AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CRWT) exam-day guide
AWS CRWT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, physical ID (passport or driver's license) whose name matches your registration exactly. A photocopy or a digital image is normally not accepted. Confirm with the provider which ID types are allowed and whether a secondary ID is required for online proctoring.
Appointment confirmation and test-taker ID
Save the confirmation email and any candidate ID or appointment number offline on your phone and print a copy. You may need it at check-in or if the proctor has trouble locating your registration.
Know your exam code and format
Confirm the exact exam code you booked, the number of questions, and the time limit from your booking confirmation rather than memory. AWS certification exams are typically multiple-choice and multiple-response, scored on a pass/fail basis with a scaled score; confirm the current passing score and format with the provider, since these can change.
Review the current exam guide and domain weightings
Download the official exam guide for your specific AWS certification and note the domain percentages. Spend your last study hours proportional to those weightings, not on low-weight topics you enjoy.
Test-day logistics for an in-person center
Confirm the test center address, parking or transit options, and arrival time (commonly 15-30 minutes early, but confirm with the provider). Check for local construction or closures the day before.
System and equipment check for online proctoring
If testing remotely, run the provider's system test on the same computer and network you will use, days in advance. Confirm webcam, microphone, browser version, and that your operating system meets requirements. Have a backup internet option such as a phone hotspot.
Quiet, private, cleared room for remote testing
Remote proctoring typically requires a private room, a clear desk, no second monitors, and no other people entering. Remove notes, phones, and smart devices from the desk area. Confirm the provider's specific room and desk rules in advance.
Understand the allowed-aids policy
Most AWS certification exams do not permit notes, books, or a second screen, and scratch materials are usually provided or embedded in the testing software if allowed at all. Do not bring your own paper or pen without confirming with the provider.
Plan breaks and timing
Confirm whether your exam allows scheduled or unscheduled breaks and how they affect the clock. As a general rule, budget roughly a minute per question and flag long scenario questions to revisit, but confirm the actual question count and time limit for your exam.
Sleep, food, and hydration plan
Protect the night before. Schedule a normal meal and avoid heavy caffeine if you are sensitive. A 2-3 hour exam rewards steady attention more than last-minute cramming.
Backup contact and contingency plan
Save the provider's support phone number or chat link in case of a technical failure or check-in problem. Know your reschedule and cancellation policy before test day, since windows and fees vary; confirm with the provider.
needs_review: Confirm whether any accommodations are pre-approved
If you requested extra time or other accommodations, confirm approval and how to invoke them at check-in. Policies and lead times vary, so verify directly with the provider well before test day.
Plan the day
Stop learning new topics. Re-read the official exam guide and your own summary notes for each domain, focusing on the highest-weighted areas. Do one timed practice set under exam conditions, then review every wrong answer to understand the reasoning, not just the correct letter. Confirm your appointment time, location or remote setup, and ID requirements in writing.
Do a focused pass on the services and concepts you keep missing. For AWS exams this usually means knowing when to choose one managed service over another, how identity and access policies interact, and how networking and storage options differ in durability and cost. Write a one-page cheat sheet in your own words, then set it aside; you will not bring it into the exam.
Run the final logistics check: ID ready, confirmation saved offline, route or remote room prepared, equipment tested, backup internet arranged. Do a light review of your summary notes only, no new practice exams. Set two alarms, charge devices, and go to bed at a normal hour. Avoid alcohol and late-night cramming.
Eat a normal meal and arrive or log in early, typically 15-30 minutes ahead; confirm the exact window with the provider. For remote testing, close all other applications, silence your phone and put it out of reach, and tell household members not to disturb you. Have your ID and confirmation within arm's reach.
Read each question fully and identify what is being asked before looking at the options. Eliminate clearly wrong answers first. Watch for qualifiers such as most cost-effective, least operational overhead, most secure, and highest availability, since these decide between two plausible answers. Answer every question; there is normally no penalty for guessing, but confirm the scoring rules with the provider. Flag uncertain items and return to them if the interface allows. Pace yourself against the clock and keep a few minutes at the end to review flagged questions.
Note which domains felt weak while it is fresh. If you did not pass, check the score report for domain-level performance, confirm the retake waiting period and fee with the provider, and build a study plan around the weakest domains before rebooking.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification with a name matching your registration. If your ID name differs from your registration, resolve it with the provider before test day; do not assume a nickname or maiden name will be accepted.
Follow all proctor instructions. For remote exams this typically includes a room scan, showing your desk, and keeping your face in view. Refusing a requested check can result in your session being terminated, so confirm the specific rules with the provider beforehand.
Do not bring unauthorized materials into the testing area: notes, books, phones, smartwatches, or a second screen. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, leave it outside the room or ask the provider in advance.
Do not communicate with anyone other than the proctor during the exam, and do not attempt to capture, record, or share exam content. Sharing exam questions violates the certification agreement and can void your result and bar future testing.
Understand the scoring before you sit down: AWS certification exams are pass/fail with a scaled score, and results are typically provisional on screen with official confirmation later. Confirm the current passing score and reporting process with the provider, since these details can change.
Know the break policy for your exam. Some exams offer scheduled breaks and others do not, and unscheduled breaks may not stop the clock. Confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Know the reschedule, cancellation, and retake policies before test day. Notice periods and fees vary by provider and delivery method, so verify the terms on your booking confirmation.
If a technical problem occurs, stop and contact the proctor or provider support immediately rather than troubleshooting alone. Document what happened so you can request a remedy such as a reschedule; confirm the available options with the provider.