Understand cloud computing well enough to talk about it, plan for it and start working in it. Learn the service models, the core building blocks, shared responsibility for security, and how cloud pricing really works.
LevelBeginner
Estimated time16 hours
Syllabus6 modules + capstone
FormatSelf-paced
Leads toApprentice rank in Cloud Computing
Is this course for you?
Who it’s for
Beginners heading into IT, cloud or DevOps roles
Business and project staff working with cloud teams
IT support staff moving to cloud
Students preparing for entry-level cloud exams
Before you start
Basic computer and internet skills
Networking Fundamentals is helpful but not required
A free-tier cloud account for the optional labs (watch for charges)
What you’ll be able to do
01Explain IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, and public, private and hybrid cloud
02Describe compute, storage, database and networking services
03Explain regions, availability zones, scaling and high availability
04Apply the shared responsibility model and identity basics
05Read a cloud bill and estimate costs
06Outline a simple migration plan
Skills for your resume
Cloud computing
Cloud service models
Cloud security basics
Cost management
Virtual networking
Cloud migration
Once you’ve earned the rank, list these in the Skills section of your resume and LinkedIn profile.
The syllabus
6 modules · 16 hours · 1,020 XP to collect. Every module ends with a practical project.
Module 1
What the cloud is
+120 XP
Lessons
From server rooms to the cloud
IaaS, PaaS and SaaS
Public, private and hybrid
The major cloud providers
Practical projectClassify ten services you use as IaaS, PaaS or SaaS.
Module 2
Core building blocks
+120 XP
Lessons
Virtual machines and containers
Serverless functions
Object, block and file storage
Managed databases
Practical projectChoose the right building blocks for three small app scenarios.
Module 3
Global infrastructure
+120 XP
Lessons
Regions and availability zones
Scaling up and scaling out
High availability and disaster recovery
Content delivery networks
Practical projectDesign a highly available setup for a small website.
Module 4
Cloud networking and identity
+120 XP
Lessons
Virtual networks and subnets
Security groups and firewalls
Identity and access management
Least privilege in the cloud
Practical projectDraw a simple network and access diagram for a web app.
Module 5
Security and compliance
+120 XP
Lessons
The shared responsibility model
Encryption and key management
Logging and monitoring
Data residency and compliance
Practical projectList who is responsible for what in three service models.
Module 6
Cost and migration
+120 XP
Lessons
How cloud pricing works
Reserved, spot and on-demand pricing
Tagging and budgets
The common migration strategies
Practical projectEstimate monthly costs for a small workload using a provider’s pricing calculator.
Capstone project · +300 XP
Show what you can do
Write a cloud proposal for a small business moving its systems to the cloud: chosen services, a network and access diagram, a security plan using the shared responsibility model, a cost estimate and a migration timeline.
Live viva, at launch. A recorded 5–10 minute walk-through with an assessor or teacher who can ask follow-up questions.
Process evidence. Submit drafts, notes or commit history, not just a finished file.
AI disclosure. If you used AI, say how. Hidden use can void the project.
Checks are a signal, not the verdict. AI-detection and similarity reviews help the assessor. They are never the only proof.
XP is just for fun. It tracks your progress, but it can never buy or skip a rank.
The Rank Trial
When you’ve finished every module and the capstone, the Apprentice Trial in Cloud Computing opens. The Guild runs it, not your instructor, so the rank means the same whoever taught you. It is a proctored, closed-book exam.
What’s assessed
Cloud concepts and service models
Core services and architecture
Security and identity
Pricing and migration
How it works
Format
Proctored online exam, closed notes
Questions
40, randomised bank of scenarios, lab tasks and short answers in your own words
Time
60 minutes, timed
Pass mark
70%
Identity
Verified account, ID check at launch
Re-sit
After 7 days if you don’t pass; a voided attempt may wait longer
AI in lessons
You may use AI as a learning aid only where a module says so. If it does not say so, do the work yourself.
AI in the Trial
Never. The Trial is closed-book and proctored. No assistants, notes or other people.
AI in projects
You may use it only with a clear disclosure of what the tool did and what you did yourself.
Integrity · at launch
Built to stop easy AI cheating
Proctoring, identity checks and live labs start at launch. These are the rules the platform will enforce.
Webcam and screen shareYou share your camera and your screen for the whole sitting.
Locked-down browserThe Trial runs in a locked browser. Copy and paste, extra screens and leaving the tab are flagged.
ID checkYou sit it from a verified Guild account, with an identity check before the clock starts.
Randomised question bankEach attempt draws a fresh mix of questions, so a leaked paper or a chatbot answer key will not help.
Time-boxedThe sitting is timed. When the clock ends, the attempt is submitted as it stands.
Live sandbox labsPractical tasks use a live lab with data unique to you, not a question you can paste into an AI tool.
Ranks are earned. They can’t be bought, and no amount of XP can skip a Trial. Cheating voids the attempt and can revoke a rank already awarded.
Your path in Cloud Computing
ApprenticeThis course
JourneymanCourses coming
ExpertCourses coming
MasterCourses coming
The credential you earn
Example
Guild credential
Apprentice · Cloud Computing
Proctored
Awarded to
Your name
Course
Cloud Fundamentals
Credential ID
GS-XXXX-XXXX
Awarded by
Guild of Skills
Assessment
Proctored Rank Trial
Check it at
guildofskills.com/verify
Example only. Each real rank gets its own ID, a Proctored badge and a verify page.
On your resume
Add it under Licences & Certifications: Apprentice, Cloud Computing · Guild of Skills, the month you passed, and your credential ID so employers can check it.
On LinkedIn
Open your profile and add a Licence or certification
Name: Apprentice, Cloud Computing. Issuing organisation: Guild of Skills
Add the issue date, your credential ID and your verify link
Add to LinkedInUnlocks when you pass the Trial
Your instructor
Guild-approved instructor coming soon
Every instructor is reviewed and approved by the Guild Council before they can teach, and every lesson and video link is checked before students see it.
Vendor-neutral. Covers topics relevant to entry-level cloud exams such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals. A Guild credential is not a vendor certification and does not include an exam voucher.
Questions about this course
Do I have to pay for a cloud account?
No. The labs are optional and can be done on free tiers. Always set a budget alert, because some services charge once you pass the free limits.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is announced at launch. Some courses may be free and some paid.
When can I start?
Enrolment is open now. Create a free account, confirm your email, then enrol from this page. Lessons, pricing and live cohorts are confirmed at launch.
Do I get a certificate just for finishing?
Finishing the course unlocks the Rank Trial. Your rank, certificate and verify page are awarded only when you pass the Trial.
Is this the same as an industry certification?
No. A Guild rank is a Guild of Skills credential with its own published standard and public verify page. It isn’t a vendor certification and doesn’t include any vendor exam.
Can I use AI in the Rank Trial?
No. The Trial is closed-book and proctored. AI assistants, notes and other people are not allowed. A flagged attempt can be voided.
Can I use AI while I learn?
Yes, where a module says so, especially in the AI courses, where using the tools is part of the skill. You must disclose any AI you use in a project or capstone.
What is a viva?
After you submit your capstone you walk an assessor or teacher through it, live, for five to ten minutes, and answer follow-up questions. The session is recorded. It starts at launch.
What happens if I cheat?
The attempt is voided. You wait to re-sit, at least seven days, and longer for a serious breach. A rank already awarded can be revoked, and the public verify page will show that.
Leads toApprentice rank in Cloud Computing
JourneymanCourses coming
ExpertCourses coming
MasterCourses coming
