RegisterTaking an AWS Exam for the 1st time what to know Demo

Hello, Cloud Practitioners! I'm Michael Forrester, and in this lesson I'll guide you through the AWS exam registration process. Whether you’re a first-time exam taker or transitioning from AWS exam CLF-C01 to CLF-C02, this step-by-step demo covers everything you need to know.

Navigating the AWS Certification Website

Begin by visiting the AWS Certification homepage. In your browser, search for "AWS certifications" and click on the prominent Schedule an Exam button from the AWS certification list.

The image shows the AWS Certification webpage, offering options to schedule or prepare for exams, and information on certification paths and exam details.

After clicking the button, you'll be redirected to a sign-in page.

The image shows an AWS Certification webpage, offering information on scheduling exams, viewing certification history, accessing digital badges, and signing in to explore certifications.

On the sign-in page, choose your preferred login method. You can use your existing Amazon retail account or create a new one. For this demo, select the standard sign-in option.

The image shows an AWS Training and Certification sign-in page with multiple login options, including Amazon, organization SSO, AWS Partner Network, and Amazon employee SSO.

Once you sign in (using your password manager or manually entering your credentials), you'll receive confirmation that you are logged in. At this point, click Go to Your Account to access your personalized CertMetrics page.

Accessing Your Exam Registration

On your account page, you can view your exam history, certifications, benefits, and digital badges. Focus on the Register for an Exam option to begin registration.

The image shows an AWS Certification Account webpage with options to register for exams, request accommodations, and manage Pearson VUE exams, along with helpful tips.

If you already have active certifications, they will be displayed on the page.

The image shows an AWS Training and Certification page listing expired certifications, including AWS Certified Developer, Solutions Architect, and SysOps Administrator, with their start and recertification dates.

Click the Exam Registration option to explore available exams. Make sure to select CLF-C02 (current as of September 19th) unless you are preparing for another version.

The image shows an AWS Training and Certification exam registration page, providing helpful tips and a section for scheduled AWS exams, with no data displayed.

You'll see available exam slots. Since this demo focuses on CLF-C02, choose that exam and click Schedule with Pearson VUE to proceed. This action takes you from the CertMetrics page to the Pearson VUE portal.

Choosing Between Online and Testing Center Options

On the Pearson VUE page, you have the choice to take the exam at a testing center or online. Although testing centers provide an isolated testing environment, many candidates prefer the convenience of the online option.

Online Exam Requirements

Before choosing the online exam, ensure:

Your system passes a system test.
You’re not using a work computer with restrictions.
Your exam space is free of personal electronics (e.g., watches and phones).

After reviewing the system requirements, click Next and select English as your exam language.

The image shows a webpage for selecting the exam language for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, with options like English, French, and Spanish.

Reviewing the Online Exam Policies

Before finalizing registration, review the online exam policies carefully. You must check the boxes confirming your agreement to data processing policies and acknowledge the limited licensing terms, which include biometric checks like facial recognition and room scanning.

The image shows an AWS certification page detailing online exam policies and data processing agreements for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.

Additional policies include details on third-party data processing and room monitoring:

The image shows a webpage detailing Pearson VUE's policies on third-party prohibition, limited license, facial comparison, and terms for AWS certification exams.

Review the acceptable forms of photo identification, as outlined below:

The image is a webpage detailing identification requirements for AWS online proctoring, listing acceptable IDs like passports and driver's licenses, and instructions for name corrections.

On exam day, be sure to follow the provided instructions. Note that the exam rescheduling policy only permits changes within 24 hours before the scheduled appointment.

The image shows a webpage detailing AWS Certification exam policies, including rescheduling, cancellation, and additional information for Pearson VUE exams.

Other important exam rules include restrictions on personal items, electronics, movement, and communication during the exam.

The image shows online proctored exam policies from Pearson VUE, detailing rules about personal items, communication, and exam conduct.

After agreeing to all terms, choose your proctor’s language. Available options typically include English, Japanese, Spanish, and Mandarin (Mainland Chinese). Confirm your time zone and select your preferred appointment date from the calendar; available dates appear in black, while non-available dates are grayed out.

Scheduling Your Exam Appointment

For the demo, we will select a Saturday appointment. It is best to choose a time when you feel most alert—preferably between 9:00 and 10:00 AM.

The image shows an online appointment scheduling interface, displaying a calendar, time format options, and a recommended appointment time on September 23, 2023.

If the initial time suggestion (e.g., 4:15 PM in New York) doesn’t suit your schedule, explore other available options. In this demonstration, we selected a slot at 4:45 PM.

The image shows an online appointment scheduling interface with available and unavailable time slots for booking.

After choosing your preferred slot, click Book Appointment. The system locks the slot temporarily and displays the exam fee ($100 USD). If you have a promo or voucher code, enter it here; otherwise, provide your payment details using major credit or debit cards such as JCB, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa.

The image shows an AWS exam cart for the Certified Cloud Practitioner, scheduled for September 23, 2023, with a total cost of $100.

The image shows an online payment page with a $100 total, offering various payment options like JCB, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA.

After confirming your details, you will be redirected to the Pearson VUE payment page. In this demo, I used auto-fill for convenience. Once all fields are complete and verified, click Pay. The following page offers a system test option, which is recommended to verify that your setup is ready for the exam.

The image shows a confirmation for an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam appointment, including details like date, time, and order information.

Final Steps and Reminders

After completing the registration, make sure to add the exam date to your calendar by clicking Add to Calendar. Pearson VUE will send email confirmations and reminders. Keep in mind that you have a 24-hour window to cancel or reschedule your appointment, and only two rescheduling attempts are allowed before cancellation and refund procedures apply.

Good Luck!

Thank you for following this detailed AWS exam registration demo. Good luck on your exam, and I look forward to seeing you in the next lesson.

For additional guidance and to explore more AWS-related topics, check out these resources:

Happy learning and best of luck on your AWS certification journey!

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