Path to AWS Certified Security – Specialty Certification

In the ever-evolving world of cloud computing, security remains a top priority. AWS offers a range of certifications to validate expertise in different domains, and the AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification is one of the most prestigious for cloud security professionals. It demonstrates advanced knowledge of securing AWS environments and implementing best security practices.

To gain insights into the certification journey, we spoke with our colleague, Cloud Architect Siarhei Ihnatsenka, who recently passed the AWS Security Specialty exam. He shared his experience, challenges, and preparation strategies.

Interview with an AWS Certified Security Specialist

How long have you been working in cloud security, and how did that influence your decision to get certified?

I’ve been working with IT security solutions since 2012, but my focus on cloud security started in 2021. Pursuing certification was a way to systematize my knowledge, dive deeper into the specifics of how security principles apply within AWS, and ultimately increase efficiency in addressing cloud security challenges.

So, who should take the AWS Certified Security – Specialty exam, and what experience is required?

Overall, The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification is for professionals with at least five years of experience in IT security, specifically in designing and implementing security solutions. It also requires at least two years of hands-on experience securing AWS workloads. This certification helps build on the skills needed for roles in cloud architecture, databases, networking, and DevSecOps.

Could you tell us a bit about the AWS certification process? How was it for you?

The AWS certification process begins with defining which qualification you want to validate. In my case, after obtaining the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, which qualifies one for roles like a Cloud Architect, I determined that my next goal should be the Cloud Security Architect role. To achieve this, AWS recommends pursuing two certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate and AWS Certified Security – Specialty.

My preparation consisted of:

• Purchasing multiple Udemy courses (one course alone is not enough to cover all topics thoroughly);
• Studying additional AWS resources;
• Taking practice exams (approximately 500 questions) and analyzing all mistakes.

To prepare for the AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C02) exam, consider the following resources:

• AWS Official Resources: the Exam Guide and  Official Practice Test for SCS-C02
• Stephane Maarek’s Udemy Course 
• Neal Davis’s Udemy Course

What were the most challenging topics, and how did you tackle them?

The most difficult domains for me were Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Data Protection. To tackle these, I explored additional resources, including AWS blogs on security architecture, and completed hands-on labs both on training platforms and within a free AWS account.

What mistakes do you think are easy to make while preparing for the exam?

The biggest mistake one can make is relying on memorization rather than understanding. Many test-takers try to remember answers from practice exams, but real exam questions are rarely the same. Instead, it is essential to understand the concepts. Each question has a time limit of around 2-2.5 minutes, so comprehension is key.

What advice would you give to someone aiming to pass the exam within a similar timeframe?

Consistency is crucial. Set aside time for studying daily to ensure steady knowledge retention. Practical experience is also invaluable. My preparation took six months, and I can confidently say that this is a quite difficult exam.

Final thoughts

Earning the AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification is a rigorous yet rewarding journey. It requires structured study, hands-on practice, and a deep understanding of AWS security principles. For professionals looking to validate their expertise and advance in the field of cloud security, this certification is a valuable asset.

Are you preparing for an AWS certification? Share your experience with us in the comments!