How to Pass AWS Cloud Practitioner in 30 Days (2025) – A Step-by-Step Guide
Want to crack the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) exam in just 30 days? Whether you’re a student, career switcher, or IT professional, this proven 30-day study plan will help you pass on your first try—even with zero cloud experience!
In this guide, you’ll get:
✅ Day-by-day study plan (Balanced & realistic)
✅ Free & paid resources (Cheat sheets, practice tests)
✅ Exam tips & tricks (From AWS-certified professionals)
✅ Salary boost potential (Why this cert is worth it)
Let’s dive in!
Why Get AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification in 2025?
💰 Higher Salary: Certified professionals earn 20-40% more (Avg. ₹6-12 LPA in India).
🌍 Global Demand: AWS dominates 33% of the cloud market (More jobs!).
🚀 Career Growth: Gateway to AWS Solutions Architect, DevOps, & Data roles.
🕒 Easy Exam: Beginner-friendly (No hands-on labs, just multiple-choice).
AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam Details (2025)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | CLF-C02 (Updated in 2024) |
| Cost | $100 (~₹8,300) |
| Format | 65 MCQs (Multiple Choice) |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | ~700/1000 (70%) |
| Difficulty | Easy-Moderate (With preparation) |
30-Day Study Plan (Structured & Stress-Free)
📅 Week 1: AWS Basics & Core Services
Goal: Understand cloud concepts, AWS global infrastructure, & key services.
Study Materials:
Paid (Optional): Udemy – Stephane Maarek’s Course
Day 1-3:
✔ What is Cloud Computing? (AWS vs. Azure vs. GCP)
✔ AWS Global Infrastructure (Regions, Availability Zones)
✔ Core Services: EC2, S3, IAM, Lambda
Day 4-7:
✔ Billing & Pricing (AWS Free Tier, Cost Explorer)
✔ Security & Compliance (Shared Responsibility Model)
✔ Hands-on: Create a free AWS account & explore the console
📅 Week 2: Deep Dive into AWS Services
Goal: Learn storage, databases, networking, & security.
Study Materials:
Cheat Sheet: AWS Services Overview (PDF)
Day 8-10:
✔ Storage: S3 (Buckets, Storage Classes), EBS, Glacier
✔ Databases: RDS, DynamoDB, Redshift
Day 11-14:
✔ Networking: VPC, CloudFront, Route 53
✔ Security: IAM Roles, KMS, AWS Shield
Practice: Take 10-question quizzes daily (ExamPro, Tutorials Dojo).
📅 Week 3: Billing, Support & Exam Prep
Goal: Master cost optimization, support plans, & exam strategies.
Study Materials:
Day 15-17:
✔ AWS Billing & Pricing Models (Pay-as-you-go, Reserved Instances)
✔ Support Plans (Basic, Developer, Business, Enterprise)
Day 18-21:
✔ Review Weak Areas (Use flashcards)
✔ Take 1 Full-Length Practice Test (Timed mode)
📅 Week 4: Final Review & Exam Day Tips
Goal: Ace the exam with confidence!
Day 22-28:
✔ Daily Practice Tests (6-8 full tests recommended)
✔ Focus on Weak Areas (Use AWS Whitepapers)
Day 29:
✔ Last-Minute Revision (Key topics: IAM, S3, Pricing)
✔ Relax & Avoid Burnout
Day 30 – EXAM DAY!
✔ Before Exam: Eat light, arrive early (if in-person).
✔ During Exam: Flag tough questions, review marked ones.
✔ After Exam: Celebrate! Results appear immediately.
Top 5 Exam Tips (From AWS Certified Pros)
Memorize AWS Shared Responsibility Model (Guaranteed question!).
Know AWS Free Tier Limits (Popular in scenario-based Qs).
Eliminate Wrong Answers First (Narrow down choices).
Watch for Keywords – “Most cost-effective,” “Highly available.”
Skip & Return to difficult questions (Don’t waste time).
Free vs. Paid Resources
| Resource Type | Free | Paid (Worth It?) |
|---|---|---|
| Video Course | AWS Free Training | Stephane Maarek (Udemy, ~₹500) |
| Practice Tests | ExamPro (Free 20Qs) | Jon Bonso (6 Exams, ~₹1,000) |
| Cheat Sheets | DigitalCloud Training | AWS Official Study Guide |
Best Budget Option:
Free AWS Course + Jon Bonso Tests = Under ₹1,500 total!
What’s Next After Passing?
✔ Add “AWS Certified” to LinkedIn (Recruiters will contact you!).
✔ Apply for Jobs: Cloud Support Associate (₹5-9 LPA in India).
✔ Upskill: Next cert → AWS Solutions Architect Associate.
Final Checklist Before Exam
Taken 6+ practice tests (Scoring 80%+ consistently).
Reviewed AWS Well-Architected Framework.
Understood IAM, S3, Pricing, & Support Plans.
Scheduled exam (Peak energy time – morning recommended).
Conclusion
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the easiest AWS cert but opens big career doors. With 30 days of focused study, you CAN pass—even if you’re new to cloud!