How to Prepare for Aws Certified Security – Specialty Exam?

If you’re looking to pursue a career in Amazon Web Services (AWS), obtaining an AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification is a wise choice. It allows you to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in securing AWS workloads and maintaining compliance with security requirements. However, preparing for this exam can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the exam format and study materials. In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of preparing for AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam in detail to help you pass it with ease.

Understanding the Importance of AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of preparing for the exam, let’s first take a brief look at the importance of AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam. This exam is designed to measure your skills and knowledge in securing AWS workloads based on industry standards. It covers a broad range of topics, including data protection, incident response, identity and access management, and monitoring and logging encryption.

With the increasing demand for AWS professionals, obtaining this certification can open up a lot of opportunities for your career growth. It can increase your chances of getting hired in top organizations and lead to higher-paying jobs.

Moreover, AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam is not just beneficial for individuals but also for organizations. It assures that the certified professionals have the necessary skills and knowledge to secure their AWS workloads, which is crucial in today’s digital age where data breaches and cyber attacks are becoming more common. By having certified professionals in their team, organizations can ensure the security of their data and systems, which can ultimately lead to increased customer trust and loyalty.

Eligibility Criteria for AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam

Before you start preparing for the exam, it’s important to check your eligibility criteria. To be eligible to take the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam, you should have at least two years of hands-on experience in securing AWS workloads. Additionally, you should have a good understanding of at least one high-level programming language to manage AWS security services.

It’s also important to note that the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam is an advanced-level certification exam, and it’s recommended that you have prior experience with AWS security services and technologies. This will help you better understand the exam content and increase your chances of passing the exam.

Furthermore, the exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, and you’ll have 170 minutes to complete it. The exam fee is $300, and you can take the exam at a testing center or online from the comfort of your own home or office.

How to Register for AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam?

The next step is to register for the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam. To do this, you need to create an account on the official AWS certification website and fill out the registration form. Once you complete the registration, you’ll receive an email confirmation with detailed instructions on how to schedule your exam and location. The registration fees may vary depending on your location, so make sure to check the fees before registering.

It’s important to note that there are certain prerequisites you need to meet before registering for the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam. You must have at least five years of IT security experience, including two years of hands-on experience with AWS. Additionally, you must have already obtained the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Associate-level certification. If you meet these requirements, you can proceed with the registration process and start preparing for the exam.

Exam Format and Time Duration of AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam

The AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam is a computer-based exam consisting of multiple-choice and multiple-answers questions. The exam duration is 170 minutes, and you need to answer 65 questions. The exam is available in English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean languages. You’ll need to score at least 750 out of 1,000 to pass the exam.

It is important to note that the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam is designed for individuals who have a minimum of two years of hands-on experience in securing AWS workloads. The exam covers a wide range of security topics, including incident response, logging and monitoring, identity and access management, and data protection. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you take the AWS Security Fundamentals course and the AWS Security Operations course. Additionally, you can find study materials and practice exams on the AWS website.

How to Create an Effective Study Plan for AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam?

Creating an effective study plan is essential to ensure that you’re well-prepared for the exam. Start by reviewing the exam blueprint and understanding the topics covered in the exam. Make a schedule and allocate time to study each topic thoroughly. You can leverage online training courses, AWS’s official certification guide, white papers, and other training resources to help you prepare well. Additionally, practice with sample questions and setup a lab environment to test your skills.

Another important aspect of creating an effective study plan is to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Take a practice test to assess your current knowledge and identify areas where you need to focus more. This will help you to prioritize your study plan and allocate more time to topics that you need to work on.

It’s also important to take breaks and avoid burnout. Studying for long hours without taking breaks can lead to fatigue and reduce your productivity. Take short breaks in between study sessions and engage in activities that help you to relax and recharge. This will help you to stay focused and motivated throughout your study plan.

Top Resources for Preparing for AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam

There are numerous resources available online to help you prepare for the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam. Some of these include:

• AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification guide
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam Blueprint
• Online training courses – LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and other platforms offer comprehensive courses in AWS security
• Online communities such as Reddit and LinkedIn where you can discuss and seek help with other AWS professionals
• AWS Whitepapers on Security – AWS provides several whitepapers on different security-related topics, such as encryption, IAM, and vulnerability management

Aside from the resources mentioned above, there are other ways to prepare for the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam. One of these is by taking practice exams. There are several websites that offer practice exams that simulate the actual exam experience. These practice exams can help you identify areas where you need to improve and give you an idea of what to expect on the actual exam.

Another way to prepare for the exam is by attending AWS events and conferences. These events provide an opportunity to learn from AWS experts and network with other professionals in the field. You can also attend sessions and workshops that focus specifically on AWS security, which can help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Tips and Tricks to Crack the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam with Ease

Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to crack the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam with ease:

• Review the exam blueprint thoroughly to have a clear understanding of the topics and domains covered in the exam
• Allocate enough study time for each topic and create a study plan accordingly
• Practice with sample questions and mock tests to get a feel of the actual exam environment
• Understand the key concepts and principles of AWS security services and their use cases
• Attempt all the questions in the exam and use the “Mark for Review” feature to revisit the unanswered questions if time permits

It is also recommended to join study groups or online forums where you can discuss and clarify your doubts with other candidates or certified professionals. This can help you gain a better understanding of the exam topics and learn from the experiences of others. Additionally, make sure to stay updated with the latest AWS security services and features by reading AWS documentation and attending webinars or training sessions. This will not only help you in the exam but also in your professional career as an AWS security specialist.

Reviewing the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam Blueprint

As mentioned earlier, reviewing the exam blueprint is crucial to get a clear understanding of the exam’s domains and topics covered. The AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam Blueprint covers five domains:

• Incident Response
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance
• Logging and Monitoring
• Infrastructure Security
• Data Protection

It is important to note that each domain carries a different weightage in the exam. For instance, the Incident Response domain carries the highest weightage of 26%, while the Governance, Risk, and Compliance domain carries the lowest weightage of 12%. Therefore, it is essential to focus on each domain’s weightage and prepare accordingly.

Additionally, the exam blueprint also provides a list of subtopics covered under each domain. For example, under the Infrastructure Security domain, subtopics such as network security, host-based security, and application security are covered. Understanding these subtopics and their relevance to the domain is crucial to passing the exam.

Understanding the Key Concepts, Tools, and Techniques Covered in AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam

The AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam covers several key concepts, tools, and techniques related to AWS security services. Some of these include:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (Amazon VPC)
• AWS Inspector
• Amazon GuardDuty
• AWS Security Hub
• Encryption and Key Management
• Network Security and Monitoring
• Compliance frameworks

Practicing with Sample Questions and Mock Tests for AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam

Practicing with sample questions and mock tests is a great way to assess your preparation level and get familiar with the exam format. You can find several online platforms and training providers that offer sample questions and mock tests for the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam. Additionally, AWS also provides a practice exam that simulates the actual exam environment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam

Avoiding common mistakes can increase your chances of passing the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam. Some of the common mistakes to avoid include:

• Not reviewing the exam blueprint and studying all the domains
• Not practicing with sample questions and mock tests before the actual exam
• Not allocating enough time to study each topic
• Not taking breaks during the study sessions

Benefits of Achieving AWS Certified Security – Specialty Certification

Achieving AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification comes with several benefits, including:

• Increased credibility and marketability as AWS professional
• Access to exclusive AWS events, beta exams, and other benefits
• Better job opportunities with higher pay and excellent career growth prospects
• Recognition from the AWS community and employers

Career Opportunities Available After Passing AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam

Passing the AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam opens up several career opportunities in the field of AWS and cloud security. Some of the job roles that you can explore include:

• AWS Security Engineer
• AWS Security Architect
• Cloud Security Analyst
• AWS Compliance Consultant

With hard work, dedication, and proper preparation, achieving AWS Certified Security – Specialty Certification is achievable. Leverage the resources discussed in this article, and focus on understanding the key concepts, tools, and techniques covered in the exam to get a solid grasp of AWS security services and pass the exam with flying colors.