INTRODUCTION

This section discusses the nature and specific details of what you can expect to encounter when preparing for and taking the actual CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 certification exam. It gives you a few pointers for preparing for the exam, including how to study and register, what exam format to expect, and what to do on exam day. This section also contains a description of this book, what it is, and how to use it to make sure that you are ready for the CLO-002 exam on the day that you take it.

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Relevance

So why should you spend your valuable time preparing to take the CLO-002 exam? Because most organizations are either considering the use of cloud computing components, migrating existing IT systems to the cloud, or managing their existing cloud computing environment. Even small business owners who may not be tech-savvy will benefit from the Cloud Essentials+ certification.

Acquiring the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ certification validates your knowledge of how cloud computing can serve business needs cost-effectively while adhering to laws and regulations. This will serve you well whether you already work in IT and are seeking a promotion or if you are looking for work as a cloud computing consultant.

Test Structure

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 is a multiple-choice exam consisting of a maximum of 75 questions selected from the four exam domains listed in the following table. You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam. There is no published passing score.

Remember that the exam will focus on the business impact of implemented cloud solutions. You can expect many questions that use wording such as:

   “What is the most likely…”

   “What is the first step…”

   “What is the last step…”

   “Which solution best addresses the requirements…”

Exam Preparation

Aside from going through this entire book twice in an environment where you can focus, make sure you go through all of the test questions at the end of each chapter, as well as the practice exams. Take the time to truly understand why the correct answers are correct and why the incorrect answers are incorrect. A fun way to prepare for the exam is to imagine that your own company is planning to adopt cloud computing and the success of the entire project is up to you.

Nothing beats actually performing a task repetitively to truly embed the associated concepts in your brain. Bear in mind, however, that this exam is focused on the marriage of cloud computing solutions and their business impact as opposed to being strictly technical, so while it serves as an in-depth review for cloud professionals, it’s also geared toward non-IT folks and businesspeople. You’ll still need to know some technical details, but most exam questions will have a business twist to them.

Registering for the Exam

Registering for the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 exam is an easy process. Essentially, you book the exam online and then show up at the Pearson VUE testing center you have chosen at the specified date and time. You can register for the exam online at https://www.vue.com/comptia or https://home.pearsonvue.com/test-taker.aspx; both URLs take you to the same site where you will need to create a free Pearson VUE web account or sign in if you already have an account.

If you are creating a new account, make sure to use the exact spelling of your name as it appears on the two forms of identification (such as driver’s license and passport) that you must present at the testing center. Be sure to use the e-mail address that you would like exam reminders sent to. You will then be prompted to “Find an Exam.” The CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ exam code is CLO-002. Select a date and time at a testing center near you. The exam cost is $119 USD, and you can pay using a credit card or, if you have one, an exam voucher number.

Taking the Exam

The best method of preparing for the exam is to create a study schedule and stick to it. Although teachers have probably told you time and time again not to cram for tests, some information just doesn’t quite stick in your memory. It’s this type of information you want to look at right before you take the exam so it remains fresh in your mind. The following are some things to remember when preparing for and taking the exam:

   Get a good night’s sleep. Don’t stay up all night cramming. If you don’t know the material by the time you go to sleep, your head won’t be clear enough to remember it in the morning.

   The Pearson VUE testing center requires you to present two forms of identification, one of which must have your picture on it (for example, your driver’s license or your passport). Social Security cards and credit cards are also acceptable forms of identification.

   Arrive at the test center at least 15 minutes early.

   Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you think you’re spending too much time on it, just mark it and return to it later if you have time.

   If you don’t know the answer to a question, think about it logically. Look at the answers and eliminate the ones that you know can’t possibly be the answer. This may leave you with only two possible answers. Give it your best guess if you have to, but you can resolve most of the answers to the questions by process of elimination. Remember, unanswered questions count as incorrect whether you know the answer to them or not.

   No books, calculators, laptop computers, or any other reference materials are allowed inside the testing center. The tests are computer based and do not require pens, pencils, or paper, although the test center will provide scratch paper or a laminate page and marker to aid you while taking the exam.

   You will receive your exam score (pass or fail) immediately after you complete the test.

EXAM READINESS CHECKLIST