AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification: What, Why, How?
Tags: aws, cloudcomputing, devops
Published: 2021-04-19 11:50:49

This guide provides an overview of the AWS certification process, highlighting its importance and outlining what you'll learn.

## What to Expect from the Certification

The AWS certification exam tests your knowledge on the following tasks:

- The significance of the AWS Cloud.
- The AWS shared responsibility model.
- Best practices for AWS security.
- Understanding AWS Cloud costs and billing.
- Describing core AWS services including compute, network, databases, and storage.
- Identifying AWS services for various use cases.

### Breakdown of Exam Domains:

Update: The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam underwent changes, transitioning from the CLF-C01 version to the CLF-C02 version on September 19, 2023. These changes not only involve the exam's structure but also the domains it covers and the weightage of scored questions in each domain. The table below illustrates the distinctions between the two versions:

| C01 Domain                  | Percent of Scored Questions | C02 Domain                         | Percent of Scored Questions |
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| 1: Cloud Concepts           | 26%                        | 1: Cloud Concepts                  | 24%                        |
| 2: Security and Compliance  | 25%                        | 2: Security and Compliance         | 30%                        |
| 3: Technology               | 33%                        | 3: Cloud Technology and Services   | 34%                        |
| 4: Billing and Pricing      | 16%                        | 4: Billing, Pricing, and Support   | 12%                        |

The exam delves deep into AWS services, ensuring your comprehension of the value and functionality they offer. By the end, you'll have a holistic understanding of AWS, allowing you to assist AWS customers, developers, partners, and other stakeholders. You'll also acquire the skills to create a high-performing static website using AWS tools such as [CloudFront](https://aws.amazon.com/cloudfront), [Route 53](https://aws.amazon.com/route53/), and [Athena](https://aws.amazon.com/athena/?whats-new-cards.sort-by=item.additionalFields.postDateTime&whats-new-cards.sort-order=desc).

Remember, most exam questions are scenario-based. Thus, merely memorizing answers won't suffice. A holistic understanding of AWS services is vital. 

**Question Format:**
- Multiple choice: One correct out of four responses.
- Multiple response: Two or more correct out of five or more options.

Your exam score will range from 100–1,000, with 700 as the passing score. Explore more about the exam content [here](https://d1.awsstatic.com/training-and-certification/docs-cloud-practitioner/AWS-Certified-Cloud-Practitioner_Exam-Guide.pdf).

## Can Beginners Handle the Exam?

Switching to a cloud-centric role without prior knowledge can be daunting. I remember when I first embarked on this journey, the thought of mastering AWS was overwhelming. But with determination and a structured approach, and with zero prior knowledge, I found a way. The preparation for the exam took one month.

### Strategy:

1. Completed the Cloud Guru Cloud Practitioner course, including videos, quizzes, and practice exams.
2. Gained hands-on experience by experimenting with AWS services.
3. Followed AWS's recommended [preparation method](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*1bP-ozHMYVbf6CoCYNhRlw.png).
4. Undertook practice tests on [Udemy](https://www.udemy.com/course/aws-certified-cloud-practitioner-practice-test/).
5. Reviewed parts of the official [AWS Cloud Practitioner course](https://www.aws.training/Details/eLearning?id=60697).
6. Took the official AWS [practice exam](www.aws.training/certification?src=cert-prep).

### Examination Details:

- **Format:** 90 minutes with 65 questions (multiple choice or multiple response).
- **Delivery:** At a testing centre or via an [online proctored exam](https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers/OnVUE-online-proctoring.aspx).
- **Cost:** 100.00 USD.
  
Post-exam, you'll receive preliminary results immediately, with the official results arriving within 24 hours to 2 days.

### Staying Motivated:

Maintaining enthusiasm is essential. Here's what kept me going:

- Booking the exam a month in advance.
- Completing comprehensive courses like CloudGuru.
- Engaging in practical AWS exercises.
- Reading AWS white papers.
- Discussing progress with friends and family.
  
Endeavour to take the leap and earn your certification. You'll be cloud-surfing before you know it!

For further details, visit the [AWS Certification Preparation page](https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certification-prep).

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