AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01)
Validate expertise in building, training, tuning, and deploying ML models on AWS Cloud.
- Exam fee
- 300 USD
- Duration
- 180 minutes
- Valid for
- 3 years
- Typical salary
- $145K–$180K
If you already have solid AWS experience and want to prove deep ML expertise on the platform, this specialty is worthwhile. If you lack AWS background, start with associate‑level certs before pursuing this exam.
What MLS-C01 covers
Specialty certification for machine learning engineers on AWS. Validates ability to design, implement, deploy, and maintain ML solutions using SageMaker and other AWS AI/ML services.
Key topics covered: Data engineering for ML, Exploratory data analysis, Modeling techniques, ML implementation & operations, AWS ML services (SageMaker, Rekognition, Comprehend).
Best suited for: Data scientists and ML engineers with 1+ year of ML experience on AWS.
Common career paths: ML Engineer, Data Scientist, AI/ML Architect, SageMaker Specialist.
MLS-C01 exam details
65 questions, either multiple choice or multiple response
Exam domains
- Data engineering for ML
- Exploratory data analysis
- Modeling techniques
- ML implementation & operations
- AWS ML services (SageMaker, Rekognition, Comprehend)
At a glance
- Exam fee
- 300 USD
- Duration
- 180 minutes
- Prerequisites
- 2+ years experience developing, architecting, and running ML or deep learning workloads in the AWS Cloud; candidates often hold an AWS Associate or Professional certification
- Valid for
- 3 years
How to prepare for MLS-C01
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the Exam Blueprint Read the official exam guide and note the high‑level domains and question style (multiple‑choice/multiple‑response). | Week 1 |
| 2 | Fill Knowledge Gaps Take digital courses, Builder Labs, and Cloud Quest to strengthen AWS ML services knowledge. | Weeks 2‑3 |
| 3 | Hands‑On Practice Complete AWS Builder Labs, SimuLearn, and SageMaker labs to build, train, and deploy real models. | Weeks 4‑5 |
| 4 | Exam‑Style Drills Use the Official Practice Question Set and flashcards; simulate the 180‑minute, 65‑question format. | Week 6 |
| 5 | Final Review & Scheduling Review any weak areas, confirm you meet the 2‑year experience baseline, and schedule the Pearson VUE or online proctored exam. | Week 7 |
Jobs and salary with MLS-C01
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $145K–$180K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
MLS-C01 questions answered
What is the AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) certification?
Validate expertise in building, training, tuning, and deploying ML models on AWS Cloud. It is issued by Amazon Web Services and sits in the Data & AI field.
Is AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) hard?
AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) is rated Advanced. It usually assumes several years of hands-on work, so most candidates prepare for longer.
How much does the AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) exam cost?
The listed exam fee is 300 USD. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with Amazon Web Services before you book.
How long is the AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) exam?
The exam runs for 180 minutes.
How long is AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) valid?
AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) is valid for 3 years, after which it must be renewed under Amazon Web Services's renewal rules.
Are there prerequisites for AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01)?
2+ years experience developing, architecting, and running ML or deep learning workloads in the AWS Cloud; candidates often hold an AWS Associate or Professional certification
What salary can I expect with AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01)?
Professionals with AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) commonly report pay in the $145K–$180K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01)?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to MLS-C01
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) | Microsoft | Beginner |
| Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer | Google Cloud | Advanced |
| Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) | Microsoft | Beginner |
| IBM Data Science Professional Certificate | IBM | Beginner |
| IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate | IBM | Beginner |