AWS Certified Security - Specialty
Learn more about this certification and AWS resources that can help you prepare
Exam overview
| Category | Specialty |
| Exam duration | 170 minutes |
| Exam format | 65 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response |
| Cost | 300 USD. Visit Exam pricing for additional cost information, including foreign exchange rates |
| Test in-person or online |
Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
| Languages offered | English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America). |
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.
Prepare for the exam
Below are recommended steps you can follow to get ready for exam day. Note: AWS does not require you to take any specific AWS training as part of your exam prep.
Step 1: Get to know the exam and exam-style questions
Review the SCS-C02 exam guide AWS Certified Security - Specialty Official Practice Question Set
Step 2: Learn about exam topics
AWS Security Fundamentals AWS Cloud Quest Security Role Classroom training: Security Engineering on AWS
Key FAQs to help you get started
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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.
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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.
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What certifications should I earn before taking this exam?
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.
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What AWS Certification(s) should I earn after attaining this certification?
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.
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Is exam pricing available in different currencies?
Visit Exam pricing for additional cost information.
Review all AWS Certification FAQs »
Additional resources
Learn about what to expect with scheduling your exam, identification requirements, exam functionality, relevant policies, and more.
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