What is the AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C02) certification?
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification validates your expertise in securing AWS workloads. It confirms your ability to design, implement, and manage security solutions using AWS services, and demonstrates your knowledge of specialized areas such as incident response, identity and access management (IAM), data protection, and secure infrastructure.
Who should take the AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C02) exam?
This certification is intended for security professionals who have a minimum of two years of hands-on experience securing AWS environments. Candidates should also have 3–5 years of experience in designing and implementing security solutions and a strong understanding of AWS security services, best practices, and governance.
What topics are covered in the SCS-C02 exam?
The SCS-C02 exam evaluates your knowledge across six key domains:
- Threat Detection and Incident Response
- Security Logging and Monitoring
- Infrastructure Security
- Identity and Access Management
- Data Protection and Privacy
- Management and Security Governance
How many questions are on the exam and what is the format?
The exam includes 65 questions that are either multiple choice or multiple response. Candidates have 170 minutes to complete the exam. The format is designed to assess practical understanding as well as conceptual knowledge of AWS security practices.
What is the passing score for the AWS Certified Security – Specialty exam?
The exam uses a scaled scoring system ranging from 100 to 1,000. To pass the SCS-C02 exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 750. This score is calculated based on the overall performance and not individual domain scores.
Where can I take the SCS-C02 exam?
You can take the AWS Certified Security – Specialty exam either at a Pearson VUE testing center or via online proctoring. The online option allows you to take the exam from a private, secure location while being monitored remotely.
In which languages is the exam available?
The SCS-C02 exam is offered in multiple languages to support global candidates. These include English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America).
What is the exam retake policy?
If you do not pass the exam, you must wait 14 days before retaking it. There is no limit to the number of retakes; however, each attempt requires full payment of the exam fee. This policy ensures candidates are well-prepared before attempting the certification again.
Do I need to pass each section individually?
No, the AWS Certified Security – Specialty exam is evaluated based on your overall score. You are not required to pass each domain individually. Focus on strengthening your overall knowledge and performance across all domains.
What resources can help me prepare for the SCS-C02 exam?
AWS provides a range of official preparation resources, including the AWS Skill Builder platform, digital training courses, AWS Builder Labs, and Cloud Quest. You can also practice using exam readiness training, whitepapers, study guides, and community discussions to reinforce your understanding and hands-on skills.
