AWS Security Specialty
Validates advanced expertise in securing AWS workloads and architectures.
- Exam fee
- 300 USD
- Duration
- 170 minutes
- Valid for
- 3 years
- Typical salary
- $145K–$180K
Worth it for seasoned security professionals who already work with AWS and need a recognized credential. If you lack deep AWS experience, start with associate‑level certifications first.
What AWS Security Specialty covers
Validates advanced expertise in securing AWS workloads, including data protection, incident response, logging, and compliance in the cloud.
Key topics covered: Identity & access management, Logging & monitoring, Infrastructure security, Data protection, Incident response on AWS.
Best suited for: Security engineers and architects specializing in AWS cloud security.
Common career paths: AWS Security Architect, Cloud Security Engineer, Information Security Manager.
AWS Security Specialty exam details
65 questions, multiple choice or multiple response
Exam domains
- Identity & access management
- Logging & monitoring
- Infrastructure security
- Data protection
- Incident response on AWS
At a glance
- Exam fee
- 300 USD
- Duration
- 170 minutes
- Prerequisites
- Five years of IT security experience and two or more years of hands‑on AWS security experience; no specific prior certifications required.
- Valid for
- 3 years
How to prepare for AWS Security Specialty
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the Exam Blueprint Read the official exam guide, note the short‑name list, and become familiar with the high‑level domains AWS expects you to know. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Refresh Core AWS Knowledge Take digital courses, Builder Labs, and Cloud Quest to fill any gaps in AWS services that underpin security controls. | Week 2‑3 |
| 3 | Deep Dive into Security Domains Focus on identity & access management, logging & monitoring, infrastructure security, data protection, and incident response using hands‑on labs and practice questions. | Week 4‑5 |
| 4 | Practice Exams & Timing Complete the Official Practice Question Set, the Pretest, and timed mock exams to build stamina and refine test‑taking strategies. | Week 6 |
Jobs and salary with AWS Security Specialty
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
AWS Security Specialty questions answered
What is the AWS Security Specialty certification?
Validates advanced expertise in securing AWS workloads and architectures. It is issued by Amazon Web Services and sits in the Cybersecurity field.
Is AWS Security Specialty hard?
AWS Security Specialty is rated Advanced. It usually assumes several years of hands-on work, so most candidates prepare for longer.
How much does the AWS Security Specialty 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 Security Specialty exam?
The exam runs for 170 minutes.
How long is AWS Security Specialty valid?
AWS Security Specialty is valid for 3 years, after which it must be renewed under Amazon Web Services's renewal rules.
Are there prerequisites for AWS Security Specialty?
Five years of IT security experience and two or more years of hands‑on AWS security experience; no specific prior certifications required.
What salary can I expect with AWS Security Specialty?
Professionals with AWS Security Specialty commonly report pay in the $145K–$180K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for AWS Security Specialty?
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 AWS Security Specialty
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional | ISC2 | Advanced |
| CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker | EC-Council | Intermediate |
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | Beginner |
| CISM - Certified Information Security Manager | ISACA | Advanced |
| Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer | Google Cloud | Advanced |