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AWS · Cloud · Entry

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam guide

Exam CLF-C02

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) validates foundational knowledge of AWS cloud concepts, core services, security, pricing and support. It is the most common first cloud certification and gives technical and non-technical staff a shared AWS vocabulary.

Questions65
Time limit90 minutes
Passing score700 (100-1000 scale)
Exam fee$100 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center or online proctored

Format: Multiple choice and multiple response. Fee note: AWS Certified holders get 50% off their next exam..

Who it's for

Career changers, students, sales, finance and project staff, and IT professionals new to AWS who need a credible baseline before associate-level certifications.

What the exam covers

Cloud Concepts24%
Security and Compliance30%
Cloud Technology and Services34%
Billing, Pricing, and Support12%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: Up to 6 months of exposure to the AWS Cloud in any role (technical, managerial, sales, purchasing or financial).

Keeping it active

Valid for 3 years. Recertify by passing the latest version of Cloud Practitioner or by earning any associate, professional or specialty AWS certification.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Explaining cloud value and the AWS Well-Architected Framework
  • Applying the shared responsibility model
  • Describing IAM, security services and compliance resources
  • Identifying core compute, storage, database and networking services
  • Comparing AWS pricing models and cost management tools
  • Choosing AWS Support plans

Job roles

Cloud Support AssociateIT Support SpecialistCloud Sales RepresentativeTechnical Account CoordinatorJunior Cloud EngineerIT Project Coordinator

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: AWS Skill Builder Cloud Practitioner Essentials course; cover cloud concepts and the Well-Architected Framework.
  2. Week 2: Core services in a free-tier account: launch an EC2 instance, create an S3 bucket, explore RDS, VPC and IAM.
  3. Week 3: Security, compliance, billing and support: shared responsibility, IAM best practices, Artifact, Cost Explorer, Budgets, support plans.
  4. Week 4: Take the official practice question set and a timed practice exam; review weak services and book.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Security and Compliance is 30% of the exam; know the shared responsibility model with examples for EC2 vs Lambda vs RDS.
  • Know which support plan first includes a TAM, 24/7 phone support and full Trusted Advisor checks.
  • Memorize the six Well-Architected pillars and the Cloud Adoption Framework perspectives.
  • Distinguish similar services: CloudWatch vs CloudTrail vs Config, Shield vs WAF vs GuardDuty, Savings Plans vs Reserved Instances.
  • Unanswered questions are scored wrong, so answer everything; there is no penalty for guessing.

Key terms for this exam

All 151 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does AWS Cloud Practitioner cost?

$100 USD plus applicable taxes.

Is AWS Cloud Practitioner worth it in 2026?

Yes as a first step and for non-technical roles; technical candidates should treat it as a stepping stone to Solutions Architect Associate or another associate exam.

How hard is CLF-C02?

It is the easiest AWS exam. Most beginners pass after 2-4 weeks of part-time study.

Can I skip Cloud Practitioner?

Yes. It is not a prerequisite for any AWS certification; experienced IT staff often go straight to an associate exam.

How do I renew AWS Cloud Practitioner?

Pass the current version within 3 years, or earn any higher-level AWS certification, which automatically recertifies it.

Official page: aws.amazon.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.