AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty
AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty Specialty
ANS-C01
A comprehensive resource guide for the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty exam.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | ANS-C01 |
| Duration | 170 minutes |
| Cost | $300 USD |
| Passing Score | 750 / 1000 |
| Questions | 65 (scored) |
| Recommended Experience | 2+ years networking on AWS, CCNA/CCNP-level knowledge |
| Official Page | AWS Advanced Networking Specialty |
Exam Retirement — August 25, 2026
The ANS-C01 exam is being retired. The last day to take the exam is August 25, 2026. Certifications earned prior to retirement remain active for 3 years. New certifications will not be issued after the retirement date.
Last Updated
This guide was last updated on 18 June 2026.
tl;dr
- Video course — Stephane Maarek for exam focus
- Read 3 specific AWS whitepapers (listed below)
- Practice exams — TutorialsDojo, Stephane Maarek, or Neil Davis
- Take and pass the exam!
Networking Background Required
This is not an easy exam unless you have prior networking knowledge (CCNA/CCNP level).
Exam Details
- Exam code: ANS-C01
- Official page: AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty
- Exam guide: ANS-C01 Exam Guide (PDF)
Video Courses
Free
AWS Skill Builder — Free Exam Prep
Includes both free and subscription content. Start with the free materials.
Paid
| Instructor | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Stephane Maarek | Frequently updated, exam-focused, recommended for most certification candidates. Best suited for preparing for the latest AWS certification exams. | courses.datacumulus.com |
| Neil Davis | Solid hands-on course on Udemy | Udemy |
| QA Learning (Cloud Academy) | Enterprise training; learning path with content and practice | QA Platform |
Deep Learning Resources
| Instructor | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian Cantrill | Excellent for learning AWS architecture and AWS fundamentals. Exceptional hands-on explanations and deep technical content. Some AWS certification courses are becoming outdated compared to more actively maintained providers. Course updates generally lag behind the latest AWS certification blueprints. Better suited for building long-term AWS knowledge than for preparing for the latest certification exams. | learn.cantrill.io |
Udemy Pricing
Never pay more than USD 20 for any Udemy course. Prices fluctuate daily. Use the author's coupon site, open in incognito, or create a new account for the best price.
Additional Material
Required Whitepapers
These 3 AWS whitepapers are highly recommended reading:
- Building a Scalable and Secure Multi-VPC AWS Network Infrastructure
- Amazon Virtual Private Cloud Connectivity Options
- High Performance Computing on AWS
Additional Resources
- Networking Core digital badge — learning pathway on Skill Builder
- Advanced Designs on VPC — re:Invent 2024 video
- Community posts with links to useful study materials
AWS Skill Builder Microcredentials
Official AWS Skill Builder learning paths that include focused training, knowledge assessments, and digital badges. Useful for strengthening knowledge in specific AWS domains before or after certification preparation.
AWS Customer Learning Programs
Official AWS service-specific learning programs that award Credly digital badges. These programs help learners deepen knowledge of individual AWS services, products, and solution areas beyond the certification blueprint.
AWS SimuLearn Learning Plan Badges
Official AWS interactive learning plans that validate practical cloud skills using simulated hands-on scenarios. Recommended for learners who want hands-on validation alongside certification preparation.
AWS Builder Center Sandbox
Official free temporary AWS environment for hands-on learning and certification practice.
https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/whats-new/2026/07/aws-builder-center-sandbox/
Practice Exams
Free
Note
The free 20-question set is not indicative of the full exam.
Paid
| Provider | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TutorialsDojo | tutorialsdojo.com | Highly recommended. AWS Authorized Training Partner |
| Stephane Maarek | courses.datacumulus.com | |
| Neil Davis | Udemy |
Avoid Dumps
If someone offers the exact list of AWS questions or guarantees the question bank matches the exam — that is a dump. High risk of a ban. Not worth it.
Hands-on Practice
AWS Free Tier
The AWS Free Tier covers networking services: VPC (free), Route 53 (50 hosted zones), CloudFront (1 TB transfer), and Network Firewall (free tier). Build complex network topologies, configure DNS routing, and set up hybrid connectivity. Set up billing alerts and monitor usage to avoid unexpected charges.
AWS Builder Center Sandbox (Official)
- Official free AWS sandbox environment
- No AWS account billing or credit card required
- Temporary AWS environment for learning and experimentation
- No risk of accidental AWS charges
- Ideal for certification practice, workshops, and learning new AWS services
- Sessions currently last up to 8 hours
- Availability depends on supported Builder Center workshops
Official announcement: https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/whats-new/2026/07/aws-builder-center-sandbox/
AWS Builder Center Sandbox — more details about the Builder Center Sandbox program.
AWS Builder Labs
Builder Labs provide guided environments for networking services including VPC design, VPN configuration, and Route 53 routing policies with temporary AWS accounts.
AWS Skill Builder Labs
Skill Builder offers additional networking labs covering Transit Gateway, Direct Connect, Network Firewall, and advanced VPC features.
Networking Services to Practice
- Amazon VPC — Design multi-tier VPCs with public/private subnets, NAT gateways, VPC endpoints, and peering.
- AWS Transit Gateway — Connect multiple VPCs and on-premises networks with centralized routing.
- Amazon Route 53 — Configure routing policies (geolocation, latency, failover), private hosted zones, and DNS resolution.
- AWS Direct Connect — Understand virtual interfaces, link aggregation, and failover configurations.
- AWS Network Firewall — Build stateful firewall rules and intrusion prevention policies.
- Elastic Load Balancing — Configure cross-zone load balancing, connection draining, and stickiness.
Third-Party Platforms
- KodeKloud — Advanced networking labs covering VPC design, VPN, and hybrid connectivity scenarios.
- Cloud Academy — Structured networking deep-dives with hands-on labs.
Projects & Hands-on — more practice resources and comparison of platforms.
Community Advice
- Hands-on practice matters, but advanced network scenarios may not be possible on sandboxes.
- Don't memorize dumps.
- Practice exams identify weak areas; review every wrong answer.
- Read AWS documentation for unfamiliar services.
Exam Tips
- Sleep well before the exam.
- Read every question carefully.
- Eliminate wrong answers first.
- Flag difficult questions and come back to them.
FAQ
Do I need all this material? Mix up as much as you can. This is one of the toughest AWS exams unless you have a networking background.
Do I need hands-on work? Yes, but advanced network scenarios may not be possible on sandboxes.
Where can I find vouchers? See Vouchers & Discounts. Usually no Specialty discounts. Passing SAA gives 50% off ANS.
Can I cheat using dumps? High risk, not worth it.
Can I pass with only free resources? Not many free resources exist. Spending on quality courses and practice exams is strongly recommended.
Can ANS be my first AWS cert? No. You need hands-on AWS experience (SAA/SA Pro level).
Are there books for this exam? Books are largely out of date. A Sybex guide exists but video courses are recommended instead.
Should I buy TutorialsDojo via Udemy? Not available. Buy direct from their site.
I failed my practice exams — is that normal? Yes. Review incorrect answers and learn from them.
What score should I get on practice exams? There is no magic number. The learning from reviewing incorrect answers matters more than the score.
Can I skip a topic if someone said it wasn't on their exam? No. Everyone gets a different exam from a large question pool. Study everything in the exam guide.