AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) exam-day guide
AWS CRAW · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID you registered with (typically a passport or driver's license). The name must match your registration exactly. If your ID is expired or the name differs, contact AWS Certification support before test day; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Know your test format and delivery method
CRAW is a foundational-level exam. Confirm whether you are taking it at a test center or via online proctoring, and check the current question count, time limit, passing score, and price on the official AWS Certification page, since these details change. Do not rely on secondhand summaries.
Review the official exam guide and domains
Download the current AWS Certified AI Practitioner exam guide and note the domain weightings. Plan your final review around the heaviest domains, and use the official sample questions to calibrate the style of reasoning expected.
Test-center logistics confirmed
If testing in person, confirm the address, arrival time, and parking or transit options the day before. Arrive early; late arrivals may be turned away. Confirm the test center's arrival window with the provider.
Online proctoring system check (if applicable)
Run the proctoring vendor's system test on the same computer and network you will use on exam day. Check webcam, microphone, browser, and bandwidth. Resolve any failures at least 24 hours ahead. Confirm supported operating systems and any software restrictions with the provider.
Quiet, private room for online testing (if applicable)
Clear your desk of notes, phones, and second screens. Inform household members not to enter. Proctors may ask you to pan the camera around the room. Requirements vary; confirm the current room and desk rules with the provider.
Scheduling confirmation and appointment details
Have your appointment confirmation number and the test provider's support phone number accessible. Know how to reschedule; fees and cutoffs depend on timing and are set by the provider, so confirm the policy in your account.
Scratch materials policy understood
Physical paper and pens are generally not allowed. Many providers offer an on-screen whiteboard or a permitted erasable booklet. Confirm what is allowed at your test center or in the online environment before exam day.
Practice with timed question sets
Complete at least one full-length timed practice set in the final week to build pacing. Aim to finish with time to review flagged questions. Use practice results to target weak domains, not to memorize items.
Study the AWS shared responsibility and AI service landscape
Be able to place services such as Amazon Bedrock, Amazon SageMaker, Amazon Q, and Amazon Comprehend in the correct use case, and explain how the shared responsibility model applies to AI workloads. This is high-yield conceptual material.
Rest and logistics plan
Plan sleep, meals, and travel so you arrive calm. For online exams, schedule a buffer before your slot for the check-in process. Avoid last-minute cramming of new topics in the final hour.
Backup plan for technical failure
Know the provider's support channel if your online session fails to launch or disconnects. Keep your phone nearby but out of reach during the exam, as instructed by the proctor. Confirm the incident-reporting process with the provider.
Plan the day
Do a structured review of the official exam guide domains, weighted toward the largest. Re-read your own summary notes on AWS AI services, responsible AI, security, and cost. Take one full timed practice set and review every missed question by concept, not by memorizing the item. Stop introducing new resources after this point.
Confirm your appointment date, time, and delivery method. For a test center, verify the address and travel time. For online proctoring, run the system test again and update your proctoring software if prompted. Read the provider's candidate handbook for current rules.
Light review only: skim high-level summaries, service comparisons, and the shared responsibility model. Prepare your ID and confirmation details in one place. Charge your laptop and test your webcam and microphone if testing online. Set two alarms. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal and avoid heavy caffeine if you are sensitive. Re-check the appointment time and join or arrive early. For online exams, close all other applications and silence notifications. Keep your desk clear and your ID ready for the proctor.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'most cost-effective' or 'least operational overhead.' Answer easy questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Eliminate clearly wrong options before choosing. Budget time so you can review flagged items before the clock ends.
Follow the provider's instructions for receiving your score. If you do not pass, note which domains felt weakest while the memory is fresh, and plan a retake only after reviewing the official guide and your weak areas. Confirm retake waiting periods and fees with the provider.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID you registered with; the name must match your registration. Expired or mismatched ID can result in being turned away. Confirm accepted ID forms with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions. Do not talk aloud, look away from the screen for extended periods, or reach for items during an online exam. Behavior that appears to violate rules can lead to session termination.
Do not bring unauthorized materials such as notes, phones, smart watches, or second screens into the testing environment. Physical scratch paper is generally prohibited; use only the permitted on-screen or provider-supplied tools.
Breaks are limited and, depending on the provider, may not stop the exam clock. Plan to complete the exam in one sitting. Confirm the current break policy with the provider before test day.
Scoring is based on your performance across the exam domains; there is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question. The passing score is set by AWS and may change; check the official exam page for current details.
Do not share, record, or reproduce exam content. Attempting to capture questions violates the certification agreement and can result in score cancellation and a ban.
If a technical problem occurs during an online exam, pause and contact the proctor or provider support immediately rather than troubleshooting on your own. Report the incident so it can be documented.
Rescheduling and cancellation terms depend on how far in advance you act and are set by the provider. Review your appointment details and fees in your account rather than relying on general guidance.