This micro-credential provides learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills in cloud computing, focusing on the use of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. It introduces key concepts such as cloud infrastructure, storage, deployment, and basic security, combined with hands-on training in configuring and managing cloud services.

Learners will develop the ability to deploy simple cloud-based solutions, manage resources, and apply basic security and monitoring practices in real-world scenarios. The course is designed to support entry-level roles in cloud computing and IT support, with a strong emphasis on employability and practical application.

• cloud technologies (ESCO)
• data storage (ESCO)
• distributed computing (ESCO)
• solution deployment (ESCO)

• safeguard online privacy and identity (ESCO)
• coordinate rail services (ESCO)
• monitor infrastructure (ESCO)
• assess telecommunication infrastructure issues (ESCO)
• use e-services (ESCO)

• Able to apply foundational cloud computing knowledge to basic deployment, storage, infrastructure monitoring, and security-related tasks in entry-level professional contexts.

This micro-credential targets undergraduate students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals in ICT and related fields who wish to acquire foundational skills in cloud computing using AWS and Microsoft Azure. It is also suitable for IT support staff, technicians, and career switchers seeking to enter cloud-related roles or enhance their digital competencies for the labour market.

Entry Requirements

• Basic digital literacy and ability to use a computer
• Familiarity with internet use and common software applications
• Basic understanding of IT concepts (e.g. operating systems, files, and internet) is recommended but not mandatory
• No prior experience in cloud computing, AWS, or Azure is required

Technical Requirements

• Access to a computer or laptop with internet connection
• Ability to create and use cloud platform accounts (AWS and/or Microsoft Azure)
• Basic English reading skills (for using technical interfaces and documentation)

Participation Requirements

• Completion of all required learning activities and practical labs
• Active participation in hands-on exercises
• Submission of assignments and final project

Assessment Requirements

• Achieve at least 60% overall score
• Successful completion of the final practical project (mandatory)

50 Hours

Module 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing

Hours: 4

Main Topics:

• Cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Benefits and use cases

Assessment:

• Short online quiz (MCQs, concept understanding)

Module 2: Cloud Platforms (AWS & Azure Basics)

Hours: 6

Main Topics:

• AWS & Azure core services
• Platform setup and navigation

Assessment:

• Guided lab: account setup + service exploration

Module 3: Cloud Infrastructure & Virtualization

Hours: 8

Main Topics:

• Virtual machines (EC2 / Azure VM)
• Basic networking concepts

Assessment:

• Practical lab: create and configure a virtual machine

Module 4: Cloud Storage & Data Management

Hours: 6

Main Topics:

• Storage services (S3, Azure Blob)
• Data access and organization

Assessment:

• Practical task: configure storage and upload/manage data

Module 5: Cloud Deployment & Configuration

Hours: 8

Main Topics:

• Application/service deployment
• Resource configuration

Assessment:

• Applied assignment: deploy a basic cloud solution

Module 6: Cloud Security Fundamentals

Hours: 6

Main Topics:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Basic security practices

Assessment:

• Scenario-based quiz + lab (user roles and permissions setup)

Module 7: Monitoring & Maintenance

Hours: 4

Main Topics:

• Monitoring tools
• Logging and basic troubleshooting

Assessment:

• Lab task: monitor cloud resources and interpret logs

Module 8: Introduction to Automation Concepts

Hours: 2

Main Topics:

• DevOps basics
• Automation principles

Assessment:

• Short quiz / mini-task

Module 9: Final Practical Project

Hours: 6

Main Topics:

• End-to-end cloud deployment scenario
• Integration of services (compute + storage + access)

Assessment:

• Final project:
• Deploy a simple cloud-based system
• Configure storage and access
• Apply basic security
• Submit short documentation

Summary

• Total Hours: 50
• ECTS: 2
• Assessment Approach: Embedded (per module) + Final Project
• Final Project Weight: Highest (capstone validation) 

Assessment is continuous, competency-based, and practice-oriented, designed to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical cloud computing skills using AWS and Microsoft Azure.

Assessment Components

1. Continuous Practical Assessment (Labs)

Weight: 25%

Description:

Learners complete guided hands-on exercises, including:

• Setting up virtual machines
• Configuring storage services
• Basic cloud resource management

Assessment Method:

• Task completion
• Accuracy of configuration
• Lab performance

2. Assignments (Applied Tasks)

Weight: 20%

Description:

Practical assignments focused on:

• Cloud deployment
• Infrastructure setup
• Basic troubleshooting

Assessment Method:

• Correct implementation
• Functionality of deployed services
• Short documentation

3. Knowledge Assessment (Quiz/Test)

Weight: 15%

Description:

Short test covering:

• Cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Security basics
• Cloud architecture fundamentals

Assessment Method:

• Multiple-choice questions
• Scenario-based questions

4. Final Practical Project

Weight: 40%

Description:

Learners design and implement a basic cloud solution using AWS or Azure, such as:

• Deploying a simple application or service
• Configuring storage and access
• Applying basic security settings

Assessment Method:

• Functionality and completeness
• Appropriate use of cloud services
• Basic security implementation
• Clarity of documentation

Passing Criteria

• Minimum 60% overall score
• Successful completion of the final project is mandatory

Evidence of Learning

Learners will produce:

• Screenshots or logs of cloud deployment
• Completed lab tasks
• Short technical documentation
• Final project output (portfolio-ready)

Key Features

• Focus on real-world tasks and employability
• Emphasis on hands-on performance
• Transparent and measurable criteria
• Aligned with entry-level cloud roles

• ICT teacher high school (ESCO)
• communication infrastructure maintainer (ESCO)

This micro-credential is designed as a stand-alone learning unit that can also be stacked with other micro-credentials in related areas such as networking, cybersecurity, DevOps, and IT support to build broader specializations in cloud computing and digital infrastructure.

Accumulation of related micro-credentials may contribute towards a professional certificate, diploma, or continuous professional development pathway, subject to institutional regulations and approval procedures.

The micro-credential supports academic and labour market recognition through clearly defined learning outcomes, workload (50 hours / 2 ECTS), and assessment methods. It may be considered for:

• Credit transfer within higher education programs
• Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
• Professional development and upskilling pathways

Recognition is aligned, where applicable, with national qualification frameworks and European transparency tools (e.g. ECTS, ESCO).