The AWS Cloud Practitioner exam cost is 100 USD, and for that fee you sit one 90-minute test of 65 questions. The exam code is CLF-C02. This guide shows what that test looks like on the day: the question types, how the 700 pass mark works, what the fee covers and what AWS does not ask you.
AWS also notes that you may pay extra fees depending on exchange rates, so check the price at checkout in your own currency.
CLF-C02 at a Glance
| Detail | CLF-C02 |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | 100 USD (extra fees possible depending on exchange rates) |
| Total questions | 65 |
| Scored questions | 50 |
| Unscored questions | 15 |
| Time allowed | 90 minutes |
| Question types | Multiple choice, multiple response |
| Score range | 100 to 1000 |
| Minimum passing score | 700 |
| Target candidate | Up to 6 months of AWS exposure, any background |
The AWS Cloud Practitioner exam is the entry point into AWS certification. AWS describes the target candidate as someone with up to six months of exposure to AWS Cloud design, implementation or operations. The candidate can come from a non-IT background.
What the Exam Fee Covers
The 100 USD fee covers one sitting of the CLF-C02 exam. You pay once per attempt, and the price is the same whichever domain you find hardest.
Because the exam cost is fixed, the cheapest route is to arrive ready for the first attempt. Spending your budget on practice questions beforehand costs far less than paying the fee twice. I have not verified AWS retake rules or discount programmes for this post, so read the official AWS certification page before booking if you are hoping for a voucher or a reduced price.
How Many Questions Are on the Exam?
CLF-C02 has 65 questions. Only 50 of them count towards your score. The other 15 are unscored, and AWS does not tell you which ones they are.
AWS uses unscored questions to test new items for future exams. That means a question that looks odd or off-syllabus may be one of the 15. Do not burn time on it. Treat every question as if it counts, because you cannot tell the difference.
How Much Time Do You Get?
You get 90 minutes for 65 questions, which is roughly 83 seconds per question. Flag anything you are unsure of and return to it once you have answered the rest.
Question Types: Multiple Choice and Multiple Response
CLF-C02 uses only two question types.
- Multiple choice: one correct answer and three distractors.
- Multiple response: two or more correct answers out of five or more options.
There are no hands-on labs and no coding tasks on this exam.
How to Handle Multiple Response Questions
Multiple response questions catch people because the stem tells you how many answers to pick, and a partial answer does not help you. Work through them in a fixed order.
- Read the stem and note exactly how many answers it asks for.
- Judge each option on its own as true or false for the scenario.
- Cross out options that name a service that does not match the task.
- If you are stuck, pick the two or three options you are most sure of and move on.
Exam Tip: There is no penalty for guessing on CLF-C02, but an unanswered question counts as wrong. Never leave a question blank, even if you have to guess.
How Scoring Works: Scaled Score and the 700 Pass Mark
Your result is a scaled score between 100 and 1000, and the minimum passing score is 700. A scaled score is not a percentage of questions correct. AWS converts your raw performance to the 100 to 1000 scale so that results stay comparable across different versions of the exam.
The exam uses compensatory scoring. You do not need to pass each domain separately. You need to reach 700 overall, so a strong result in one domain can offset a weaker one in another.
That is useful, but the weights matter. A domain worth 34% of the exam can carry you much further than one worth 12%, so do not neglect the big ones.
CLF-C02 Domains and Weights
The exam guide splits the content into four domains.
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Cloud Technology and Services | 34% |
| Security and Compliance | 30% |
| Cloud Concepts | 24% |
| Billing, Pricing, and Support | 12% |
Cloud Technology and Services (34%)
This is the largest domain, so it is the best place to spend study time. It covers the AWS services you are expected to recognise and match to a use case.
Security and Compliance (30%)
Security is almost a third of the exam. Expect questions on who is responsible for what and on how access to AWS is controlled. The scenarios are conceptual, not technical.
Cloud Concepts (24%)
This domain covers why organisations use the cloud and the ideas behind it.
Billing, Pricing, and Support (12%)
The smallest domain covers how AWS charges for services and what support is available. It is worth 12% of the exam, so it matters least, but it still counts.
What Is Out of Scope
AWS lists tasks the Cloud Practitioner candidate is not expected to perform. You will not be tested on:
- Coding
- Designing cloud architecture
- Troubleshooting
- Implementation
- Load testing
This is the main reason the exam suits people without an IT career. You need to know what services do and why they matter. You do not need to build anything. If you are weighing it against deeper AWS exams, those architect and developer certifications are where design and implementation start.
Preparing for the Format
Knowing the format helps, but you still have to know the content. The CertCrush AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 course includes 400 practice questions, 200 flashcards and a study guide. Practice questions in both multiple choice and multiple response style are the fastest way to get comfortable with the format before you pay the exam fee. See pricing for plan details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam cost?
The exam fee is 100 USD. AWS notes that extra fees may apply depending on exchange rates, so your local price can differ at checkout.
How many questions are on CLF-C02?
There are 65 questions. Fifty are scored and 15 are unscored, and the unscored ones are not identified.
What score do you need to pass the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam?
You need a scaled score of at least 700 on a scale of 100 to 1000. Scoring is compensatory, so you do not have to pass each domain on its own.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?
No. There is no penalty for guessing, but an unanswered question is marked wrong. Answer everything.
Ready to Start Practising?
You now know the cost, the 65-question format and the 700 pass mark. The next step is testing yourself under the same conditions. Create a free CertCrush account and start working through CLF-C02 practice questions today.