AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential artwork

AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)

Validates foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, core AWS services, security and compliance, and AWS pricing, billing and support.

Summary

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is AWS's entry-level certification for people new to the cloud. It tests whether you understand cloud concepts, the main AWS services, security basics and how AWS pricing and support work, not how to build or run systems.

Official name: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Good fit if

  • You are new to AWS or cloud computing
  • You work in sales, support, finance or project management
  • You want a first AWS exam before an Associate

Look elsewhere if

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

No required prerequisites. Anyone can book the exam.

Up to 6 months of AWS exposure

Recommended

AWS writes the exam for people with basic exposure to AWS design, implementation or operations, in a technical or business role.

Cost

USD · US pricing
$100
A retake costs the full $100 after a 14-day wait.

What holders say

Certification path

AWS names Solutions Architect Associate and Developer Associate as next certifications, and adds AI Practitioner for AI knowledge.

This certification
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential artwork
Cloud PractitionerCore AWS and cloud concepts
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate credential artwork
Solutions Architect AssociateDesigning solutions on AWS
AWS Certified Developer – Associate credential artwork
Developer AssociateBuilding applications on AWS
AWS Certified AI Practitioner credential artwork
AI PractitionerAI, ML and generative AI concepts

Renewal

AWS Cloud Practitioner is valid for three years.

Validity
3 years
Free renewal
AWS Cloud Quest Recertify
Exam retake with 50% voucher
$50 USD

Complete Cloud Quest in the six months before expiry. You can also renew by passing any AWS Associate or Professional exam. Each option extends the certification for three years.

AWS recertification options ↗

Alternatives

AWS Certified AI Practitioner credential artwork
AWS AI Practitioner$100 required · Entry

The other foundational AWS exam, focused on AI, machine learning and generative AI.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals credential artwork
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)$99 required · Entry

The equivalent no-experience starting point if your target employer runs on Azure.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate credential artwork
AWS Solutions Architect Associate$150 required · Intermediate

The usual next step, and a reasonable first exam if you already have IT experience.

FAQ

Do I need experience for AWS Cloud Practitioner?

No. AWS describes the target candidate as having up to six months of AWS exposure, but anyone can book the exam.

How many questions are on the Cloud Practitioner exam and what is the passing score?

65 questions in 90 minutes, of which 50 are scored. You need a scaled score of 700 out of 1,000.

Is there a free AWS Cloud Practitioner exam voucher?

The exam costs $100 in the US. After you pass any AWS exam you get a 50% voucher for your next one. AWS sometimes offers student and promotional vouchers, but the exam is not free by default.

AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Solutions Architect Associate: which should I take?

Cloud Practitioner covers concepts and service recognition. Solutions Architect Associate tests designing AWS systems and carries more weight for technical roles. If you already work in IT, you can start with the Associate.

How do I renew AWS Cloud Practitioner?

Complete the free AWS Cloud Quest Recertify Cloud Practitioner training, pass the current exam again, or pass any AWS Associate or Professional exam within three years.

Last updated October 2026