Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Security Specialty (CSS) Beta Exam
*** NOTE: AWS has pulled this specific certification version, refunding those who took the original beta exam. *** 2026 Status Update: The AWS Certified Security - Specialty is now a mature, standard certification. While the beta period mentioned below ended years ago, the core focus on deep-dive security across IAM, Encryption, and Incident Response remains the primary objective of the current exam version. I had the opportunity to take the AWS Certified Security Specialty Exam at re:Invent 2016. The exam was in a beta phase where questions were being tested, refined, and the exam pass line was being set. While I can't share actual exam questions, I can share advice for others interested in the certification path. Preparation I entered the exam cold, drawing only on my working knowledge of AWS and its services, so my perspective is an unbiased view of the exam's difficulty. While blueprints change, the foundational security pillars remain consistent. Format ...