AWS Certified Database Specialty FAQ

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AWS Certified Database Specialty

What is the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam?

The AWS Certified Database – Specialty (DBS-C01) examination is intended for individuals who perform in a database-focused role. This exam validates an examinee’s comprehensive understanding of databases, including the concepts of design, migration, deployment, access, maintenance, automation, monitoring, security, and troubleshooting.

Who should take the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam?

  • The brand-new addition among AWS Specialty certifications, i.e., Database Specialty, is ideal for IT professionals related to database-focused roles.
  • Candidates applying for the exam must understand and differentiate the key features of AWS database services.
  • They should know how to analyze needs and requirements to recommend and design appropriate database solutions using AWS services.

What are the objectives of the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam?

The objectives of the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam is:

  • Domain 1: Workload-Specific Database Design 26%
  • Domain 2: Deployment and Migration 20%
  • Domain 3: Management and Operations 18%
  • Domain 4: Monitoring and Troubleshooting 18%
  • Domain 5: Database Security 18%

What is the examination code for the AWS Certified Database Specialty?

The examination code for the AWS Certified Database Specialty is DBS-C01

In which languages the exam is available?

The AWS Certified Database Specialty exam is available in several languages such as English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.

How many questions are there in the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam?

There are a total of 65 questions in the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam. 

How much time will be given to the candidate to complete the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam?

The candidate will be given 180 minutes to complete the exam. 

What is the examination cost for the AWS Certified Database Specialty?

The examination cost is 300 USD (Practice exam: 40 USD). 

Is there any recommended prerequisite for the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam?

No, there is no prerequisite for the exam. However, the recommended AWS knowledge for this certification is-

  • At least 5 years of experience with common database technologies  
  • A minimum of` 2 years of hands-on experience working on AWS 
  • Experience of working with AWS-based and on-premises NoSQL and relational databases

What is the validity of the AWS Database Specialty certification?

AWS Database Specialty certification comes with the validity of three years from the date certified. 

What are the passing marks for the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam?

The passing marks for the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam is 75%. 

How frequently are exams updated?

AWS Certifications are designed to validate experience and knowledge of current AWS technology and best practices. Domains and objectives for each certification are carefully created by AWS subject matter experts. Once certification is available, exams are refreshed on an ongoing basis. AWS subject matter experts will update domains and objectives as needed to reflect new AWS technology or best practices. The frequency varies by exam.

What is the beta exam?

AWS Certification uses beta exams to test exam item performance before use in a live exam. An exam goes through the beta process before the exam is launched for the first time. AWS Certification also completes a beta process when an exam outline changes.

How do I register for the AWS exam?

To register an exam with AWS, the candidate must visit the official website of the AWS certification. Also, the candidate can schedule the exam with Pearson VUE. 

What is the retake policy?

Test takers who do not pass an exam must wait 14 days before they are eligible to retake the exam. There is no limit on exam attempts until the test taker has passed. For each exam attempt, the full registration price must be paid. Beta exam test takers are eligible for one attempt only.

When will I get the result of my exam?

Upon completing the exam, the candidate will receive a pass or fail notification on the testing screen.

Most of our exams use a scale-scoring method. The candidate will receive an email confirming exam completion. The detailed exam results will be available within five business days of completing their exam on the AWS Certification Account under Previous Exams. 

Beta exam results are typically available 90 days (13 weeks) or less from the close of the beta exam. The candidate will be notified via email once their exam results are available in their AWS Certification Account.

How can I reschedule my exam if I cannot present at the scheduled time?

Yes. The candidate can cancel or reschedule their exam up to 24 hours before scheduled appointment without additional fees. To reschedule or cancel the exam, go to AWS Certification Account and click the Manage PSI Exams or Manage Pearson VUE exams button. If you are scheduled with PSI, click the “View Details” button on the scheduled exam you wish to manage. If you scheduled with Pearson VUE, you can select the scheduled exam you wish to manage from the Upcoming Appointments menu. Once you reach the 24-hour window before your scheduled appointment, you will not be able to cancel or reschedule your exam. If you miss your scheduled exam appointment, you will forfeit the exam fee and are not eligible for a refund. You will not be able to register again for the exam until 24 hours after your missed exam time. Missing the exam does not result in a “fail” status.

What are the AWS certifications digital badge?

AWS Certification provides digital badges as a benefit of earning an AWS Certification to showcase certification status. They provide digital badges via Credly’s Acclaim platform to offer flexible options for recognition and verification. The candidate can take advantage of one-click badge sharing on social media news feeds, tools for embedding verifiable badges on websites or email signatures, and an optional public profile with all earned AWS Certification badges.

What are the requirements for the Professional or Specialty exams?

In October 2018, AWS removed prerequisites to give candidates more flexibility. Candidates are no longer required to have an Associate certification before pursuing Professional certification, and they are no longer required to have Cloud Practitioner or Associate certification before pursuing Specialty certification. 

Where is the AWS training accessible?

Training is available around the globe across multiple time zones, with classes delivered by either AWS or our AWS Partner Network Training Partners. The candidate can search for AWS Training classes at AWS Learning Library.

How do I create an AWS training account?

  • Go to https://www.aws.training
  • Select Sign In on the top right corner
  • Create a new account or sign in using an existing Amazon account. This includes credentials for your Amazon retail account or any account that uses the Login and Pay with Amazon widget (such as Woot or Zappos)
  • Complete your account profile if you are signing in for the first time

How can I pay for the exam?

AWS test delivery vendors accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB cards for payment.

Are taxes included in the examination fee?

For countries that have implemented a Value Added Tax (VAT), candidates will be charged the applicable rate as determined by their country.

Can I get an exam discount?

AWS does not provide general discounts or free certification exams.

AWS Certified Database Specialty Practice Test

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