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, French (France), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America).

Note: This exam will NOT be available in Italian and French (France) after October 1, 2024.

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.

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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.

Key FAQs to help you get started

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Visit Exam pricing for additional cost information.

Additional resources

Information and policies

Learn about what to expect with scheduling your exam, identification requirements, exam functionality, relevant policies, and more.

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Recertification

Maintain your AWS Certified status. Recertification helps strengthen the overall value of your AWS Certification.

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Exam vouchers

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AWS Certification Exam Prep webinars

Join one of our complimentary AWS Certification exam prep webinars. These live webinars led by accredited AWS instructors will help prepare you for AWS Certification exams.

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