☁️

AWS Cloud Practitioner Overview

Sep 2, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, explains key cloud concepts, AWS core services, and exam details, and provides practical guidance on starting with AWS.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Overview

  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02/CCP) is an entry-level exam covering cloud fundamentals.
  • The certification teaches cloud concepts, architectures, deployment models, and core AWS services.
  • Suitable for beginners, executives, sales, and experienced IT professionals needing a knowledge refresh.
  • Provides a broad, strategic overview of AWS and cloud, not deep technical skills.
  • Serves as a recommended foundation before pursuing other AWS certifications.

Exam Structure & Preparation

  • Four exam domains: Cloud Concepts (24%), Security & Compliance (30%), Technology & Services (34%), Billing & Support (12%).
  • The exam consists of 65 questions (50 scored, 15 unscored), multiple choice and multiple response.
  • Passing score is 700/1000; roughly 70% correct.
  • Average study time is about 24–30 hours for beginners; less for experienced users.
  • Preparation involves lecture content, hands-on labs, and practice exams.

Cloud Concepts and AWS Fundamentals

  • Cloud computing delivers IT resources via the internet, reducing reliance on on-premise hardware.
  • Hosting evolved from dedicated servers to VPS, shared hosting, and cloud hosting (distributed computing).
  • Major cloud providers include AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba.
  • Four core service types: Compute, Storage, Networking, Databases.
  • AWS offers over 200 cloud services; compute (EC2), storage (S3), networking (VPC), and databases (RDS) are core.

Key AWS Terminology & Resources

  • AWS account setup requires a credit card; use IAM users instead of root user for daily tasks.
  • Billing in AWS is metered (pay for usage), not fixed; budgets and billing alerts help avoid overspending.
  • AWS Free Tier offers limited free usage for 12 months after account creation.
  • AWS global infrastructure includes regions, availability zones (AZs), edge locations, and specialized zones for compliance.

Exam Logistics

  • Take the exam at a Pearson VUE test center or online with proctoring.
  • Duration: 90 minutes exam time (120 minutes seat time); arrive 30 minutes early.
  • Certification is valid for 3 years.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • AWS — Amazon Web Services, leading cloud service provider.
  • Cloud Computing — Using the internet to access computing resources remotely.
  • IAM — Identity and Access Management; user, group, permissions management.
  • Region — Geographical area containing multiple data centers (AZs).
  • Availability Zone (AZ) — Isolated data center within a region.
  • Practice Exam — Simulated exam to prepare for the real test.
  • Root User — Original AWS account with full privileges; avoid daily use.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Set up an AWS account and create an IAM user.
  • Review the official AWS exam guide for CLF-C02.
  • Schedule study sessions and complete available practice exams and labs.
  • Set up billing alerts and budgets in AWS for cost management.
  • Enable MFA (multi-factor authentication) on your AWS root and user accounts.

Full transcript