New SCS-C03 AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam Now Available

AWS has officially introduced the AWS Certified Security - Specialty SCS-C03 exam, replacing the previous SCS-C02, which has now been retired. This updated version reflects the latest security best practices, AWS service enhancements, and real-world cloud security responsibilities faced by today's professionals. If you are responsible for securing AWS cloud environments or planning to validate your advanced security expertise, the SCS-C03 exam is the certification to target.

What Is the SCS-C03 AWS Certified Security - Specialty?

The SCS-C03 exam is designed for individuals who secure cloud solutions on AWS. It validates your ability to design, implement, and manage security controls that protect data, workloads, and applications in AWS environments.

This certification confirms your expertise in:

●Securing AWS infrastructure and services

●Protecting sensitive data using encryption and classification

●Responding to security incidents

●Applying governance and security best practices

●Balancing security, cost, and operational complexity

The exam is ideal for professionals with 3–5 years of hands-on experience securing cloud solutions.

What's New in SCS-C03 Compared to SCS-C02?

While the core security concepts remain, SCS-C03 introduces updated domain weightings and modernized content aligned with current AWS security services and operational scenarios.

Key Changes at a Glance

●Updated domain structure and percentages

●Increased focus on Identity and Access Management (IAM)

●Stronger emphasis on detection, incident response, and governance

●Scenarios reflecting real-world security trade-offs and risk management

SCS-C03 Exam Domains

The SCS-C03 exam is structured across six content domains:

Domain 1: Detection - 16% 

Focuses on monitoring, logging, and detecting security threats using AWS services.

Domain 2: Incident Response - 14% 

Covers preparation, response, investigation, and recovery from security incidents.

Domain 3: Infrastructure Security - 18% 

Evaluates your ability to secure AWS compute, networking, and storage resources.

Domain 4: Identity and Access Management - 20% 

The highest-weighted domain, emphasizing IAM policies, roles, authentication, and authorization strategies.

Domain 5: Data Protection - 18% 

Tests knowledge of data classification, encryption, and key management across AWS services.

Domain 6: Security Foundations and Governance - 14% 

Focuses on governance, compliance, risk management, and security best practices.

Skills Validated by the SCS-C03 Exam

By passing the SCS-C03 exam, you demonstrate the ability to:

Apply specialized data classifications and protection mechanisms Implement encryption methods and AWS key management solutions Secure applications using AWS security services Enforce secure communication protocols Make informed decisions balancing security, cost, and deployment complexity Understand security operations, monitoring, and risk management

SCS-C03 Exam Details

Exam Duration: 170 minutes 

Number of Questions: 65 multiple choice & multiple response 

Passing Score: 750 

Exam Cost: $300 

Languages Available: English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America)

Who Should Take the SCS-C03 Exam?

The AWS Certified Security - Specialty is ideal for:

●Cloud Security Engineers

●Security Architects

●DevSecOps Engineers

●SOC Analysts working in AWS environments

●IT professionals responsible for securing AWS workloads

If your role involves designing, implementing, or managing security in AWS, SCS-C03 is a strong validation of your expertise.

The launch of SCS-C03 ensures that AWS Security certification remains aligned with evolving cloud threats and modern security practices. With updated domains and real-world focus areas, this exam is a must-have credential for professionals serious about AWS cloud security.