AWS is retiring three language versions of the AWS Certified Security – Specialty exam (SCS-C03). The certification page says the exam in Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America) and Portuguese (Brazil) will be retired after December 31, 2026. The exam itself stays: it remains 300 USD, 65 questions and 170 minutes, offered in English, Japanese and Korean.
SCS-C03 matters to AI teams because AWS describes this version as having a dedicated focus on generative AI and machine learning security.
Who this affects
- Candidates planning to test in Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America) or Portuguese (Brazil), including anyone holding an appointment for a date after December 31, 2026.
- Current certification holders: the notice is about exam languages only. AWS does not say it changes existing certifications, which the Security – Specialty page lists as valid for 3 years. Plan to recertify in one of the remaining languages.
What to do now
- Ready this year? Book in your language for December 31, 2026 or earlier. Year-end seats can fill up, so book early.
- Booked for a later date? AWS has not said what happens to those appointments, so move yours now: earlier, or to another language. AWS lets you reschedule up to 24 hours before the appointment, and only twice per appointment.
- Switching to English? Non-native English speakers can request the ESL +30 accommodation, which adds 30 minutes to exams taken in English. You request it once, before registering, and it applies to future registrations.
Comparing options first? Our AI security certifications guide sets SCS-C03 against SecAI+, AAISM and GIAC, and the AI certification index lists every exam’s length, price and status. More AWS paths are in AWS AI certifications.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| December 31, 2026 | Last date before AWS retires SCS-C03 in Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America) and Portuguese (Brazil) (“retired after December 31, 2026”) |
| From January 1, 2027 | SCS-C03 continues in English, Japanese and Korean |
| 24 hours before any appointment | Last point at which AWS lets you reschedule or cancel |
Source
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification page
- AWS Training and Certification blog on SCS-C03 (generative AI focus)
- AWS Certification Before Testing policies (ESL +30, rescheduling)
Checked against the AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification page, the AWS Training and Certification blog and AWS Certification’s Before Testing policies on October 7, 2026.
Related guides
- AI Security Certifications in 2026: SecAI+, AAISM, GIAC and More
- AWS AI Certifications in 2026: Every Exam, the Path and the Costs
- AIF-C01 in Italian and German Retires After Oct 15, 2026
- AI Certification Requirements Index: Every AI Exam Compared
Frequently asked questions
When does AWS retire the Security Specialty exam in Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese?
AWS says the Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America) and Portuguese (Brazil) versions of SCS-C03 will be retired after December 31, 2026.
Which languages will SCS-C03 still be offered in?
English, Japanese and Korean.
Is my AWS Security Specialty certification still valid if I passed in one of these languages?
The AWS notice covers exam languages, not existing certifications. The Security - Specialty page lists the certification as valid for 3 years.
Can I get extra time if I switch to the English exam?
Yes, if English is not your native language. AWS offers the ESL +30 accommodation, which adds 30 minutes to exams taken in English; request it once in your AWS Certification Account before registering.
