AWS Specialty Certifications List

If you want to boost your cloud career, AWS certifications are a great way to do it. After you get the basic AWS certifications, you can get "Specialty" certifications to show you're an expert in a specific area.

This article will explain the different AWS Specialty certifications, such as those for machine learning and security, so you can decide which one best suits your goals.

Further, if you are interested in getting online training for AWS certifications, check out our online AWS training courses.

What is AWS Certification? 

AWS Certification is a credentialing program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates your expertise in the cloud domain through structured examinations.

These AWS certifications cover various specializations, allowing professionals to choose the most relevant one based on their career goals and technical skills. 

When hiring cloud professionals, AWS Certifications are among the most sought-after credentials by leading IT companies such as Amazon, IBM, Uber, and many others.

The benefits of obtaining an AWS Certification include: 

● Showcasing your cloud expertise globally through digital badges, certificates, and professional recognition. 

● Access to better career opportunities with competitive salaries. 

● Connecting with other cloud experts through the AWS Certified community. 

● Participation in exclusive programs such as the Subject-Matter Expert (SME) Program and the AWS Partner Network (APN). 

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AWS Certification Structure 

AWS Certifications are structured into several role-based learning paths, including Cloud Practitioner, Architect, Developer, and Operations.

These certifications are further categorized into four levels: 

● Foundational 

● Associate 

● Professional 

● Specialty 

Now, let's explore the six AWS Specialty Certifications in detail. 

AWS Specialty Certifications 

AWS Specialty Certifications are classified into three main categories: Machine Learning, Security, and Advanced Networking.

Below is an in-depth look at each certification, including its syllabus, exam details, and preparation resources. 

1. AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty 

This credential helps organizations identify and develop talent with expertise in building, training, tuning, and deploying machine learning (ML) models on AWS. 

Who Should Take This Exam? 

● Individuals performing development or data science roles. 

● Those with more than one year of experience in ML and deep learning workloads in the AWS Cloud. 

Recommended Prerequisites: 

● At least two years of hands-on experience in ML or deep learning workloads. 

● Understanding of basic ML algorithms and hyperparameter optimization. 

● Experience with ML and deep learning frameworks. 

● Ability to implement model training, deployment, and operational best practices. 

Exam Syllabus: 

● Data Engineering 

● Exploratory Data Analysis 

● Modeling 

● Machine Learning Implementation and Operations 

Exam Details: 

● Exam Code: MLS-C01 

● Level: Specialty 

● Duration: 180 minutes 

● Format: 65 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions 

● Cost: $300 USD 

● Delivery Method: Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam 

● Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese  

AWS Certified Security - Specialty 

This credential validates expertise in creating and implementing secure AWS Cloud solutions, covering security mechanisms, encryption methods, and secure internet protocols. 

Who Should Take This Exam? 

Professionals with a strong background in AWS security, data protection mechanisms, and encryption. 

Recommended Prerequisites: 

● Hands-on experience in AWS security best practices. 

● Understanding of specialized data classifications and protection mechanisms. 

● Familiarity with secure internet protocols and AWS implementations. 

Exam Syllabus: 

● Incident Response 

● Logging and Monitoring 

● Infrastructure Security 

● Identity and Access Management 

● Data Protection 

Exam Details: 

● Exam Code: SCS-C02 

● Level: Specialty 

● Duration: 170 minutes 

● Format: 65 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions 

● Cost: $300 USD 

● Delivery Method: Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam 

● Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America)  

AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty 

This certification recognizes expertise in designing and maintaining AWS network architectures. 

Who Should Take This Exam? 

Networking professionals with at least five years of hands-on experience in architecting and implementing network solutions. 

Recommended Prerequisites: 

● AWS security best practices and storage options. 

● Advanced networking architectures and interconnectivity options. 

● Experience with automation scripts, routing architectures, and multi-region solutions. 

● Strong understanding of IPv4, IPv6, AWS WAF, IDS/IPS, and DDoS protection. 

Exam Syllabus: 

● Network Design 

● Network Implementation 

● Network Management and Operations 

● Network Security, Compliance, and Governance 

● Automation and Optimization 

Exam Details: 

● Exam Code: ANS-C01 

● Level: Specialty 

● Duration: 170 minutes 

● Format: 65 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions 

● Cost: $300 USD 

● Delivery Method: Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam 

● Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese 

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Steps to Get Certified 

Whether you're an aspiring cloud professional or an experienced engineer looking to validate your skills, following these steps will help you successfully achieve AWS certification. 

Step 1: Schedule an Exam Through Pearson VUE 

The first step to getting certified is to register for your exam through Pearson VUE, the official AWS certification exam provider. Choose the appropriate certification based on your experience and career goals. 

Step 2: Prepare Using AWS Training and Certification Resources 

AWS provides a range of training materials, including digital courses, practice exams, and whitepapers, to help you prepare effectively. These resources are designed to align with the exam objectives and ensure comprehensive preparation. 

Step 3: Enhance Your AWS Skills with Practical Learning Tools 

Hands-on experience is crucial for passing AWS certification exams. Utilize AWS Free Tier, sandbox environments, and labs to practice real-world scenarios and solidify your understanding of AWS concepts. 

Job Roles and Expected Salaries 

To help professionals understand the career opportunities available after obtaining an AWS Specialty Certification, the following table outlines potential job roles and expected salary ranges for each certification: 

AWS Specialty Certification Validity & Recertification 

1. Certification Validity 

Your AWS Specialty certification is valid for three years from the date you earn it. To maintain your certification status, you must recertify before it expires. 

2. Recertification Requirement 

You will need to pass the latest version of the Specialty exam for your certification to stay current with AWS technologies. 

3. Recertification Discount 

AWS provides a 50% discount voucher for recertification, available in your AWS Certification Account. You can use this discount when registering for your recertification exam. 

Keeping your certification up to date ensures you stay competitive and aligned with the latest AWS advancements.