What is the CLF-C02 Exam?
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) is Amazon’s foundational cloud certification launched to validate broad knowledge of AWS Cloud fundamentals, core services, billing, pricing, and security concepts. This new version updates the earlier CLF-C01 with fresh topics on cloud economics, AI/ML basics, and evolving best practices.
It is not a deep technical test; rather, it confirms that you understand the AWS global infrastructure, shared responsibility model, and essential architecture principles that apply across all AWS workloads. Think of it as an entry door into AWS certifications, proving your ability to discuss cloud concepts confidently with managers, developers, and clients.
Who should take this exam
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) exam is ideal for:
- IT newcomers exploring cloud as a career path
- Sales, marketing, and finance staff working with cloud-based solutions
- Project managers and business analysts who need to converse fluently with technical teams
- Developers, sysadmins, and network professionals preparing to move into AWS associate-level tracks
AWS recommends 6 months of cloud exposure, but strong motivation and focused preparation can shorten that timeline.
Prerequisites and recommendations
Official prerequisites: None. Anyone can register.
Practical recommendations:
3–6 months of hands-on exposure to AWS Free Tier or labs
Basic IT literacy (networking, storage, compute concepts)
Familiarity with at least one cloud service (even free tier)
Prior foundational certs like CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ or Azure Fundamentals are a bonus
Exam objectives and domains
The CLF-C02 exam measures four weighted domains:
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Cloud Concepts | 24% |
| Security & Compliance | 30% |
| Cloud Technology & Services | 34% |
| Billing, Pricing & Support | 12% |
Objective details by domain
Cloud Concepts
- Understand AWS Cloud and basic global infrastructure
- Explain cloud value proposition, including elasticity and scalability
- Identify key AWS services and their common use cases
Security & Compliance
- Explain the AWS shared responsibility model
- Define key security services (IAM, KMS, WAF)
- Recognize compliance resources (AWS Artifact, Well-Architected)
Cloud Technology & Services
- Identify compute, storage, networking, and database services
- Understand deployment and operation models
- Recognize AI/ML and analytics services
Billing, Pricing & Support
- Describe Support plans and how to open cases
- Compare pricing models (On-Demand, Reserved, Savings Plans)
- Understand AWS Pricing Calculator and TCO tools
What changed in this version
- New topics: Generative AI foundations, sustainability, and cost optimization tools
- Greater weight on Security & Compliance (up from 26% to 30%)
- Streamlined billing objectives to focus on real-world cost management
- Updated service list (e.g., AWS Bedrock, updated AI/ML references)
- Older topics such as legacy storage classes are less emphasized
Registration and scheduling
- Register through AWS Training & Certification portal or Pearson VUE/PSI
- Choose online proctored or test center
- Schedule anytime; reschedule up to 24 hours in advance
Pricing and vouchers
Standard price: USD 100 (plus local tax)
Regional variations apply (e.g., ~USD 90 in some countries)
Discounts:
- 50% exam retake voucher if you fail and buy the exam bundle
- 50% off for students via AWS Educate
- Military and government discounts in select regions
Policies you should know
- Valid government photo ID required
- 24-hour reschedule window
- Two test attempts allowed within 14 days (fees apply)
- Retake after failure: wait 14 days
Scoring and results
- Scoring scale: 100–1000
- Passing score: 700
- No partial credit for multi-response questions
- Preliminary result shown instantly; full score report within 5 days
- Score report highlights domain-level performance
Exam day and test experience
- Online proctored: Test from home with webcam; room scan required
- On-site: Bring ID, lock personal items in a locker
- Duration: 90 minutes, 65 multiple-choice/multiple-response questions
- One optional break
- Interface includes flag/mark-for-review and countdown timer
- Recommended pacing: finish first pass in 60 min, review flagged items in 30 min
Study plan and resources
For Beginners (6–8 weeks)
- Weeks 1–2: AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials digital course, AWS whitepapers (Cloud Economics, Well-Architected).
- Weeks 3–4: Hands-on with Free Tier; experiment with EC2, S3, IAM.
- Weeks 5–6: Take 3–4 full-length practice tests; revisit weak domains.
- Weeks 7–8 (optional): Re-read key services, attempt timed mocks.
For Experienced IT Pros (3–4 weeks)
- Week 1: Skim Cloud Practitioner Essentials and Well-Architected Framework
- Week 2: Focus on security and billing nuances
- Week 3: Attempt multiple practice exams (Whizlabs, Tutorials Dojo)
- Week 4: Review score gaps, schedule exam
Resources list:
- Exam readiness webinars
- AWS Skill Builder free courses
- Tutorials Dojo CLF-C02 practice exams
- Whizlabs CLF-C02 practice tests
- AWS Whitepapers and FAQs
Certification validity and renewal
Validity: 3 years
Renewal: Pass the latest version of CLF exam or earn a higher-level AWS certification before expiry. Continuing education credits are not required.
Career outcomes
Common job roles:
- Cloud support associate
- Cloud sales/business development rep
- Cloud project coordinator
- Junior solutions architect
Salary range:
Often used to boost credibility for promotions or to pivot into cloud engineering.
Entry-level cloud roles: USD 80,000 – 110,000 annually in the US (sources: PayScale, Glassdoor 2025).
| Job Role | Approx Salary (PKR/month) | Approx Salary (PKR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior / Entry-Level Staff (0-2 yrs) | 40,000 – 70,000 | ~ 480,000 – 840,000 |
| Mid-Level Technical / Specialist (3-5 yrs) | 100,000 – 200,000 | ~ 1,200,000 – 2,400,000 |
| Manager / Team Lead | 200,000 – 350,000 | ~ 2,400,000 – 4,200,000 |
| Senior Manager / Department Head | 350,000 – 600,000 | ~ 4,200,000 – 7,200,000 |
| Director / Executive | 600,000 – 1,000,000+ | ~ 7,200,000 – 12,000,000+ |
Related or next-step certifications
AWS Solutions Architect – Associate (SA-C03) for architecture depth
AWS SysOps Administrator – Associate for operations
AWS Security Specialty for advanced cloud security
How this exam compares to similar certifications
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Similar in concept but Azure-focused; AWS version has more billing and support detail.
Google Cloud Digital Leader: Similar breadth; AWS exam is considered slightly more technical.
If you’re preparing for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) exam, the right study materials can make all the difference. Cert Empire offers reliable CLF-C02 exam dumps with accurate and updated questions to help you get exam-ready with confidence.
To practice your knowledge in a real test-like environment, you can also try their free CLF-C02 practice exam. Using both resources together will give you the perfect mix of structured learning and hands-on practice for success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should I study for CLF-C02?
Beginners generally need 6–8 weeks with consistent effort; experienced IT staff might finish in 3–4 weeks.
Is hands-on experience mandatory?
No, but at least some Free Tier practice greatly improves understanding and memory.
What happens if I fail?
You can retake after 14 days. Consider buying the exam bundle with a retake voucher to save money.
Can I take the exam online?
Yes, AWS offers fully online proctored testing worldwide.
