AWS Certified Security - Specialty validates your expertise in creating and implementing security solutions in the AWS Cloud. This certification also validates your understanding of specialized data classifications and AWS data protection mechanisms; data-encryption methods and AWS mechanisms to implement them; and secure internet protocols and AWS mechanisms to implement them.
Who should take this exam?
AWS Certified Security - Specialty is intended for experienced individuals who have five years of IT security experience in designing and implementing security solutions and two or more years of hands-on experience in securing AWS workloads. This certification complements the skills and expertise required for multiple job roles across cloud architecture, database, networking, and DevSecOps.
How will the AWS Certified Security - Specialty help my career?
This certification can build your credibility and position you as a trusted advisor to your stakeholders and customers. As an AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification holder, you can bring best practices and security solutions that meet organizations’ and customers’ unique needs. Job listings requiring this certification have increased 73% (Oct 2021 - Sept 2022) per Lightcast™ October 2022. The AWS Certified Security - Specialty is also the top highest-paying technical certifications in the United States, according to October 2024 findings from Skillsoft’s annual IT Skills and Salary survey.
What certification should I earn before and/or after taking this exam?
Before: You are not required to earn any specific certifications prior to preparing for this certification. However, candidates commonly earn the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate and/or AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional before attempting the AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam.
After: The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional and the AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty are additional certifications that other cloud professionals have earned to advance further in roles like Networking Engineer or DevSecOps Engineer.
Are there any savings on exams if I already hold an active AWS Certification?
Yes. Once you earn one AWS Certification, you get 50% discount on your next AWS Certification exam. You can sign in and access this discount in your AWS Certification Account.
Exams and recommended training
Recommended Training
Exam Overview
- Category: Specialty
- Exam duration: 170 minutes
- Exam format: 65 questions, either multiple choice or multiple response
- Cost: US $ 300,–.
- Testing options: Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam
- Languages offered: English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America)
Recertification
This certification is valid for 3 years. Before your certification expires, you can recertify by passing the latest version of this exam. Learn more about recertification options for AWS Certifications.