AWS Certified Security – Specialty (ACSS) (Certification)

AWS Certified Security - Specialty validates your expertise in creating and implementing security solutions in the AWS Cloud. This certification also validates your understanding of specialized data classifications and AWS data protection mechanisms; data-encryption methods and AWS mechanisms to implement them; and secure internet protocols and AWS mechanisms to implement them.

Who should take this exam?

AWS Certified Security - Specialty is intended for experienced individuals who have five years of IT security experience in designing and implementing security solutions and two or more years of hands-on experience in securing AWS workloads. This certification complements the skills and expertise required for multiple job roles across cloud architecture, database, networking, and DevSecOps.

How will the AWS Certified Security - Specialty help my career?

This certification can build your credibility and position you as a trusted advisor to your stakeholders and customers. As an AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification holder, you can bring best practices and security solutions that meet organizations’ and customers’ unique needs. Job listings requiring this certification have increased 73% (Oct 2021 - Sept 2022) per Lightcast™ October 2022. The AWS Certified Security - Specialty is also the top highest-paying technical certifications in the United States, according to October 2024 findings from Skillsoft’s annual IT Skills and Salary survey.

What certification should I earn before and/or after taking this exam?

Before: You are not required to earn any specific certifications prior to preparing for this certification. However, candidates commonly earn the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate and/or AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional before attempting the AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam.

After: The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional and the AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty are additional certifications that other cloud professionals have earned to advance further in roles like Networking Engineer or DevSecOps Engineer.

Are there any savings on exams if I already hold an active AWS Certification?

Yes. Once you earn one AWS Certification, you get 50% discount on your next AWS Certification exam. You can sign in and access this discount in your AWS Certification Account.