AWS Security Specialty

Advanced Amazon Web Services Cybersecurity

Validates advanced expertise in securing AWS workloads, including data protection, incident response, logging, and compliance in the cloud.

Quick Verdict

AWS Security Specialty is a senior-level credential best pursued once you already have hands-on experience in this field — it validates depth employers screen for at senior and lead levels, with typical compensation in the $145K–$180K range.

Overview

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.

Who This Is For

Security engineers and architects specializing in AWS cloud security.

Exam Focus Areas

  • Identity & access management
  • Logging & monitoring
  • Infrastructure security
  • Data protection
  • Incident response on AWS

Study Roadmap

Full step-by-step roadmap coming soon. See the roadmap page for updates.

Career Paths This Supports

AWS Security ArchitectCloud Security EngineerInformation Security Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AWS Security Specialty certification?

Validates advanced expertise in securing AWS workloads, including data protection, incident response, logging, and compliance in the cloud. offered by Amazon Web Services, focused on Cybersecurity.

Who offers the AWS Security Specialty certification?

AWS Security Specialty is issued by Amazon Web Services.

Is AWS Security Specialty a beginner, intermediate, or advanced certification?

AWS Security Specialty is classified as Advanced-level. It generally assumes several years of hands-on professional experience.

How much does the AWS Security Specialty exam cost?

The AWS Security Specialty exam costs $300. Always confirm current pricing on the official Amazon Web Services certification page, as fees change periodically.

What salary can I expect with AWS Security Specialty?

Professionals holding AWS Security Specialty commonly report compensation in the $145K–$180K range, though actual pay varies by employer, geography, and total experience.

What category does AWS Security Specialty fall under?

AWS Security Specialty is categorized under Cybersecurity on CertPlanet, alongside other related certifications you can compare directly.

Is AWS Security Specialty worth pursuing in 2026?

That depends on your current experience level and goals — as an Advanced-level credential, it's a significant time investment best suited to professionals who already have hands-on experience and want formal recognition for it.

How does AWS Security Specialty compare to similar certifications?

See the dedicated comparison page for AWS Security Specialty to view it side-by-side against alternative certifications in Cybersecurity.

Where do I register for the AWS Security Specialty exam?

Registration happens directly through Amazon Web Services's official certification portal, linked from this page.

What's the best way to prepare for AWS Security Specialty?

A structured, step-by-step study roadmap for AWS Security Specialty is available on this site, built around the exam's actual focus areas rather than a generic study checklist.