AWS

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C01): The Ultimate 2025 Guide

ANS-C01 practice questions on VPC, Direct Connect, and hybrid cloud networking
Written by Arslan Khan

As cloud environments grow in scale and complexity, robust, secure, and performant networking becomes the backbone of successful deployments. The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification validates the highest level of expertise in designing and implementing complex AWS and hybrid IT network architectures. It’s designed for professionals who live and breathe networking in the cloud.

What is the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty?

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification validates your advanced technical skills and experience in designing and implementing AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale. It demonstrates your ability to leverage core AWS networking services to create secure, scalable, and highly available network solutions, connect on-premises data centers to AWS, and automate network tasks.

Who Should Consider the Advanced Networking Specialty?

This certification is intended for:

  • Network Engineers & Architects: Professionals with extensive experience in network design and implementation.
  • Cloud Architects with a Networking Focus: Solutions architects specializing in network connectivity and security.
  • Infrastructure Engineers: Those responsible for building and maintaining core IT infrastructure, including hybrid networks.

AWS recommends at least five years of hands-on experience architecting and implementing network solutions. You should have a deep understanding of AWS networking services like VPC, Route 53, Direct Connect, VPN, Transit Gateway, and network security concepts.

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty Exam Deep Dive (Based on ANS-C02)

This specialty exam is challenging and requires in-depth knowledge:

  • Exam Code: ANS-C02 (Verify current code)
  • Level: Specialty
  • Format: 65 questions, a mix of multiple-choice and multiple-response types.
  • Duration: 170 minutes.
  • Passing Score: A scaled score of 750 out of 1000 is required.
  • Cost: $300 USD (may vary based on location).
  • Languages: Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
  • Delivery Method: Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam.

Exam Content Domains and Weighting (Based on ANS-C02):

  1. Network Design (30%): Covers designing AWS and hybrid network architectures, including VPCs, subnets, routing, IP addressing, and connectivity options (Direct Connect, VPN, Transit Gateway).
  2. Network Implementation (26%): Focuses on implementing AWS and hybrid networks, configuring routing, and setting up network services.
  3. Network Management and Operation (20%): Tests your ability to monitor network health, performance, and security; automate network tasks; and manage logs.
  4. Network Security, Compliance, and Governance (24%): Covers implementing network security controls (Security Groups, NACLs, WAF, Firewall Manager), data protection, and ensuring compliance and governance.

Always check the official AWS Advanced Networking – Specialty Exam Guide for the latest version and details.

Why Earn the Advanced Networking Specialty Credential?

  • Validates Elite Networking Skills: Proves your mastery of complex networking on AWS.
  • High-Demand Specialization: Expert network professionals are crucial for large-scale cloud deployments.
  • Career Advancement: Opens doors to senior networking and cloud architecture roles.
  • Increased Earning Potential: Specialty certifications often correlate with higher salaries.
  • Deepen Technical Expertise: The preparation process requires a profound understanding of AWS networking.

Preparing for the Advanced Networking Specialty Exam

  • Master VPC & Hybrid Connectivity: Deeply understand VPC design, peering, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect (including LAG, BGP), and Site-to-Site VPN.
  • Know Route 53 Inside-Out: Understand public/private zones, routing policies, health checks, and DNSSEC.
  • Focus on Security: Study Security Groups, NACLs, AWS WAF, Shield, Firewall Manager, Network Firewall, and VPC Flow Logs.
  • Practice Automation: Learn how to automate network tasks using AWS CLI, SDKs, or CloudFormation.
  • Study AWS Whitepapers: Read AWS documents on hybrid connectivity, VPC design, and networking best practices.
  • Build Complex Labs: Set up multi-VPC, multi-Region, and hybrid network scenarios.
  • Practice Exams: Use high-quality mock tests to test your knowledge across all domains.

Ready to prove your networking mastery? Connect to success with our free AWS Advanced Networking Mock Test at Freemocktests.org!

Become an AWS Networking Guru!

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty is a challenging but highly valuable certification. It confirms your ability to handle the most demanding networking requirements on AWS. By combining extensive hands-on experience with dedicated study, you can achieve this elite credential and become a leader in cloud networking.

About the author

Arslan Khan

Arslan is a Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Engineer, and DevOps Specialist with a passion for simplifying complex cloud technologies. With years of hands-on experience in AWS architecture, automation, and cloud-native development, he writes practical, insightful blogs to help developers and IT professionals navigate the evolving world of cloud computing. When he's not optimizing infrastructure or deploying scalable solutions, he’s sharing knowledge through tutorials and thought leadership in the AWS and DevOps space.