AWS Security Specialty vs CISSP
Compare AWS Security Specialty and CISSP certifications. Cloud security vs enterprise security management.
AWS Security - Specialty (SCS-C02)
Amazon Web Services
CISSP
ISC2
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | AWS Security - Specialty (SCS-C02) | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | ISC2 |
| Difficulty Level | Specialty | Expert |
| Exam Duration | 170 minutes | 4 hours |
| Exam Cost | $300 USD | $749 USD |
| Exam Format | 65 questions | 100-150 CAT questions |
| Prerequisites | 5+ years IT security + 2 years AWS | 5 years experience in 2+ domains |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years (40 CPE/year) |
| Ideal For | Cloud security engineers on AWS | Security managers and architects |
| Salary Range | $145,000 - $195,000 | $140,000 - $190,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
AWS Security - Specialty (SCS-C02) Focus Areas
- IAM
- Data Protection
- Infrastructure Security
- Incident Response
CISSP Focus Areas
- Security Management
- Risk
- Architecture
- Operations
Our Recommendation
AWS Security is cloud-specific; CISSP is broad enterprise security management.
Choose AWS Security - Specialty (SCS-C02)
Choose AWS Security for deep AWS security expertise.
Choose CISSP
Choose CISSP for enterprise-wide security leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: AWS Security - Specialty (SCS-C02) or CISSP?
AWS Security is cloud-specific; CISSP is broad enterprise security management.
What are the salary differences between AWS Security - Specialty (SCS-C02)?
AWS Security - Specialty (SCS-C02) typically offers salaries around $145,000 - $195,000, while CISSP offers $140,000 - $190,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose AWS Security for deep AWS security expertise. Choose CISSP for enterprise-wide security leadership.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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