CertLadder
Certification Roadmap

Cloud Security Specialist

Builds toward cloud security specialization on AWS. The path moves from architecture fundamentals to the Security Specialty — the definitive AWS credential for cloud security engineers, security architects, and compliance professionals.

1218 Months$125,000–$165,000
Amazon Web Services
01

Cloud Practitioner

CLF-C02foundational
Study time
4080 hours
Exam cost
$100
$50,000–$70,000

CLF-C02 establishes the AWS foundation needed before tackling security concepts. Understanding core AWS services is essential before learning how to secure them.

02
Study time
80120 hours
Exam cost
$150
$115,000–$145,000

SAA-C03 is required knowledge before the Security Specialty. You cannot effectively secure AWS architectures without first understanding how to design them.

03

Security Specialty

SCS-C02specialty
Study time
120180 hours
Exam cost
$300
$130,000–$175,000

SCS-C02 is the definitive AWS security credential. It validates IAM policy design, encryption, network security controls, and incident response — the skills that command $130,000–$175,000 in cloud security roles.

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