AWS has two foundational certifications: the long-established Cloud Practitioner and the newer AI Practitioner. On paper they look identical: same fee, same length, same number of questions. In practice they serve different people. This guide explains what each one tests and how to choose.
Exam details were checked against the official AWS certification pages in October 2026.
At a glance
| Cloud Practitioner | AI Practitioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam code | CLF-C02 | AIF-C01 |
| Fee | US$100 | US$100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Questions | 65 | 65 |
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Main subject | Cloud concepts, core AWS services, security, pricing and support | AI and machine learning concepts, generative AI, foundation models and responsible AI on AWS |
What Cloud Practitioner tests
Cloud Practitioner checks that you understand what the AWS Cloud is and how organisations use it. Topics include the benefits of cloud computing, the AWS global infrastructure, core services for compute, storage, databases and networking, the shared responsibility model, identity and access management basics, and how AWS pricing, billing and support plans work. AWS describes it as suitable for people with no prior IT or cloud background.
What AI Practitioner tests
AI Practitioner checks your understanding of AI, machine learning and generative AI, and how AWS services support them. Expect questions about the machine learning lifecycle, common model types and use cases, how foundation models and large language models work at a high level, prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation, evaluating model output, and responsible AI topics such as bias, transparency and security. You need to know which AWS services fit which AI tasks, but you are not asked to build or train models.
Who should take which
Choose Cloud Practitioner if you are new to cloud computing, moving into IT from another field, or work in a role (sales, finance, HR, project management) that needs a general understanding of AWS.
Choose AI Practitioner if your work involves evaluating, buying, managing or building products with AI features: product managers, business analysts, consultants, data analysts and developers integrating generative AI into applications. It is also a sensible first step for anyone planning to take the Machine Learning Engineer – Associate exam later.
Can you do AI Practitioner without Cloud Practitioner?
Yes. There is no prerequisite, and the two syllabuses overlap only slightly. However, AI Practitioner assumes you are comfortable with basic cloud ideas. If terms like regions, IAM roles or managed services are new to you, spend a week on Cloud Practitioner study material first, even if you do not take that exam.
Is either one enough to get a job?
On its own, usually not for technical roles. Foundational certifications show interest and basic knowledge. They help most when combined with something else: a degree, project work, an Associate-level certification, or experience in your current field. For example, a finance professional with AI Practitioner who can explain how generative AI could improve invoice processing has a stronger story than the certificate alone suggests.
Preparation time and resources
For most learners, either exam needs three to five weeks at an hour a day. AWS Skill Builder offers free official courses and practice question sets for both. Read the official exam guide first: it lists every topic in scope and helps you avoid studying material that will not be tested.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder?
People with an IT background usually find Cloud Practitioner easier. People with a data or analytics background may find AI Practitioner more natural. Neither requires hands-on configuration.
Should I take both?
Only if both are relevant to your work. If you are heading towards a technical cloud role, your next step after one foundational exam should be an Associate-level certification rather than a second foundational one.
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