This guide provides an overview of hands-on labs in Cloud Skills Boost, including the types of labs available and what to expect.
What is a Cloud Skills Boost Hands-on Lab?
A hands-on lab, or "lab," is an interactive learning experience where you complete a real-world use case in the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) console in a specified amount of time. Unlike simulations or demos, labs provide access to the actual GCP environment, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge.
Types of Labs
Cloud Skills Boost offers two main types of labs:
- Self-paced labs: These labs provide step-by-step instructions to guide you through a specific task or scenario.
- Challenge labs: These labs present a challenge or problem that you must solve with minimal guidance. They assess your ability to apply your knowledge and skills independently. Challenge labs are identifiable by their title, which will always include "Challenge Lab."
Accessing Labs
Most labs require credits to access. However, Cloud Skills Boost offers a selection of free introductory labs to get you started.
System Requirements
Cloud Skills Boost supports all popular browsers, but the latest version of Chrome OS is recommended for the best experience. You can check your device's compatibility on the Cloud Skills Boost website.
Tips for Success
- Read the lab description carefully: Before starting a lab, review the description to understand the objectives and prerequisites.
- Follow the instructions closely: In self-paced labs, adhere to the provided steps. In challenge labs, use the information provided to develop your solution.
- Experiment and explore: Labs provide a safe environment to learn and experiment. Don't be afraid to try different approaches.
- Use the provided resources: Many labs include helpful resources, such as documentation and tutorials.