The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty exam certification is designed for IT professionals who perform complex networking tasks on AWS. This certification confirms proficiency in designing and implementing hybrid IT network architectures, automating network operations, and managing the breadth of AWS networking services.
The Advanced Networking – Specialty exam (ANS-C01) costs $300 USD. Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about the exam cost, format, preparation, and tips to pass it on your first try.
Exam Overview
- Level: Specialty
- Length: 170 minutes
- Cost: $300 USD
- The format: of the test contains 65 questions, which include both multiple choice and multiple response questions.
- Delivery: Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored
The ANS-C01 exam tests your skills in designing, developing, and deploying cloud-based solutions using AWS services. It is recommended that you have at least 5 years of hands-on experience with AWS before attempting this exam.
While AWS does not require any specific training courses, recommended experience includes:
- Using AWS networking services like Amazon VPC, Amazon Route 53, AWS Direct Connect, and Elastic Load Balancing
- Implementing core AWS services according to architectural best practices
- One can utilize AWS services to create a scalable, dependable, and readily available infrastructure.
- Migrating complex, multi-tier applications onto AWS
- Creating and implementing scalable operations across an entire enterprise using AWS.
- Automating AWS tasks using services like AWS CloudFormation, AWS OpsWorks, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk
Exam Domains
The ANS-C01 exam covers the following domains:
1 Domain: Design and Implement Hybrid IT Network Architectures 25%
- Determine network requirements for a hybrid IT architecture
- Determine network connectivity and bandwidth requirements for a hybrid IT architecture
- Select the appropriate routing protocol for a hybrid IT architecture
- Select the appropriate AWS connectivity solution for a hybrid IT architecture
2 Domain: Design and Implement AWS Networks 30%
- Determine requirements for a well-architected network
- Determine connectivity requirements for VPC design
- Determine egress and ingress network traffic management requirements
- Select the appropriate AWS managed VPN solution
3 Domain: Automate AWS Tasks 30%
- Evaluate automation alternatives within AWS for network deployments
- Evaluate tool-based alternatives within AWS for network operations automation
- Evaluate API-based alternatives within AWS for network operations automation
- Determine the appropriate tool-based solution for network operations automation
4 Domain: Manage, Optimize, and Troubleshoot the Network 15%
- Given a scenario: troubleshoot and resolve a network issue
- Optimize network performance and availability based on metrics
- Troubleshoot connectivity issues between AWS and external networks
Exam Preparation
Here are some tips and resources to help you prepare for the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty exam:
- Read the Exam Guide: The official AWS ANS-C01 exam guide provides details on exam content, sample questions, and preparation. Review it thoroughly.
- Take Exam Readiness Training: AWS offers a free 9-hour Exam Readiness: AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty digital course that covers core exam concepts.
- Use Practice Exams: Practice with sample questions and tests from the official AWS exam prep and third-party providers like Tutorials Dojo.
- Review Advanced Networking Whitepapers: Read AWS whitepapers on hybrid connectivity, VPC connectivity, and DDoS resiliency to strengthen concepts.
- Attend Online Training Courses: Take advanced networking courses on platforms like AWS Skill Builder, A Cloud Guru, and Linux Academy for in-depth learning.
- Get Hands-On Experience: Create a test AWS environment and work through lab exercises to gain practical experience with hybrid networking, VPCs, Direct Connect etc.
Exam Cost Saving Tips
The ANS-C01 exam costs $300 USD, but there are a few ways you can save money on the exam fee:
- Take Another AWS Exam First: Passing any other AWS exam makes you eligible for a 50% discount voucher for your next exam. You can take a lower cost exam like Cloud Practitioner and use the voucher on ANS-C01.
- Look for Discount Codes: AWS occasionally provides discount codes and vouchers through blogs, webinars etc. You can search online or subscribe to AWS newsletters to find them.
- Use AWS Credits: If you are part of the AWS Partner Network or have AWS credits from an event, you can redeem these for exam vouchers.
- Ask Your Employer: Many companies reimburse or cover the cost of AWS certification exams for employees. Check if this benefit is available to reduce your out-of-pocket spend.
What to Expect During the Exam
The ANS-C01 exam consists of different types of multiple choice and multiple response questions. Here are some tips on what to expect when taking the exam:
- Review All Information Provided: Some questions will provide supplementary information like architectural diagrams, code snippets, logs etc. Read them thoroughly before answering.
- Watch for Key Words: Questions often contain keywords that indicate which AWS service or feature is being discussed. Notice these to select the right solution.
- Skip and Flag Hard Questions: Don’t get stuck on questions you find difficult. Flag them for review and come back later.
- Use Process of Elimination: For multiple choice questions, eliminate options you know are incorrect first. This will help you select the right response.
- Manage Time Carefully: You have 170 minutes for 65 questions. Allocate time wisely and resist the urge to overthink questions.
Final Tips for Passing the Exam
With thorough preparation using the right resources, you can pass the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty exam successfully:
- Gain Relevant Experience: Hands-on experience with AWS networks is invaluable. Practice skills that are tested in the exam.
- Use Official AWS Resources: Rely on AWS whitepapers, documentation, and the exam guide as your primary knowledge sources.
- Take Extensive Notes: Review notes frequently. Writing down key concepts helps reinforce them.
- Attempt Practice Tests: Use official sample questions and practice exams to test your knowledge. Identify weak areas.
- Read Questions Thoroughly: Understand the problem statement clearly before attempting questions. Avoid assumptions.
- Manage Exam Anxiety: Stay confident on exam day by preparing thoroughly. Read questions calmly and carefully.
Earning the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification validates your skills in designing and implementing complex AWS network architectures. Use this guide to understand the exam costs, format, preparation resources, and strategies to pass on your first try.
Conclusion
The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty latest exam certification is intended for experienced IT professionals who work with AWS networking services. While the exam cost is $300 USD, you can use cost-saving approaches like AWS exam vouchers.
Thorough preparation using official AWS training, whitepapers, and practice tests is key to pass the exam on your first attempt. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in implementing hybrid networks, automating AWS tasks, optimizing network performance, and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
With dedication and commitment to your preparation utilizing the resources and advice presented in this guide, you can successfully clear the ANS-C01 exam and become an AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty professional.
