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AWS · Cloud · Professional

AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty exam guide

Exam ANS-C01 (retires after Dec 31, 2026)

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty validates design and operation of complex hybrid and multi-VPC networks on AWS. AWS is retiring it: the last day to take ANS-C01 is December 31, 2026, and certifications earned before then stay active for three years.

Questions65
Time limit170 minutes
Passing score750 (100-1000 scale)
Exam fee$300 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center or online proctored

Format: Multiple choice and multiple response. Fee note: Plus applicable taxes/FX; 50% off with a voucher from a previously passed AWS exam.

Who it's for

Senior network engineers with 5+ years of networking experience and 2+ years of cloud and hybrid networking, who can test before the end of 2026.

What the exam covers

Network Design30%
Network Implementation26%
Network Management and Operation20%
Network Security, Compliance, and Governance24%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: Five or more years of networking experience with two or more years of cloud and hybrid networking; AWS suggests holding an Associate or Professional certification first.

Keeping it active

Valid 3 years from the date earned. Because the exam retires after December 31, 2026, it cannot be renewed by re-examination after that date; certifications earned before retirement remain active for their full three years.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Hybrid connectivity with Direct Connect, Site-to-Site VPN and Transit Gateway
  • Multi-VPC and multi-Region routing design
  • DNS architecture with Route 53 Resolver endpoints and rules
  • Private service access with PrivateLink and VPC endpoints
  • Network security with Network Firewall, security groups, NACLs and WAF
  • Network monitoring and troubleshooting with flow logs and Reachability Analyzer
  • Automating networks with CloudFormation

Job roles

Cloud Network EngineerNetwork ArchitectAWS Networking SpecialistHybrid Cloud EngineerNetwork Security Engineer

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Confirm you can test by Dec 31, 2026; read the ANS-C01 exam guide
  2. Week 2: Direct Connect (VIF types, LAG, BGP attributes, failover to VPN)
  3. Week 3: Transit Gateway routing domains, inter-Region peering, Cloud WAN basics
  4. Week 4: Route 53 Resolver hybrid DNS, PrivateLink, endpoint policies
  5. Week 5: Security and monitoring - Network Firewall, Gateway Load Balancer, flow logs, Traffic Mirroring
  6. Week 6: Timed practice exams and BGP path selection drills

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Book your exam well before December 31, 2026 - seats near retirement dates fill quickly
  • BGP is tested in depth: AS_PATH prepending, local preference, MED and how AWS uses them on Direct Connect
  • Know Transit Gateway route table association vs propagation
  • Hybrid DNS questions usually need Route 53 Resolver inbound and outbound endpoints
  • Read for bandwidth, encryption and latency requirements - they determine DX vs VPN vs DX plus VPN

Key terms for this exam

All 32 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

Is AWS Advanced Networking Specialty being retired?

Yes. AWS lists December 31, 2026 as the last day to take the exam. Certifications earned before then remain active for three years.

Is it still worth taking in late 2026?

Only if you are nearly ready. It still proves rare hybrid networking skill, but it cannot be renewed after retirement.

How much does ANS-C01 cost?

$300 USD plus applicable taxes; 65 questions in 170 minutes.

What should I take instead after 2026?

Solutions Architect - Professional covers multi-account networking design, and Security - Specialty covers network security; Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer is a vendor alternative.

How hard is the AWS Advanced Networking exam?

It is widely considered one of the hardest AWS exams because it assumes strong BGP and enterprise networking skills.

Official page: aws.amazon.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.