional goals.
Sources
- AMAZON WEB SERVICES. AWS Free Tier update: New customers can get started and explore AWS with up to $200 in credits. AWS News Blog, July 15, 2025.
- AMAZON WEB SERVICES. AWS Free Tier FAQs.
- AMAZON WEB SERVICES. Explore AWS services through the AWS Free Tier. AWS Billing Documentation.
- AMAZON WEB SERVICES. Earn additional credits. AWS Billing Documentation.
- AMAZON WEB SERVICES. Choosing a plan. AWS Billing Documentation.
- AMAZON WEB SERVICES. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
- AMAZON WEB SERVICES. Benefits of Being AWS Certified.
- AMAZON WEB SERVICES. Step into the cloud: The new AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials is here! AWS Training and Certification Blog, June 24, 2025.
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