Are you ready to prove your expertise in cloud security and take your career to the next level? Amazon is leading the world lately. According to Jeffersin Frank, individuals who earn the AWS Certification tend to earn 20% more than their non-certified peers. This is why, while pursuing a career in cloud security, choosing the AWS Certified Security Specialty exam is the right choice.
The AWS Certified Security Specialty (SCS‑C03) exam is designed for professionals who want to validate their ability to safeguard cloud infrastructures, manage identity and access, and implement robust data protection measures.
Before pursuing this demanding AWS Certification, you should understand the investment required to earn this credential.
In this blog, we will dissect what it takes to earn the AWS Security Specialty Certification and the factors that affect its cost.
Things You Need To Know About the SCS C03 Exam
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C03) is intended for professionals who want to prove their advanced skills in securing AWS environments and safeguarding critical data. This certification highlights a candidate’s ability to design and implement comprehensive security solutions that cover threat detection, incident response, and data protection. Achieving this credential demonstrates a strong command of AWS security best practices and real-world implementation strategies.
- The SCS-C03 exam consists of 65 questions, including 15 unscored multiple-choice and multiple-response items, with a passing score of 750.
- The exam must be completed in 170 minutes and is administered through Pearson VUE Testing Centers.
- The AWS Certified Security Specialty exam is offered in: English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America)
- The SCSC03 exam is based on six domains: Detection, Incident Response, Infrastructure Security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Data Protection, and Security Foundations & Governance.
To have in-depth insights on the SCS-C03 Certification, explore: A Complete Guide To SCS-C03 Certification: 6 Tips That Can Help You Ace The Exam In 2026
Dissecting The SCS-C03 Exam Cost In 2026
The AWS security certification costs USD 300 in the United States. Yet the cost varies by country where an individual takes the exam.
AWS Security Specialty Certification Cost Globally
| Countries | Exam Cost |
| United States | USD 300 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 225 |
| Australia | AUD 451 |
| India | INR 26,980 |
| New Zealand | NZD 518 |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 1,125 |
| Japan | JPY 46,786 |
| South Korea | KRW 441,206 |
| Brazil | BRL 1,629 |
| Spain | EUR 257 |
| China | CNY 2,120 |
| Germany | EUR 257 |
| United Arab Emirates | AED 1,101 |
| Pakistan | PKR 84,709 |
| Vietnam | VND 7,882,856 |
| Russia | RUB 22,981 |
Get insights on the AWS Salary: A Complete Breakdown Of AWS Certification Salary In The Current Year.
Things That Can Affect The SCS-C03 Exam Cost
Additional Cost
The AWS Security Specialty Certification cost can also be affected by additional costs. The extra costs can include the retake fee, the renewal fee, or the training resources an individual uses. However, a detailed additional cost breakdown is as follows;
| Additional Factors | Cost |
| Renewal Fee | Free or provides a 50% discount |
| Retake Fee | $300 |
| Training Cost | Depends on the individuals |
Regional Pricing Differences
AWS does not charge a single universal price for its exams. Instead, exam fees vary depending on the region in which you register. This means the cost may be lower in countries with different economic conditions or higher in areas with elevated operational expenses.
Testing Center Charges (If Not Taking Online Proctored Exam)
Although AWS exams can often be taken online via remote proctoring, some candidates prefer or require physical testing centers. Specific testing centers may add administrative or convenience fees, especially in areas with high operational costs or limited availability. This can increase your total cost compared to taking the exam online.
Additional Taxes and Government Charges
Many countries require organizations to impose taxes such as VAT, GST, sales tax, or digital service taxes. These are often added on top of the base exam fee during checkout. As a result, the final price you pay may be noticeably higher than the listed exam price. Government policies can vary widely, so two people in different countries may face very different tax-related costs.
Cost of Training and Study Materials
While the exam fee itself is fixed, the overall pricing of preparing for SCS-C03 can vary greatly depending on the resources you choose. Paid training, such as instructor-led classes, online courses, premium practice exams, or advanced study guides, can add significant expense. Some people invest in multiple preparation resources, driving up the total cost beyond the exam price alone.
How Can I Minimize My SCS-C03 Investment?
Use AWS Promotional Discounts and Vouchers
AWS frequently offers exam discounts through events like AWS Summits, webinars, and Skill Builder promotions. These discounts may reduce the fee by 25%–50% or, in some cases, offer a free retake. Keeping an eye on these events or subscribing to AWS newsletters can help you secure a lower price.
Prepare Thoroughly To Avoid Retake Fee
One of the most significant cost increases comes from failing and needing to retake the exam. Creating a structured study plan, taking sufficient practice exams, and focusing on weak areas reduces the chance of retaking the exam, saving you the full exam fee again.
Try To Utilize Free Resources
On the internet, you can find numerous resources to help you with your preparation. One of the free resources can be exam dumps. Some of the authentic dumps may be a bit pricey, but they guarantee a pass. For example, Dumpsgate has recently been providing the most genuine and reliable exam dumps at very affordable rates.
Prepare Within Groups
By preparing within the groups, you can share preparation resources, reducing your additional training costs. This can also help you minimize the investment required for the extra resources.
Choose Online Proctored Exams to Avoid Testing Center Fees
Some testing centers charge an additional convenience fee. Taking the online proctored exam from home avoids this extra cost entirely, lowering the total amount you spend.
To know about a career in AWS, delve into the details of AWS certifications leading you to 9 great job positions in 2026
Conclusion
Budgeting for the AWS security certification can be tricky, but with the right guide, you can minimize costs and be in a win-win situation. By the end of the blog, you might have gotten an idea of what the SCS-C03 exam costs in 2026 and how you can minimize your overall investment. Obtaining the AWS Certified Security Specialty Certification not only validates your expertise but also serves as proof of your skills and professional knowledge, leading you to better opportunities and salary prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the prerequisites for taking the SCS-C03 exam?
Candidates who are pursuing the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Certification must have at least five years of experience within IT security and have expertise in designing and implementing security solutions, along with two or more years of practical experience in AWS workloads.
How much can you earn with the AWS Certified Security Specialty Certification?
Professionals with the AWS Certified Security Specialty certification earn $80,100 annually, with an average range of $31,500 to $132,500 in the United States, depending on expertise and prior experience.
Does the cost of the AWS Certified Security Specialty exam differ by location?
Yes! The AWS Certified Security Specialty exam cost varies by location. The price of the exam in the United States is $300, whereas in other countries it varies due to taxes and currency exchange rates.
What are the demanding job roles with the AWS Certified Security Specialty Exam?
The demanding job roles for the professionals are as follows;
- DevOps Engineer
- Security Architect
- SysOps Administrator
- Cloud Architect
Article Sources
- Jefferson Frank. “Careers and Hiring Guide, AWS Edition 2025, https://www.jeffersonfrank.com/insights/aws-careers-and-hiring-guide.” Accessed in December 2025.
- Ziprecruiter. “AWS Security Specialist Salary, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Aws-Security-Specialist-Salary?__cf_chl_tk=4ZwvkKjAB6.fVZqZLf4_FZ6ws4gTetbCz0bL.Fo4GMY-1764154485-1.0.1.1-QI6lmZZ9Sdp6vG9HeBVYZnNbdRzaSH6UmNRXBxAWIlU” Accessed in January 2026.
