What is the AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty Certification?
The AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty (often known by its exam code DAS‑C01) validated advanced skills in designing, building, securing and maintaining analytics solutions on AWS—covering the end‑to‑end data lifecycle (collection, storage, processing, analysis/visualisation).
In April 2024, AWS officially retired this certification as part of a broader update to its portfolio, introducing the AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate (DEA‑C01) to better align with job roles and modern data engineering practices. Existing Data Analytics – Specialty credentials remain valid for three years from the date earned, but the exam is no longer offered.
Why is the AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty Certification so popular?
Historically, DAS‑C01 was popular because it covered the real‑world analytics stack on AWS—services like Amazon Kinesis, EMR, Redshift, QuickSight, Glue, Lake Formation, Athena, and S3—and required architects and engineers to choose the right patterns and services across the data lifecycle. That breadth made it both practical and respected.
AWS also continues to report strong demand for certified cloud talent and highlights measurable organisational benefits when staff hold AWS Certifications (e.g., increased productivity and innovation), which sustained interest in analytics‑focused credentials.
Is the AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty Certification worth it today?
Because the exam is retired, you cannot newly earn DAS‑C01. If you already hold it, it stays active for three years from your achievement date and remains a credible signal of advanced analytics capability on AWS. For new candidates, AWS recommends pursuing AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate as the modern path for data roles.
Bottom line:
- If you already have DAS‑C01: It’s still valuable on your CV and helpful for roles involving AWS analytics stacks. Maintain your skills and consider adding Data Engineer – Associate (and other role‑aligned certs) when your Specialty approaches expiry.
- If you don’t have DAS‑C01: Focus on Data Engineer – Associate, AWS’s current, role‑aligned certification for ingestion, transformation, storage and data operations/security.
Pros of AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty Certification
Job availability
AWS’s training guidance and certification updates emphasise sustained global demand for data engineers and analytics practitioners in cloud environments—one reason AWS retired DAS‑C01 in favour of a role‑aligned Data Engineer certification.
DAS‑C01 salary potential
AWS cites that 74% of learners credit AWS Certification as a reason for higher earnings, and 91% report positive ROI from AWS Training & Certification. While AWS does not publish specific salary figures by credential, the vendor’s research highlights career impact for certified professionals.
Global recognition
AWS Certifications are globally recognised, delivered via Pearson VUE with online or test‑centre options worldwide—one reason AWS credentials (including retired ones) continue to be widely understood by employers.
Career pathways
DAS‑C01 holders typically progressed into roles designing analytics platforms with services like Glue, Redshift, QuickSight and EMR. Today, AWS steers similar candidates toward Data Engineer – Associate, with potential progression to Professional‑level or domain‑specific certs.
Cons of AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty Certification
Cost considerations (include DAS‑C01 exam cost/fee in Australia)
Specialty‑level AWS exams are priced at USD $300; AWS bills in local currency at checkout using foreign exchange rates. Because DAS‑C01 is retired, you cannot purchase the exam today, but historically it aligned with Specialty pricing. Australian candidates pay the local‑currency equivalent shown during scheduling (plus any taxes).
Evolving industry demands
AWS retired DAS‑C01 to reduce Specialty count and enhance role‑aligned offerings—reflecting how data engineering responsibilities have consolidated around ingestion, transformation, storage, operations and security.
Certification difficulty
AWS Specialty exams use a scaled score with a passing standard of 750 (on a 100–1000 scale), indicating advanced expectations. DAS‑C01 covered broad analytics domains, requiring architectural reasoning rather than simple service recall.
Where to begin to get your AWS analytics credential today
- Choose the role‑aligned path: Start with AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate (DEA‑C01). Review the exam guide and prep materials via AWS Training & Certification resources.
- Use AWS Skill Builder & Ramp‑Up Guides: Follow AWS’s Data Analytics Learning Plan and Ramp‑Up Guides for structured, vendor‑built learning across collection, ingestion, storage, processing and visualisation.
- Schedule conveniently via Pearson VUE: Book online‑proctored or test‑centre appointments from your AWS Certification Account when you’re ready.
Key topics covered in DAS‑C01 (historical scope)
While retired, DAS‑C01 emphasised the analytics lifecycle and common AWS services/patterns:
- Data collection & streaming: Amazon Kinesis, Amazon MSK; architecture choices for real‑time ingestion.
- Storage & lake foundations: Amazon S3, AWS Lake Formation for governance and cataloguing.
- Processing & transformation: AWS Glue (ETL), Amazon EMR for big data frameworks.
- Querying & warehousing: Amazon Athena, Amazon Redshift for analytics at scale.
- Analysis & visualisation: Amazon QuickSight for dashboards and BI.
- Security & governance: Data protection, IAM‑based access, encryption strategies within analytics solutions.
Is a DAS‑C01 enough to get a job?
Certifications validate skills but don’t guarantee employment. AWS underscores that certifications and hands‑on learning together provide the strongest foundation; many organisations report improved productivity and innovation with AWS‑certified staff, but hiring depends on experience, projects and interview performance.
Is DAS‑C01 worth it in Australia?
If you already hold DAS‑C01, it remains a respected credential for advanced analytics on AWS until it expires (three years from achievement). For new candidates in Australia, the Data Engineer – Associate pathway now represents AWS’s recommended route for data roles, with exam availability and pricing handled in local currency at checkout.
Does having a DAS‑C01 Certification pay well?
AWS Training & Certification reports that many learners see positive ROI and attribute higher earnings to AWS Certifications; however, AWS does not publish salary tables by certification or region. Treat the credential as a strong signal—paired with projects and experience—rather than a guarantee.
Is the DAS‑C01 very difficult?
Expect a challenging, scenario‑driven exam. Specialty exams use scaled scoring with 750 as the passing threshold, and DAS‑C01 historically assessed architectural choices across multiple analytics services rather than rote memorisation.
Is the DAS‑C01 certification stressful?
Exam stress is normal for high‑stakes testing. AWS recommends structured exam prep (official practice question sets, exam prep courses, labs and official practice exams) to reduce anxiety and build confidence.
How many fail DAS‑C01?
AWS does not disclose pass rates. Post‑exam results are delivered via your AWS Certification Account, and retake policies apply if you need another attempt.
The future of networking jobs in Australia
While DAS‑C01 focused on analytics, the shift to role‑aligned certifications (like Data Engineer – Associate) reflects how cloud roles intersect—data engineering, architecture, operations and, increasingly, AI/ML. AWS emphasises sustained growth in cloud skills globally and provides structured learning plans and classroom options through AWS Training Partners, which Australian learners can leverage to align with evolving job demands.