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Cloud Computing

Issued by Amazon Web Services

AWS Certified Security Specialty is a professional certification issued by Amazon Web Services. AWS Security Specialty is the top AWS credential for cloud security professionals — required for cloud security architects and security engineers at AWS-heavy organizations.

↑ Rising Demand 📊 Expert Updated 3 hours ago
At a Glance
Exam Cost$300
Renewal3 years
Experience5 years IT security + 2 years AWS experience
Exam Format65 questions · 170 minutes
Job Postings13,280
Avg Salary$191K

📈 Employer Demand

13,280
Active Job Postings
$191K
Avg Salary
$97K – $423K
Salary Range

Top Employers Requesting This Certification

#EmployerOpen RolesDemand
1 Amazon 29
2 System One 12
3 Lorven Technologies, Inc. 1
4 SFE 1
5 CMT Services Inc 1
6 AWS Security 1
7 Statera Systems Solutions 1
8 Amazon.com Services LLC 1
9 Kforce Federal Solutions 1
10 Lentech, Inc. 1

Source: Adzuna job postings · Updated 3 hours ago

Regional Demand

📍 King County 18 postings
📍 New York City 7 postings
📍 Knox County 6 postings
📍 Jefferson County 2 postings
📍 Lafayette Parish 2 postings
📍 Anne Arundel County 2 postings
📍 Davidson County 2 postings
📍 Lexington County 1 postings

💼 Common Job Titles Requiring This Certification

AWS Security Architect - Threat Modeling Senior AWS Security Architect - Threat Modeling Applied Scientist, AWS Security Services Application Security Engineer, AWS Security Senior Security Engineer, AWS Security AWS Assurance Specialist, AWS Security Assurance AWS Assurance Analyst, AWS Security Assurance Software Development Engineer, AWS Security Communications

💰 Salary Insights

Salary Distribution from Job Postings Source: Adzuna

Based on job postings that include salary data. Figures represent posted ranges, not guaranteed compensation.

📊 Return on Investment

$300
Estimated Exam Cost
+$19K/yr
Est. Salary Uplift (10%)
0 mo
Estimated ROI Period
$95K
5-Year Net Value

* ROI estimates assume a 10% salary uplift from certification attainment. Actual results vary by role, employer, and experience level.

ℹ️ About This Certification

Our Take: Amazon Web Services issues the AWS Certified Security Specialty, a credential that validates expertise in securing cloud infrastructure and applications. Cloud computing professionals pursue this certification to advance their careers and demonstrate specialized knowledge in AWS security practices. The certification commands substantial market value, with 10,579 active U.S. job postings currently seeking certified professionals and an average salary of $198,000. Candidates invest $300 to sit for the exam and must renew their certification every three years to maintain active status. For security-focused technologists looking to establish credibility in cloud environments, this credential represents both a competitive advantage and a concrete pathway to higher-paying roles in an increasingly cloud-dependent job market.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AWS Certified Security Specialty worth it? +
Based on current job posting data, the AWS Certified Security Specialty appears in 13,280 active job postings with an average salary of $191K. Demand signals suggest this certification has strong employer recognition.
Which employers request AWS Certified Security Specialty? +
Top employers currently listing AWS Certified Security Specialty in job postings include: Amazon, System One, Lorven Technologies, Inc., SFE, CMT Services Inc.
How much does the AWS Certified Security Specialty exam cost? +
The AWS Certified Security Specialty exam costs approximately $300. Costs may vary based on location, membership status, and retake fees. Always check the official issuer website for current pricing.
How often does AWS Certified Security Specialty need to be renewed? +
The AWS Certified Security Specialty requires renewal every 3 years. Renewal typically involves earning continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development hours. Check with Amazon Web Services for specific requirements.

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