AWS Database Specialty Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the AWS Database Specialty, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$300
Provider
Amazon Web Services
Validity
3 years
Available
Global
Education
No formal education requirement
Experience
Recommended but not required, varies by level
Specific Requirements
- The exam is retired and can no longer be taken, so no prerequisite can be satisfied for it.
- When the exam ran, AWS required no formal prerequisites, consistent with its policy that all AWS certifications can be earned without completing specific prior certifications.
- AWS recommended at least five years of experience with common database technologies, as stated in the DBS-C01 exam guide.
- AWS also recommended at least two years of hands-on experience working on AWS, plus experience with both on-premises and AWS Cloud relational and NoSQL databases.
- For the live replacement, AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate, AWS recommends the equivalent of two to three years of experience in data engineering or data architecture and one to two years of hands-on AWS experience.
- An AWS Certification Account, created with an AWS Builder ID and separate from your AWS account, is needed to schedule any AWS exam.
Number of Questions
65 questions, of which 50 were scored and 15 were unscored pretest items that were not identified during the exam
Duration
180 minutes, when the exam was offered. The exam retired on April 30, 2024 and can no longer be taken.
Question Format
Multiple choice with one correct response and three distractors, Multiple response with two or more correct responses out of five or more options
Passing Requirement
750 on a scaled range of 100 to 1,000, using a compensatory model that did not require a passing score in each domain
How It Is Delivered
Pearson VUE test centre or online proctored exam, until the April 29, 2024 final testing date
Languages Offered
English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese
Create an AWS Certification account at aws.amazon.com/certification
Select your exam and choose Pearson VUE as testing provider
Choose test center or online proctored option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one with photo)
- Confirmation email with appointment details
- For online: clear desk, webcam, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the AWS Database Specialty?
The exam is retired and can no longer be taken, so no prerequisite can be satisfied for it.. When the exam ran, AWS required no formal prerequisites, consistent with its policy that all AWS certifications can be earned without completing specific prior certifications.. AWS recommended at least five years of experience with common database technologies, as stated in the DBS-C01 exam guide.. AWS also recommended at least two years of hands-on experience working on AWS, plus experience with both on-premises and AWS Cloud relational and NoSQL databases.. For the live replacement, AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate, AWS recommends the equivalent of two to three years of experience in data engineering or data architecture and one to two years of hands-on AWS experience.. An AWS Certification Account, created with an AWS Builder ID and separate from your AWS account, is needed to schedule any AWS exam..
How much does the AWS Database Specialty cost?
The AWS Database Specialty exam costs $300. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the AWS Database Specialty?
Create an AWS Certification account at aws.amazon.com/certification → Select your exam and choose Pearson VUE as testing provider → Choose test center or online proctored option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the AWS Database Specialty?
Two forms of valid ID (one with photo). Confirmation email with appointment details. For online: clear desk, webcam, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for AWS Database Specialty?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
View AWS Database Specialty Guide