What are the AWS Specialty Certifications? - List, Costs and Benefits

AWS Specialty Certifications are advanced credentials designed for professionals who want to validate their expertise in specific technical domains within Amazon Web Services. These certifications focus on niche areas like security, networking, machine learning, and databases, helping you stand out in specialized cloud roles.

In this article, we will look at the top AWS Specialty certifications that you should pursue for better career opportunities. We will discuss each certification, highlighting its features, cost, and benefits.

Further, if you are interested in getting online training for AWS certifications, check out our online AWS training courses.

Understanding the AWS Certification Path 

There are four levels to AWS certifications:

● Foundational 

● Associate 

● Professional 

● Specialty

AWS Specialty certifications are the most reputable certifications for professionals seeking expertise in niche areas like security, networking, machine learning, and databases. These advanced credentials validate specialized skills, offering global recognition and excellent career growth in cloud computing. 

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AWS Specialty Certifications List 

1. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

2. AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty

3. AWS Certified Database – Specialty

4. AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

5. AWS Certified Security – Specialty

6. AWS Certified SAP on AWS – Specialty

Below is an in-depth look at each certification. 

AWS Certified Advanced Networking

This certification validates advanced skills in designing and implementing complex networking architectures on AWS and hybrid environments. It covers connectivity, security, and automation for large-scale networks. Ideal for professionals managing enterprise-level cloud networks.

Cost: $300 USD

Important Concepts: VPC design, hybrid connectivity, network security, automation

Job Roles: Network Engineer, Cloud Network Architect, Solutions Architect

AWS Certified Data Analytics

Designed for professionals working with big data, this certification focuses on building and managing analytics solutions on AWS. It covers data lakes, ETL processes, and visualization tools to deliver insights. Perfect for data engineers and analytics specialists.

Cost: $300 USD

Important Concepts: AWS Glue, Kinesis, Redshift, data lakes, and visualization

Job Roles: Data Engineer, Analytics Specialist, BI Developer

AWS Certified Database

This certification validates expertise in designing, deploying, and managing AWS database solutions for performance and scalability. It includes relational and NoSQL databases, migration strategies, and optimization techniques. Ideal for database administrators and architects.

Cost: $300 USD

Important Concepts: RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora, backup, performance tuning

Job Roles: Database Administrator, Cloud Database Engineer, Solutions Architect

AWS Certified Machine Learning

Proves your ability to build, train, and deploy machine learning models using AWS services. It covers data preprocessing, model tuning, and deployment pipelines. Perfect for AI and ML professionals aiming to specialize in cloud-based machine learning.

Cost: $300 USD

Important Concepts: SageMaker, feature engineering, model tuning, deployment

Job Roles: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Specialist

AWS Certified Security

This certification focuses on advanced cloud security concepts, including identity management, encryption, and compliance. It’s ideal for professionals responsible for securing AWS environments and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Cost: $300 USD

Important Concepts: IAM, encryption, incident response, compliance frameworks

Job Roles: Security Engineer, Cloud Security Specialist, Compliance Analyst

AWS Certified SAP on AWS

Designed for SAP professionals, this certification validates skills in deploying and optimizing SAP workloads on AWS infrastructure. It covers architecture, performance tuning, and cost optimization strategies for enterprise SAP environments.

Cost: $300 USD

Important Concepts: SAP architecture, high availability, disaster recovery, performance tuning

Job Roles: SAP Cloud Architect, SAP Basis Administrator, Cloud Solutions Engineer

How Much Do AWS Specialty Certified Professionals Earn? 

AWS Specialty certifications are the highest order of credentials, and professionals holding these certifications earn the highest salaries in cloud computing. The table below shows the average salary of AWS Specialty certification holders: 

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Steps to Get Certified 

Whether you're an aspiring cloud professional or an experienced engineer looking to validate your skills, following these steps will help you successfully achieve AWS certification. 

Step 1: Schedule an Exam Through Pearson VUE 

The first step to getting certified is to register for your exam through Pearson VUE, the official AWS certification exam provider. Choose the appropriate certification based on your experience and career goals. 

Step 2: Prepare Using AWS Training and Certification Resources 

AWS provides a range of training materials, including digital courses, practice exams, and whitepapers, to help you prepare effectively. These resources are designed to align with the exam objectives and ensure comprehensive preparation. 

Step 3: Enhance Your AWS Skills with Practical Learning Tools 

Hands-on experience is crucial for passing AWS certification exams. Utilize AWS Free Tier, sandbox environments, and labs to practice real-world scenarios and solidify your understanding of AWS concepts. 

AWS Specialty Certification Validity and Recertification

1. Certification Validity 

Your AWS Specialty certification is valid for three years from the date you earn it. To maintain your certification status, you must recertify before it expires. 

2. Recertification Requirement 

You will need to pass the latest version of the Specialty exam for your certification to stay current with AWS technologies. 

3. Recertification Discount 

AWS provides a 50% discount voucher for recertification, available in your AWS Certification Account. You can use this discount when registering for your recertification exam. 

Keeping your certification up to date ensures you stay competitive and aligned with the latest AWS advancements. 

Summing Up

Cloud computing has become the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, and certifications like AWS Specialty credentials help professionals stand out in this competitive field.

From networking and security to machine learning and SAP, these certifications validate advanced skills and open doors to high-paying roles globally. Whether you aim to specialize in data analytics or secure enterprise workloads, AWS Specialty certifications offer unmatched career growth and recognition.