AWS offers a range of certifications beyond the foundational and associate levels. The Specialty certifications validate deep technical expertise in specific domains such as security, machine learning, data analytics, and networking. For IT professionals aiming to advance their careers, these credentials demonstrate advanced skills that are increasingly in demand. This article provides a comprehensive overview of each AWS Specialty certification, including exam structure, cost, recommended experience, and how they fit into the broader AWS certification landscape. If you are new to AWS certifications, consider reading our complete guide to digital technology training and certification first.
What Are AWS Specialty Certifications?
AWS Specialty certifications are designed for individuals who possess specialized skills in a particular domain. Unlike the foundational Cloud Practitioner or the role-based Associate and Professional certifications, Specialty exams focus on a single area such as security, big data, or machine learning. As of 2025, AWS offers six Specialty certifications:
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
- AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
- AWS Certified Database – Specialty
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
- AWS Certified SAP on AWS – Specialty
Each exam costs 300 USD (plus applicable taxes) and is typically 170 minutes long (except SAP on AWS, which is 190 minutes). The passing score is determined by statistical analysis and is not publicly disclosed. Recertification is required every three years by passing the current version of the exam.
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Exam Overview
The Security – Specialty certification (SCS-C02) validates expertise in securing the AWS platform. It covers topics such as data protection, identity and access management (IAM), incident response, and infrastructure security. The exam is intended for individuals with at least two years of hands-on experience in securing AWS workloads.
Key Domains
- Incident Response (12%)
- Logging and Monitoring (20%)
- Infrastructure Security (26%)
- Identity and Access Management (20%)
- Data Protection (22%)
Recommended Experience
AWS recommends candidates have at least five years of IT security experience, including two years of hands-on AWS security. Familiarity with AWS services like AWS Shield, AWS WAF, AWS KMS, and AWS CloudTrail is essential. Many professionals pursue this certification after earning the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification.
Preparation Resources
Official AWS training includes the Security Engineering on AWS classroom course (3 days, 2,100 USD at AWS Training centers). Free resources include the AWS Security Whitepaper and the AWS Well-Architected Framework security pillar. Practice exams are available from providers like Tutorials Dojo and Whizlabs for around 15-20 USD.
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
Exam Overview
The Machine Learning – Specialty (MLS-C01) certification validates the ability to build, train, tune, and deploy ML models on AWS. It covers data engineering, exploratory data analysis, modeling, and ML implementation and operations. The exam is 180 minutes long (170 minutes for non-native English speakers) and costs 300 USD.
Key Domains
- Data Engineering (20%)
- Exploratory Data Analysis (24%)
- Modeling (36%)
- ML Implementation and Operations (20%)
Recommended Experience
AWS recommends at least one year of hands-on experience building ML models on AWS, plus proficiency with frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Apache MXNet. Knowledge of Amazon SageMaker, AWS Lambda, and Amazon S3 is crucial. Prior certifications like the AWS Cloud Practitioner provide a good foundation.
Preparation Resources
The official Developing Machine Learning Solutions on AWS course (3 days, 2,100 USD) covers key concepts. Free resources include the AWS Machine Learning blog and the AWS documentation for SageMaker. Online courses on platforms like Coursera (AWS Machine Learning Specialty 2025, ~50 USD) and A Cloud Guru (monthly subscription ~35 USD) are popular.
AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
Exam Overview
The Data Analytics – Specialty (DAS-C01) certification validates skills in designing and implementing AWS data analytics solutions. It covers collection, storage, processing, analysis, and visualization of data. The exam is 170 minutes long and costs 300 USD.
Key Domains
- Collection (18%)
- Storage and Data Management (22%)
- Processing (24%)
- Analysis and Visualization (18%)
- Data Security (18%)
Recommended Experience
AWS recommends at least five years of experience in data analytics or a related field, with two years of hands-on AWS experience. Familiarity with services like Amazon EMR, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Kinesis, and Amazon QuickSight is essential.
Preparation Resources
The official Building Data Analytics Solutions on AWS course (3 days, 2,100 USD) is a good starting point. Free resources include the AWS Big Data Blog and the AWS Whitepaper on Data Analytics. Practice exams from Tutorials Dojo (~15 USD) are highly recommended.
AWS Certified Database – Specialty
Exam Overview
The Database – Specialty (DBS-C01) certification validates expertise in designing, deploying, and managing AWS database solutions. It covers database concepts, design, migration, deployment, access management, automation, monitoring, and troubleshooting. The exam is 170 minutes long and costs 300 USD.
Key Domains
- Workload-Specific Database Design (26%)
- Deployment and Migration (20%)
- Management and Operations (18%)
- Monitoring and Troubleshooting (18%)
- Database Security (18%)
Recommended Experience
AWS recommends at least five years of experience with database technologies, with two years of hands-on AWS database experience. Knowledge of both relational (Amazon RDS, Aurora) and NoSQL (DynamoDB, ElastiCache) databases is required.
Preparation Resources
The official Database Operations and Migration on AWS course (3 days, 2,100 USD) covers key topics. Free resources include the AWS Database Blog and the AWS Well-Architected Framework database pillar. Practice exams are available from various providers.
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
Exam Overview
The Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C01) certification validates advanced networking skills on AWS. It covers network design, implementation, routing, security, and hybrid connectivity. The exam is 170 minutes long and costs 300 USD.
Key Domains
- Network Design (30%)
- Network Implementation (26%)
- Network Management and Operations (20%)
- Network Security, Compliance, and Governance (24%)
Recommended Experience
AWS recommends at least five years of networking experience, with two years of hands-on AWS networking. Familiarity with services like Amazon VPC, AWS Direct Connect, AWS VPN, and AWS Transit Gateway is essential.
Preparation Resources
The official Advanced Networking on AWS course (3 days, 2,100 USD) is the primary training. Free resources include the AWS Networking Blog and the AWS VPC documentation. Practice exams are available from providers like Whizlabs.
AWS Certified SAP on AWS – Specialty
Exam Overview
The SAP on AWS – Specialty (PAS-C01) certification validates knowledge of running SAP workloads on AWS. It covers migration, architecture, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of SAP systems. The exam is 190 minutes long and costs 300 USD.
Key Domains
- Migration and Deployment (25%)
- Architecture and Design (30%)
- Monitoring and Availability (25%)
- Maintenance and Support (20%)
Recommended Experience
AWS recommends at least five years of SAP experience, with two years of hands-on AWS experience. Knowledge of SAP HANA, SAP NetWeaver, and AWS services like EC2, EBS, and S3 is required.
Preparation Resources
The official SAP on AWS Fundamentals course (1 day, 700 USD) and SAP on AWS Advanced course (2 days, 1,400 USD) are available. Free resources include the AWS SAP Blog and the SAP on AWS whitepaper.
How to Choose the Right Specialty Certification
Selecting the appropriate Specialty certification depends on your current role, career goals, and existing expertise. Here are some guidelines:
- Security professionals should pursue the Security – Specialty to demonstrate cybersecurity skills.
- Data scientists and ML engineers benefit from the Machine Learning – Specialty.
- Data engineers and analysts should consider the Data Analytics – Specialty.
- Database administrators can validate their skills with the Database – Specialty.
- Network engineers should aim for the Advanced Networking – Specialty.
- SAP consultants should pursue the SAP on AWS – Specialty.
If you are unsure about your career path, start with the AWS Cloud Practitioner or an Associate certification to build a foundation.
Exam Preparation Tips
Preparing for an AWS Specialty exam requires dedicated study. Here are some tips:
- Review the exam guide on the AWS website to understand the domains and weightings.
- Take official training from AWS or an authorized training partner.
- Use practice exams to identify weak areas. Providers like Tutorials Dojo, Whizlabs, and A Cloud Guru offer realistic tests.
- Read AWS whitepapers and FAQs for each service covered in the exam.
- Hands-on practice is crucial. Use the AWS Free Tier to experiment with services.
- Join study groups or forums like r/AWSCertifications on Reddit.
For a broader overview of certification strategies, refer to our complete guide to digital technology training and certification.
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