FAQ

General Topics

  • 1. What is the AWS AI Talent Development Programme for Higher Education?

    It's a 9-week comprehensive program designed to equip learners with essential skills in cloud computing, AI, machine learning, and generative AI development using AWS technologies.

  • 2. When does the program start and how long does it last?

    The first program starts on October 6, 2025, and lasts for 9 weeks. The program schedule have four cohorts with staggered start dates

  • 3. What is the format of the program?

    The program uses a blended learning approach, combining self-paced learning, virtual and in-person instructor-led training, and hands-on workshops.

  • 4. Who is the target audience for this program?

    The program is designed for Software Developers, Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Academicians, Researchers as well as higher education students who interest to build skills and capability related AI.

  • 5. What topics does the program cover?

    The program covers AWS Cloud fundamentals, machine learning foundations, natural language processing, generative AI essentials, and developing generative AI applications.

  • 6. Is there a certification associated with this program?

    Yes, the program prepares participants for the AWS Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01) certification.

  • 7. What is the class size?

    Each session/cohort has a maximum of 50 participants which will be divided into 2 batches.

  • 8. Are there any hands-on components in the program?

    Yes, the program includes hands-on labs, workshops, and a project to build an AI-powered research assistant using Amazon Q.

  • 9. Is there an exam at the end of the program?

    Yes, participants will prepare for and take the AWS Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01) certification exam.

  • 10. What kind of digital credentials will participants receive?

    Participants will receive various AWS digital badges and certificates of completion throughout the program, including Cloudquest Cloud Practitioner digital badge and Cloudquest Generative AI Architect digital badge.

Certifications Topics

  • 1. What is the duration of the AWS Certified AI Practitioner exam?

    The AWS Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01) exam is 170 minutes (2 hours and 50 minutes) long.

  • 2. How many questions are in the AI Practitioner exam?

    The exam typically contains 65 questions, including multiple choice and multiple response formats.

  • 3. What is the passing score for the AI Practitioner exam?

    The passing score for the AWS Certified AI Practitioner exam is 750 out of 1000 points.

  • 4. How long is the AWS Certified AI Practitioner certification valid?

    The AWS Certified AI Practitioner certification is valid for 3 years from the date of certification.

  • 5. What happens after the certification expires?

    After 3 years, certification holders need to recertify to maintain their AWS certified status.

  • 6. What is the recertification process?

    There are two ways to recertify:
    1. Take and pass the same certification exam again
    2. Pass a Professional or Specialty level certification in the same category

  • 7. When should I start thinking about recertification?

    It's recommended to start preparing for recertification 6 months before your certification expires to ensure enough time for exam preparation and scheduling.

  • 8. Will I need to pay for recertification?

    Yes, recertification requires paying the exam fee again. However, AWS typically offers a 50% discount on recertification exams, including education institutions which part of AWS Academy.

  • 9. What happens if I don't recertify before my certification expires?

    If you don't recertify before the expiration date, your certification becomes inactive, and you'll need to take the full exam again at full price to regain your certified status.

  • 10. Can I recertify early before my certification expires?

    Yes, you can recertify starting 6 months before your certification expiration date. The new 3-year certification period will begin from the date you pass the recertification exam.

Hands-On, Classroom and Workshop Topics

  • 1. What is AWS Skill Builder and how is it used in this program?

    AWS Skill Builder is a digital learning platform that provides self-paced courses. In this program, it's used for several modules including AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials, Machine Learning Foundations, and Machine Learning for NLP.

  • 2. Are there any gamified learning experiences in the program?

    Yes, the program includes gamified learning through AWS Cloud Quest: Cloud Practitioner in Week 2 and AWS CloudQuest Generative AI in Weeks 7-9.

  • 3. What is AWS Cloud Quest?

    AWS Cloud Quest is a 3D role-playing game that helps learners build practical AWS Cloud skills through interactive scenarios and challenges.

  • 4. How does the program incorporate hands-on labs?

    Hands-on labs are integrated into several parts of the program, especially during the Generative AI Essentials and Developing Generative AI Applications modules in Weeks 5 and 6.

  • 5. What is Generative AI Simulearn?

    Generative AI Simulearn is part of the program in Weeks 7-9. It provides interactive learning experiences where participants apply Generative AI concepts and tools on AWS through real-world scenarios.

  • 6. How does the Amazon Q workshop contribute to hands-on learning?

    The Amazon Q workshop allows participants to build a functional AI-powered research assistant, integrating real-time document search, summarization, and natural language interactions without writing complex code.

  • 7. Are the hands-on components suitable for beginners?

    The program is designed to progress from foundational to more advanced concepts, so the hands-on components should be accessible to participants as they build their skills throughout the course.

  • 8. How much of the program is dedicated to practical, hands-on learning?

    A significant portion of the program involves hands-on learning, including the gamified modules, labs, workshops, and the final project with Amazon Q.

  • 9. Can participants access the AWS Skill Builder resources after the program ends?

    Yes, participants can access the AWS Skill Builder until 1 year since they participated in the program.

  • 10. Do I need to bring my own laptop for the classroom sessions?

    Yes, participants must bring their own laptops for the in-person Generative AI Essentials and Developing Generative AI Applications sessions to access student guides and complete hands-on labs.

  • 11. What are the laptop requirements for the classroom sessions?

    Your laptop should have:
    1. A modern web browser (Chrome/Firefox recommended)
    2. Ability to connect to Wi-Fi
    3. Administrative rights to install required software
    4. Sufficient battery life or power adapter

  • 12. Will training materials be provided digitally or in physical form?

    Training materials, including student guides and lab instructions, are provided digitally through AWS Skill Builder and the classroom learning platform.

  • 13. Can I practice the labs after the classroom sessions?

    Yes, participants typically have access to the labs through AWS Skill Builder for additional practice during the program duration.

  • 14. What should I prepare before attending the classroom sessions?

    Participants should:
    1. Ensure their laptop is fully charged and working properly
    2. Have completed the prerequisite modules
    3. Have their AWS Skill Builder account credentials ready
    4. Download any required software or materials specified by the instructors

  • 15. Are there any prerequisites for accessing the hands-on labs and the workshop?

    Yes, participants need:
    1. Bring their laptop
    2. AWS Skill Builder account credentials
    3. Completed prerequisite modules from earlier weeks
    4. Review any pre-workshop materials provided

  • 16. What is Amazon Q and what will participants learn in the workshop?

    Amazon Q is an AI-powered research assistant. In the workshop, participants will learn to build a functional AI assistant that can perform document search, summarization, and natural language interactions.

  • 17. What are the main components covered in the Amazon Q workshop?

    The workshop covers:
    1. Setting up Amazon Q for Business
    2. Document integration and search capabilities
    3. Text summarization features
    4. Natural language interaction implementation
    5. Building a research assistant without complex coding

  • 18. Do I need coding experience for the Amazon Q workshop?

    The workshop is designed to be accessible even without extensive coding experience, as Amazon Q allows building AI-powered applications with minimal coding requirements.

  • 19. Is the Amazon Q workshop related to the certification exam?

    While the workshop provides practical experience with AWS AI services, it's primarily focused on hands-on application building rather than certification exam preparation.

  • 20. How does the Amazon Q workshop fit into the overall program structure?

    The workshop comes after the Generative AI Essentials and Developing Generative AI Applications modules, allowing participants to apply their learned knowledge in a practical project.

Administrative Procedure Topics

  • 1. How do I register for the AWS AI Talent Development Programme?

    Registration can be completed through the online form at https://itlead.usim.edu.my/aws-ai-talent/. You'll need to fill in your personal and professional details.

  • 2. What are the payment methods available?

    Payment can be made through online banking/ Bank transfer to designated account: Bendahari USIM : BANK ISLAM, Account Number : 05058010008884

  • 3. Is there a registration deadline?

    Yes, registration closes as per following dates and it is based on a first-come, first-serve basis:
    o 1st Cohort: September 22, 2025
    o 2nd Cohort: October 13, 2025
    o 3rd Cohort: November 17, 2025
    o 4th Cohort: December 8, 2025

  • 4. What happens after I submit my registration?

    After registration you'll receive a follow up and confirmation email to confirm your registration and other further instructions.

  • 5. Who should I contact for registration and payment queries?

    Contact the USIM IT LEAD program administrators through:
    o Email: aitalentdev@usim.edu.my
    o Website inquiry form at https://itlead.usim.edu.my/aws-ai-talent/

  • 6. How do I arrange accommodation for onsite training sessions?

    For any accommodation arrangements or inquiries please contact aitalentdev@usim.edu.my.

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