Training guide
AWS Certified Security Specialty: SCS-C03 Guide
A guide to the AWS Certified Security Specialty exam: format, cost, experience needed and how to prepare.
EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026 · Based on AWS Certification information and exam guides
Introduction
The AWS Certified Security Specialty exam is an advanced test of cloud security skills. It covers how you create and run security solutions on AWS.
The old title asked whether it is worth it. This guide gives the facts so you can decide. It is not an exam for beginners.
Quick Information
| Provider |
Amazon Web Services |
| Category |
Specialty |
| Exam code |
SCS-C03, as listed by exam guides |
| Format |
65 questions: multiple choice or multiple response |
| Time |
170 minutes |
| Fee |
300 USD |
| Recommended experience |
5 years of IT security and 2 or more years securing AWS workloads |
Key Points at a Glance
- AWS lists the exam at 170 minutes and 300 USD.
- It has 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions.
- AWS recommends five years of IT security experience.
- AWS also recommends two years of hands-on AWS security work.
- Third-party guides list a pass score of 750 out of 1,000.
What the Certification Shows
It shows that you can create and run security solutions on AWS. This includes data classification, data protection, encryption and secure internet protocols.
Employers use it as a sign of deep security knowledge.
Who It Is For
AWS says it is meant for experienced people. That means five years in IT security and at least two years securing AWS workloads.
Many candidates first earn the Solutions Architect Associate certificate.
Exam Format and Cost
The exam has 65 questions and lasts 170 minutes. AWS lists the fee at 300 US dollars.
Third-party guides list a pass score of 750 on a scale of 100 to 1,000. Check AWS for the current rule.
Exam Versions
Exam versions change. Older guides refer to SCS-C02. Current guides refer to SCS-C03.
Always check the exam code on the AWS page before you buy study material.
Topics You Should Know
Third-party guides list areas such as detection, incident response, infrastructure security, identity and access, data protection and governance.
Expect questions on logging, key management, network controls and account structure.
Study Plan
Plan about eight weeks if you already work in security. Spend the first weeks on identity and logging and the later weeks on data and network protection.
Take the official practice question set and build a small lab for each topic.
Is It Worth It
It can help if you work in cloud security, DevSecOps or security architecture. It helps less if you rarely touch AWS.
Weigh the 300 USD fee against your role and your employer’s support.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not attempt it as a first AWS exam.
Do not learn services in isolation. Questions mix several services in one case.
Do not rely on dumps.
Build a Security Lab
Set up a test account with a budget alert. Turn on logging, create a few roles with narrow rights and encrypt a storage bucket with your own key.
Then try to break your own setup and read the logs. This teaches more than reading alone.
Reading Scenario Questions
Questions often describe a breach or a rule. Underline the requirement, such as least effort or full audit trail.
Remove answers that break the rule. Choose from what is left.
Booking and Exam Day
Book through your AWS Certification account. The exam is long, at 170 minutes, so plan breaks and food beforehand.
Check identification and room rules for an online exam.
Key Terms Explained
Encryption: Scrambling data so only the right key can read it.
Key management: Creating, storing and rotating encryption keys.
Least privilege: Giving only the access that is needed.
Audit trail: A record of who did what and when.
Incident response: The steps you take when a breach happens.
Data classification: Sorting data by how sensitive it is.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay
Check the current price on the official page. Check that the exam code or course name matches the guide you study from.
Ask whether your employer or school will pay. Ask how long the result stays valid.
Write down your goal first. Choose a course or exam only if it moves you towards that goal.
Using It in Europe
Roles include cloud security engineer, DevSecOps engineer and security architect. Add the certificate and the year to your Europass CV.
Mention hands-on projects as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Security Specialty exam?
AWS lists 300 USD.
How long is it?
It lasts 170 minutes.
Is it for beginners?
No. AWS recommends five years of IT security experience.
What is the exam code?
Current guides list SCS-C03.
Find Jobs
Job titles to search for include cloud security engineer, DevSecOps engineer and security analyst. Search current vacancies on the EURES portal.
Official Course Page
Read the current details on the AWS Certified Security Specialty page.
Disclaimer
This guide is independent and is not affiliated with Amazon Web Services. Prices, course lists and exam rules change, so check the official AWS page before you pay or enrol. A certificate does not give you the right to work in any country.
