The Definitive Guide to AWS Cloud Practitioners (CLF-C01)

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01) is an entry-level cloud certification provided by AWS. This certification validates your knowledge of basic cloud architecture, deployment, and best practices. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the cloud or want to build on your existing knowledge of cloud computing, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification might be right for you. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this new certification and how it can advance your career as a cloud practitioner.

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What is AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification?

AWS Cloud Practitioner is the first certification in the AWS Career Path. The certification process helps you develop foundational knowledge of cloud computing. It also enables you to solve a variety of business problems using AWS, and positions you to pursue higher-level AWS certifications.

The AWS Cloud practitioner certification is the first certification in the AWS family. Anyone who has basic cloud knowledge and an understanding of what AWS service does can appear for it.

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Why Become an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner?

There are plenty of great reasons to pursue the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. With this entry-level certification, you can validate your cloud computing knowledge. One can build confidence that you have the skills to complete a wide variety of AWS cloud computing tasks. 

You can learn how to build and manage applications on AWS with the knowledge gained by this exam. Also, further your cloud career in a variety of ways. You’ll learn how to leverage the power of AWS. This will reflect while deploying and managing applications, reduce costs, increase scalability and predictability, and more. 

Earning this entry-level certification will also help you stand out from other job candidates. Thus, making you a more desirable hire for companies looking to hire a cloud practitioner.

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How to become AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner?

Before you can become AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, you must first become AWS Certified Associate. You can begin your certification journey by first passing the AWS Certified Associate-level exam. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll earn the AWS Certified Associate certification. Note that you have a limited time to attempt the exam after purchasing the exam voucher, so make sure you plan your exam date ahead of time. 

The exam is available online and is administered by Pearson Vue. The same company that administers other AWS certification exams. Log into your AWS Certification Account and select the “Exam Review and Feedback” action item to indicate exam result status. 

Once you’ve passed the exam, you must complete three additional actions to become certified: 

1. Create an AWS certification portfolio 
2. Complete the AWS Cloud Practitioner self-assessment  
3. Create a resume or curriculum vitae

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The Path to Becoming an AWS Certified Professional

There are three levels of AWS certifications that you can earn to become an AWS Certified Professional. Earning each level of certification helps you build confidence in your cloud computing knowledge. This in turn advances your career as a cloud practitioner. To complete the path to becoming an AWS Certified Professional, you’ll need to pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam. You will also need to complete the additional requirements for each level of certification. 

To become an AWS Certified Associate, you’ll need to pass the Associate exam. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll earn the AWS Certified Associate certification. To become an AWS Certified Solutions Architect, you’ll need to pass the Solutions Architect exam. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll earn the AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification.

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A Definitive Checklist For AWS-Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam

• Research the exam objectives - You can find the exam objectives on the certification webpage. Make sure you know these objectives because they will be the key to passing the exam.
• Know your learning path- You can view your certification progress through the AWS Account.
• Set your exam date- You can book an exam date according to your availability and schedule.
• Get familiar with the format of the exam- You can view sample questions and formats of AWS certification exams on their website.
• Identify resources to study- You can use a variety of resources to study for the exam. This includes third-party review materials, sample questions, and AWS documentation.
• Set daily study goals- Make sure you’re studying daily, even if it’s for just 10 minutes. This will keep up the momentum you will stay on track.
• Get a study plan- Make sure you have a study plan and you’re sticking to it. This will help you stay on track and finish your certification.
• Create a study group- You can join a study group to help you stay on track and motivated. - 
• Don’t compromise your sleep and health- Make sure you’re eating right, getting enough sleep, and taking care of your health. As this will help you focus and stay on track.

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Key Takeaway: Is becoming an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner worth it?

The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification (CLF-C01) is an entry-level certification. 

• If you’re just getting started with the cloud and want to advance your career, it’s a great place to start. 
• Earning this certification will help you build confidence in your cloud computing knowledge. This will help you complete a wide variety of computing tasks. 
• Earning this certification will also help you stand out from other job candidates. This will make you a more desirable hire for the companies hiring cloud practitioners. 

The path to becoming an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is not an easy one, but it is worth it. So, for individuals who want to start or build knowledge on AWS, this is the perfect place to start.

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