Is the AWS Introduction to Blockchain Course Worth It in 2024?
If you’ve been curious about blockchain and how it works in business but don’t know where to start — you’re not alone. With all the buzz around cryptocurrency, NFTs, and decentralized tech, it can feel overwhelming.
But what if you could get a free, guided beginner’s introduction from one of the world’s top cloud service providers?
That’s where the Introduction to Blockchain course from Amazon Web Services (AWS) comes in. Hosted on Coursera and 100% free, this one-hour course is designed to break down blockchain fundamentals in a clear, digestible way—no coding or prior experience needed.
In this post, you’ll get an in-depth look at this blockchain basics course: what it covers, how it compares to similar options, and whether it’s truly worth your time.
Here’s a snapshot of the inside:
What You’ll Learn in the AWS Blockchain Basics Course
This course is designed to give you a high-level overview of how blockchain functions—not just in theory, but in real-world business settings.
Here’s what’s inside:
- Introduction to blockchain and its key characteristics: decentralization, transparency, immutability
- The benefits of blockchain over traditional ledgers
- How blockchain frameworks (like Ethereum or Hyperledger) are structured
- Common challenges businesses face when adopting blockchain
- Real AWS-based solutions using Amazon Managed Blockchain
- Business use cases including supply chain, finance, and security industries
In just under one hour, you’ll walk away with a solid mental model of what blockchain is and why companies care about using it.
Pro Tip: This course is perfect for curious professionals, business analysts, marketers, or managers exploring blockchain without deep technical backgrounds.
Free Blockchain Course for Beginners
If you’re searching for a free blockchain course for beginners that’s trusted by professionals, this is one of the top options.
According to an independent review by Class Central, AWS consistently delivers high-quality training material that’s business-oriented and easy to understand—even for non-coders.
And unlike many MOOC platforms that hide content behind paywalls or require long commitments, the AWS blockchain intro is short, sweet, and completely free.
Key Benefits (Why This Course Deserves a Spot in Your Queue)
Here’s what makes the AWS Introduction to Blockchain course stand out in the crowded world of online learning:
- ✅ 100% Free – No credit card required
- ✅ Taught by AWS – One of the most trusted names in tech
- ✅ Designed for All Learners – No coding or blockchain knowledge required
- ✅ Real-World Examples – Business-focused applications, not just theory
- ✅ Super Short – Finish in one hour and know if blockchain is worth pursuing further
Is it going to make you a full-stack blockchain developer? No. But that’s not the point.
It’s meant to give you a foundation to decide if blockchain aligns with your personal or career goals.
What’s Missing? A Few Trade-Offs to Know
No review is complete without the flip side. Keep these points in mind:
- The course is just 1 hour long. This is an appetizer—not a full meal.
- It’s focused around AWS tools. If you’re looking for a blockchain course unrelated to Amazon’s platform, you may want to explore other provider-neutral content.
- No hands-on experience. You’ll learn the concepts, but you won’t build anything.
That said, if you’re looking for a “just curious” blockchain intro—especially one where you don’t have to worry about setup or development tools—this is a solid place to begin.
How Does It Compare to Other Blockchain Basics Courses?
If you’ve looked around the web, you’ve probably seen options from Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy, and others. Here’s how AWS stacks up.
| Course | Duration | Level | Price | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Blockchain Basics | 1 hour | Beginner | Free | Business, AWS-integrated |
| Coursera (Buffalo Univ.) | 16 hours | Beginner | Free to Audit | Academic, comprehensive |
| 2.5 hours | Beginner | ~$15+ | Crypto-focused | |
| Varies | Beginner | Free | Coding-heavy |
So if you’re most interested in understanding blockchain on a business level and want a low-commitment intro, AWS fits the bill.
However, if your goal is to code smart contracts or dive into Ethereum or Bitcoin development—consider using AWS as your launchpad and follow up with more technical courses.
Who This Course Is Perfect For
Still not sure if it’s worth your time? If you fit into any of these categories, this course brings strong value:
- Managers or product teams researching how blockchain fits into their business
- Career changers exploring the tech space
- College students prepping for tech internships
- Consultants advising clients on emerging tech
- Anyone wanting to “demystify” blockchain in under an hour
Final Verdict: Is AWS’s Blockchain Course Right for You?
If your goal is to understand what blockchain is—and what it’s not—this free course from AWS is one of the most accessible, no-risk introductions available today.
It shines in helping non-technical professionals grasp the real-world, practical uses of blockchain in enterprise settings. And because it’s backed by Amazon, you can feel confident that it’s up-to-date and credible.
Sure—it’s short. But it’s a powerful first step.
Start here. Then go deeper if blockchain sparks your interest.
Jumpstart Your Blockchain Journey Now
Don’t waste time scrolling tutorials or watching random YouTube videos. Get structured blockchain basics, straight from a trusted provider.
Bonus Tip
Pair this AWS course with Coursera’s more advanced “Blockchain Basics” from the University at Buffalo if you want to go deeper after finishing this one.
Happy learning!