AIF-C01 vs CLF-C02: Which AWS Cert to Take First

AWS now has two foundational certifications: the long-established Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) and the newer Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01). If you are starting out and only want to sit one, or you are deciding which order to take them in, this post breaks down how they differ and who each one is for.

Both are entry-level and neither requires hands-on lab work. They follow AWS’s standard certification experience, though AIF-C01 introduces a couple of extra question formats. The main difference is entirely in the subject matter.

CLF-C02 vs AIF-C01 at a glance

Aspect	CLF-C02	AIF-C01
Focus	The AWS Cloud, broadly	AI and ML on AWS
Level	Foundational	Foundational
Questions	65	65
Time	90 minutes	90 minutes
Passing score	700 / 1000	700 / 1000
Domains	4	5
Question formats	Multiple choice, multiple response	Multiple choice and response, plus ordering and matching
Prerequisites	None	None
Exam fee	About USD 100	About USD 100
Validity	3 years	3 years

The headline difference: cloud breadth vs AI focus

CLF-C02 validates a broad, foundational understanding of the AWS Cloud as a whole: core compute, storage, networking and database services, security and the shared responsibility model, pricing, and support. It is the natural first step into the AWS certification track and assumes no prior cloud knowledge.

AIF-C01 is narrower and deeper on one theme: artificial intelligence and machine learning on AWS. It covers AI/ML fundamentals, generative AI concepts, foundation models and prompt engineering, responsible AI, and the security and governance of AI systems. AWS positions it as foundational with no formal prerequisites and no required cloud experience, though candidates who already understand basic AWS concepts (regions, IAM, S3, the shared responsibility model) tend to find some AIF-C01 topics easier to place in context.

What stays the same

The exam mechanics are nearly identical, which makes preparing for both at once straightforward:

• Format. CLF-C02 uses multiple choice and multiple response. AIF-C01 uses those too, plus ordering and matching formats introduced for the AI Practitioner exam.
• Scoring. Scaled 100 to 1000. CLF-C02 passes at 700; AIF-C01 passes at 700.
• Level. Both foundational, testing breadth of understanding rather than deep implementation.
• No hands-on requirement. Neither needs you to build anything in the console.

So once you are used to the question style on one, the other feels familiar, though AIF-C01 mixes in a few interaction types CLF-C02 does not.

How the domains compare

CLF-C02 spreads four domains across general cloud knowledge:

• Cloud Concepts, Security and Compliance, Cloud Technology and Services, and Billing, Pricing, and Support.

AIF-C01 splits five domains entirely within AI/ML:

• Fundamentals of AI and ML, Fundamentals of Generative AI, Applications of Foundation Models, Guidelines for Responsible AI, and Security, Compliance, and Governance.

You can drill either set directly: the CLF-C02 practice and the AIF-C01 practice are each organized around their real exam-guide domains.

Which should you take first?

For most people new to AWS, take CLF-C02 first. AWS doesn’t prescribe an order and both are foundational and independent, but Cloud Practitioner builds the cloud vocabulary (regions, IAM, S3, EC2, the shared responsibility model) that makes several AIF-C01 topics easier to place. Taking Cloud Practitioner then AI Practitioner tends to feel like each exam builds on the last.

Consider AIF-C01 first if your work is squarely in AI/ML and you already know cloud basics. In that case the AI Practitioner is more relevant to your day-to-day and a faster win.

If you want both, do them back to back. The shared format means the second exam needs far less ramp-up than the first.

Bottom line

CLF-C02 is the broad cloud foundation; AIF-C01 is the focused AI foundation. Similar exam experience, same scoring, same foundational level, different subject matter (AIF-C01 adds a couple of question formats). Start with CLF-C02 unless you live in AI/ML, then add AIF-C01. Either way, rehearse with domain practice and a couple of full-length mock exams before you book. Start with the CLF-C02 practice exam or jump straight into AIF-C01.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between AIF-C01 and CLF-C02?

CLF-C02 (Cloud Practitioner) covers the AWS Cloud broadly: core services, security, pricing, and support. AIF-C01 (AI Practitioner) focuses on AI and machine learning on AWS. Both are foundational, 65 questions, 90 minutes, and pass at 700 out of 1000; the only real difference is the subject matter.

Should I take CLF-C02 or AIF-C01 first?

For most people new to AWS, take CLF-C02 first. It builds the cloud vocabulary (regions, IAM, S3, the shared responsibility model) that makes several AIF-C01 topics easier to follow. Take AIF-C01 first only if your work is squarely in AI or ML and you already know cloud basics.

Do I need CLF-C02 before AIF-C01?

No. AIF-C01 is foundational and has no prerequisites. Knowing basic AWS concepts helps you place some topics in context, but it is not required to sit or pass the exam.

Is AIF-C01 harder than CLF-C02?

They are the same level (foundational), length (65 questions, 90 minutes), and passing score (700 out of 1000). AIF-C01 is narrower and deeper on AI and ML and adds two question formats (ordering and matching) that CLF-C02 does not use, but neither is harder by design; it depends on your background.

How much do the CLF-C02 and AIF-C01 exams cost?

Each exam fee is about USD 100 before any local tax, and each certification is valid for three years.