TLDR
- The AWS Certified Security Specialty falls under the Specialty category. It is intended for professionals who are considering validating their in-depth knowledge and skills in securing the AWS platform and data.
- The AWS Certified Security Specialty exam has been updated from SCS-C02 to SCS-C03.
- The new SCS-C03 exam is based on six domains.
- The exam is offered in English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America).
- Candidates can take the exam via a Pearson VUE testing center or online.
- Candidates taking the SCS-C03 exam must have five years of IT security experience designing and implementing security solutions, and two or more years of practical experience with an AWS workload.
- The SCS-C03 certification cost is $300 in the United States. However, prices vary depending on location.
- The SCS-C03 certification is valid for three years.
- The earning potential of an AWS Certified Security Specialty professional is USD 80,100, with a range of USD 31,500 to USD 132,500, depending on the enterprise of the individual.
How about advancing your security domain with the new SCS-C03 certification? We often hear how AWS Certifications are ruling the world, either in terms of job opportunities or salary potential. Candidates who are certified in AWS usually command higher salaries due to the global recognition.
In this blog, we are going to have a detailed insight into the updated version of the AWS Certified Security- Specialty exam, from the exam details to exploring the tips that can help you ace the exam. You will get everything covered under one umbrella.
What Is AWS Certified Security Specialty?
The AWS Certified Security Specialty falls under the Specialty category. It is intended for professionals who are considering validating their in-depth knowledge and skills in securing the AWS platform and data. Obtaining this advanced-level credential signifies a professional’s expertise in designing and implementing advanced security solutions needed within threat detection, incident response, and data protection.
What Does The SCS-C03 Certification Exam Equip?
- The AWS Certified Security Specialty exam has been updated from SCS-C02 to SCS-C03.
- The SCS-C03 exam format is multiple-choice and multiple-response.
- There are 65 questions, of which 15 are unscored, with a 2-hour, 50-minute time limit.
- The passing score for the exam is 750 on a scale of 100-1,000.
- The exam is offered in English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America).
- Candidates can take the exam via a Pearson VUE testing center or online.
- The new SCS-C03 exam is based on six domains that are listed below
- Detection (16% of scored content)
- Incident Response (14% of scored content)
- Infrastructure Security (18% of scored content)
- Identity and Access Management (20% of scored content)
- Data Protection (18% of scored content)
- Security Foundations and Governance (14% of scored content)
To know deeper regarding the AWS Certifications, explore: AWS Certifications Roadmap- Accelerate Your Cloud Career
What Are The Requirements For Taking The SCS-C03 Certification Exam?
The requirements that the candidates must follow who are taking the SCS-C03 exam are as follows;
- Five years of IT security experience to design and implement the security solutions.
- Two or more years of practical experience in an AWS workload.
When Do I Have To Recertify My SCS-C03 Certification?
Each AWS Certification is valid for three years. For maintaining it, candidates must renew their certification. The SCS-C03 candidates will have to pass the latest version of the specialty exam for the certification they already hold. The recertification cost for the SCS-C03 exam is $150 with a voucher for a 50% discount.
What Is The Cost Of SCS-C03 Certification?
The SCS-C03 certification cost is $300 in the United States. However, prices vary depending on location.
What Is The Difference Between The SCS-C02 And SCS-C03?
The primary difference is that the SCS-C03 is the latest version, launched on November 18, 2025, and will replace the SCS-C02. The SCS-C02 focuses on traditional AWS security topics, including IAM, data protection, incident response, network security, logging, and governance. In contrast, SCS-C03 reorganizes the exam domains, adds deeper coverage of modern security tools, and introduces new content on securing AI and machine-learning workloads, which were not part of C02.
Is It Worth It To Obtain The SCS-C03 Certification In 2026?
- A Jefferson Frank survey found that professionals who earned AWS certifications reported, on average, a 20% pay increase.
- AWS Certifications can be a strong asset at any stage of a cloud career, from getting your foot in the door to advancing into higher-level roles. As organizations continue shifting more of their operations and data into cloud environments each year, the need for skilled AWS professionals continues to rise.
- According to a Synergy report, AWS remains the leading provider in this space, with around 31% of the global cloud market.
Explore further: A Brief Analysis of Best Cloud Platforms of 2025: AWS, Azure and GCP
6 Tips For Scoring Well On The SCS-C03 Exam
Prioritize The Official Resources First
Before using the other available resources, it is beneficial to use the official study resources that a vendor offers. AWS offers its candidates a variety of resources, including AWS Skill Builder, the online learning center, and the 4-step plan. These resources can help you prepare better for the SCS-C03 exam.
➡️ Turn Your Study Plan Into A Structured Routine Rather Than A One-Time Schedule
A study plan only works when it becomes a habit. Instead of writing down a timetable and forgetting about it, break the entire syllabus into weekly objectives and daily study. Try assigning each topic based on its weightage for each day so that you can review your progress report. This approach helps you avoid last-minute cramming. Other than this, by examining the syllabus and understanding which sections carry more marks, you can prioritise topics wisely. This method also makes it easier to recognise where you need more practice.
➡️ Try Connecting With Online Communities
Learning alongside others, whether in person or virtually, can offer fresh insights you might not discover on your own. Online study groups and forums let you interact with learners worldwide, exchange questions, and find solutions that can deepen your understanding.
➡️ Try Using Dumps Or Other Reliable Resources
Many online platforms provide practice tools such as mock tests, sample questions, and exam dumps from sites like Dumpsgate. Working through these resources gives you a clearer image of the exam pattern and helps reinforce areas where you feel less confident.
➡️ Customize Your Study Notes
Writing your notes in your own words is a powerful way to learn. It reduces the time spent searching for trustworthy sources, and handwriting key points helps you improve your memory. Because the brain retains written information more effectively, personalised notes can become a strong revision resource.
➡️ Look After Your Mental Health
Practical study requires a healthy mindset. Make sure you maintain good habits, eat balanced meals, get enough rest, and take regular breaks. A refreshed mind grasps new information faster and stays focused for longer.
How Much Does An AWS Certified Security – Specialty Earn?
The earning potential of an AWS Certified Security Specialty professional is USD 80,100, with a range of USD 31,500 to USD 132,500, depending on the enterprise of the individual.
Have a more profound insight into AWS Certification salary: A Complete Breakdown Of AWS Certification Salary In The Current Year.
What Are The Job Roles I Can Pursue With SCS-C03 Certification?
For professionals seeking to take the AWS Certified Security Specialty exam, there will be a variety of career-advancing opportunities. Some of the demanding roles one can pursue are as follows;
- Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- DevOps Engineer
- Cloud Security Specialist
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- SysOps Administrator
- Cloud Architect
To know where AWS Certifications benefit you, delve into the details of: AWS certifications leading you to 9 great job positions in 2026
Wrapping It Up
Earning the SCS-C03 certification is more than just a career boost. It’s a career indicator of your expertise and significant skills, and of your in-depth knowledge of how to secure cloud environments. As firms continue to rely on AWS for critical workloads, professionals who can design and implement strong security practices are becoming indispensable.
Whether you are aiming to deepen your expertise, seeking a new career opportunity, or simply staying ahead in the rapidly changing field, preparing for this certification is a substantial investment in your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
> How do the SCS-C02 and SCS-C03 domains differ from one another?
The domains of the previous version of the AWS Certified Security Specialty Certification differ from the latest version. A detailed domains comparison is as follows;
➥ SCS-C02 Domains
- Threat Detection and Incident Response (14%)
- Security Logging and Monitoring (18%)
- Infrastructure Security (20%)
- Identity and Access Management (16%)
- Data Protection (18%)
- Management and Security
- Governance (14%)
➥ SCS-C03 Domains
- Detection (16% of scored content)
- Incident Response (14% of scored content)
- Infrastructure Security (18% of scored content)
- Identity and Access Management (20% of scored content)
- Data Protection (18% of scored content)
- Security Foundations and Governance (14% of scored content)
> For how long is the SCS-C03 certification valid?
The SCS-C03 certification is valid for three years. After that, candidates will need to recertify it.
> Where can I find SCS-C03 exam dumps?
Dumpsgate provided the most authentic and reliable SCS-C03 dumps at an affordable price.
> What is the passing score for the new SCS-C03 exam?
The new passing score for the AWS Certified Security Specialty is 750.
Article Resources
- Jefferson Frank. “Careers and Hiring Guide, AWS Edition 2025, https://www.jeffersonfrank.com/insights/aws-careers-and-hiring-guide.” Accessed in November 2025.
- Synergy Research Group. “Huge Cloud Market Sees a Strong Bounce in Growth Rate for the Second Consecutive Quarter, https://www.srgresearch.com/articles/huge-cloud-market-sees-a-strong-bounce-in-growth-rate-for-the-second-consecutive-quarter.” Accessed in November 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 November 2025.
