Cisco NetAcad Partner

Cloud Infrastructure
Career Pathway

From Zero to Cloud Certification — No Experience Required — Free

A step-by-step program designed for complete beginners. Start with computer and networking fundamentals, then advance through cloud architecture, virtualization, and deployment — leading to industry-recognized cloud certifications.

4Learning Phases
8Courses Included
5–9Months to Cert
$0Cost to You
Apply Now — It’s Free

Your Path to Cloud Certification

No prior tech experience needed. Every student starts at Phase 1 — computers and operating systems. Each phase builds on the last, taking you from IT fundamentals all the way to cloud deployment and management.

1

Phase 1 · Start Here — Zero Experience Required

Computer & IT Fundamentals

4–6 weeks · Absolute Beginner

Computer Hardware Basics

  • PC components & mobile devices
  • Storage devices & peripherals
  • Basic troubleshooting
  • IT safety practices

Operating Systems Basics

  • Windows & Linux fundamentals
  • File management & user accounts
  • OS troubleshooting
  • Virtualization intro
2

Phase 2 · Networking & Virtualization Foundations

Networks, Linux & Virtual Machines

5–7 weeks · Beginner

Networking Basics

  • How networks operate
  • IP addressing & subnetting
  • Network devices & protocols
  • Wireless & basic troubleshooting

Linux Essentials

  • Linux command line fundamentals
  • File system & permissions
  • Shell scripting basics
  • Package management
  • Processes & system administration
3

Phase 3 · Cloud Architecture & Core Services

Build in the Cloud

6–8 weeks · Intermediate

Cloud Fundamentals

  • Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
  • Public, private & hybrid cloud
  • Virtualization & containerization
  • Cloud storage & compute
  • Cloud networking basics

AWS / Azure Core Services

  • Compute: EC2 / Azure VMs
  • Storage: S3 / Blob Storage
  • Networking: VPC / VNet
  • Identity & access management (IAM)
  • Cloud pricing & billing models
4

Phase 4 · Security, DevOps & Exam Prep

Secure, Automate & Deploy

5–7 weeks · Intermediate–Advanced

Cloud Security & Compliance

  • Shared responsibility model
  • Identity federation & MFA
  • Data encryption at rest & in transit
  • Security groups & firewalls
  • Compliance frameworks overview

Cloud Automation & DevOps

  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
  • Terraform & CloudFormation basics
  • CI/CD pipelines overview
  • Docker & Kubernetes fundamentals
  • Certification exam prep

Recommended Add-On Courses

Python Essentials 1 Introduction to Cybersecurity Data Center Operations Basics
☁️

AWS Cloud Practitioner or CompTIA Cloud+

The goal of this pathway. After completing all four phases, students are prepared to sit for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or CompTIA Cloud+ exam — validating skills in cloud concepts, core services, security, pricing, and deployment. We Are One Foundation covers the cost for eligible students.


Built Around Your Schedule

Whether you’re studying full-time or balancing work and family, this pathway works for you. Both tracks lead to the same destination — cloud certification.

Full-time student

5–6 months

15–20 hours per week

Part-time student

7–9 months

8–10 hours per week


Jobs You Can Land

Cloud skills are among the most in-demand in tech. Many students qualify for entry-level cloud roles while still in the program, with cloud certification opening doors to higher-level engineering positions.

During Program

  • IT Help Desk Technician
  • Junior Systems Administrator
  • Cloud Support Associate
  • Desktop Support Specialist
  • IT Operations Technician

After Certification

  • Cloud Administrator
  • Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer (Junior)
  • Systems Administrator
  • Cloud Solutions Architect (with experience)

Ready to Launch Your
Cloud Career?

Training and certification are free for eligible veterans and underserved community members nationwide. No experience required — we start from the very beginning.