AWS · ANS-C01
Validates expertise in designing and implementing AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale, including complex networking tasks such as IP VPN, MPLS, automation, routing protocols, and multi-region deployments.
Practice Questions
1,453
≈ 22 practice exams
Duration
170 minutes
Passing Score
750/1000
Difficulty
SpecialtyLast Updated
Jan 2026
Use this ANS-C01 practice exam to prepare for AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty (ANS-C01) with realistic questions, detailed explanations, and focused study modes. The practice bank includes 1,453 questions for AWS ANS-C01, so you can review the exam steadily instead of relying on one long cram session.
As you practice, pay extra attention to patterns in your missed answers. Start with short sessions to identify weak areas, then move into timed quizzes once your accuracy is consistent.
The explanations are especially useful when you want to connect exam wording to the responsibilities and scenarios described in the official certification guidance. Use the free preview first, then unlock the full question bank when you are ready to build a complete study routine.
The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C01) validates expert-level proficiency in designing, implementing, operating, and securing AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale. The certification covers a broad set of advanced networking competencies including Amazon VPC architecture, AWS Direct Connect, Amazon Route 53, transit gateway designs, IP VPN, MPLS, BGP and other routing protocols, IPv4/IPv6 subnetting and transition, and multi-region network deployments. Candidates are expected to demonstrate mastery of both AWS-native networking constructs and traditional on-premises integration patterns.
This is a Specialty-tier credential, placing it at the highest level of AWS technical certifications. It requires candidates to go beyond basic cloud networking to demonstrate the ability to automate network deployments using infrastructure-as-code tools, apply AWS security best practices within network designs, and troubleshoot complex hybrid connectivity scenarios. The exam was updated to version ANS-C01 and covers the most current AWS networking services and architectures, including centralized inspection, egress controls, and network observability tooling.
This certification is designed for experienced networking professionals who hold or are pursuing a role as an AWS networking specialist. Ideal candidates have five or more years of hands-on networking experience and at least two years of cloud and hybrid networking experience. They are typically employed in roles such as Network Engineer, Cloud Network Architect, Infrastructure Architect, or Senior Solutions Architect, and are responsible for designing and managing large-scale, enterprise-grade network environments.
Candidates who benefit most from this certification are those already working with complex AWS environments and seeking to formalize their expertise, or those transitioning from traditional network engineering roles into cloud-focused positions. AWS recommends holding an Associate- or Professional-level AWS certification before attempting this Specialty exam, as familiarity with core AWS services is assumed throughout.
There are no mandatory formal prerequisites to register for the ANS-C01 exam, but AWS strongly recommends that candidates have five or more years of professional networking experience and at least two to five years of AWS Cloud exposure. Candidates should be comfortable with AWS security best practices, AWS compute and storage services and their networking implications, and AWS service integration patterns before sitting the exam.
Recommended technical knowledge includes advanced proficiency with routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), IP subnetting (IPv4 and IPv6), virtual private network technologies, DNS design, and network automation scripting. Candidates should also have working knowledge of AWS-specific services such as Amazon VPC (including VPC peering, PrivateLink, and Transit Gateway), AWS Direct Connect, AWS Site-to-Site VPN, Amazon Route 53, AWS Network Firewall, and AWS Global Accelerator. Earning the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate credential first is a practical preparation step.
The ANS-C01 exam consists of 65 total questions: 50 scored questions and 15 unscored questions that are used for statistical evaluation purposes and are not identified during the exam. Question types include multiple choice (one correct answer from four options) and multiple response (two or more correct answers from five or more options); some versions of the exam guide also include matching questions where candidates pair 3–7 prompts with the correct responses. The exam must be completed within 170 minutes and costs $300 USD.
The exam is delivered through Pearson VUE, either at an authorized testing center or via online proctoring. It is available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. Results are reported as a scaled score ranging from 100 to 1,000, with a minimum passing score of 750. The scoring model is compensatory, meaning candidates do not need to pass any individual domain — only the overall scaled score matters. There is no penalty for guessing; unanswered questions are counted as incorrect.
The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty is consistently ranked among the highest-paying IT certifications globally. According to global IT Skills and Salary survey data, certified professionals earn an average of approximately $151,000 per year, with compensation ranging from roughly $60,000 to over $191,000 depending on role, seniority, and location. Common job titles held by certified professionals include Cloud Network Architect, Senior Network Engineer, Infrastructure Architect, and Cloud Solutions Architect — roles that are in strong demand as enterprises accelerate hybrid cloud adoption and multi-account AWS deployments.
As a Specialty-level credential, the ANS-C01 differentiates candidates from the large pool of Associate-certified professionals and signals deep domain expertise to employers and clients. It is particularly valued in industries with complex compliance and connectivity requirements, such as financial services, healthcare, and government contracting. Unlike broader AWS Professional certifications, this credential demonstrates focused mastery of network design and security, making it a strong complement to the AWS Certified Security – Specialty or AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional for professionals building comprehensive cloud expertise.
5 sample questions with answers and explanations. The full bank has 1,453 questions, enough for 22 full-length practice exams.
Preview — answers shown1. Litware Inc is configuring security groups for their EC2 instances behind an Application Load Balancer. The load balancer should only allow inbound traffic from anywhere on port 80, and the instances should only accept traffic from the load balancer. Which security group rules are required?
Explanation
The load balancer security group allows HTTP traffic from anywhere, while the instance security group restricts traffic to only come from the load balancer's security group, ensuring secure communication. Allowing from specific IPs or ports 443 does not match the requirement for port 80 and general access.
2. Tailspin Toys needs to connect multiple VPCs in their AWS account for inter-VPC communication. They want a scalable solution that allows centralized routing. Which AWS service should they use?
Explanation
AWS Transit Gateway provides centralized routing for multiple VPCs, offering scalability and easier management than multiple peering connections. VPC Peering requires individual connections for each pair. Direct Connect and VPN Gateway are for on-premises connectivity.
3. AdventureWorks Cycles wants to secure their website using AWS Certificate Manager. The company's domain is hosted in Route 53, and they need to request a public certificate for SSL/TLS. Which validation method should they use if they can update DNS records?
Explanation
DNS validation for AWS Certificate Manager requires adding the provided CNAME record to the domain's Route 53 hosted zone, allowing AWS to verify domain ownership and issue the certificate.
4. Tailspin Toys wants to automate the deployment of their network infrastructure using code to ensure consistency and reduce errors. They plan to define resources in templates. Which tools should they use for this infrastructure as code approach? (Select two!)
Multiple correct answersExplanation
AWS CloudFormation uses declarative templates for provisioning, and AWS CDK allows definition in programming languages for flexibility. Manual configuration lacks automation benefits. AWS EventBridge handles events but not direct infrastructure definition. Third-party VPN is for connectivity, not automation. Direct scripting without structured tools increases inconsistency risks.
5. Northwind Traders has multiple VPCs in the same AWS region that need to communicate securely without a full mesh of VPC peering connections. The company wants a centralized solution to manage attachments and routing. Which AWS service meets this requirement?
Explanation
Transit Gateway acts as a centralized router, allowing hub-and-spoke connectivity for VPCs with attachments, reducing the number of connections compared to full mesh VPC peering. Direct Connect Gateway and Virtual Private Gateway are for external connections, not VPC-to-VPC.
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