AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
AWS's flagship ML certification validates expertise in building, training, and deploying machine learning solutions on AWS. Covers SageMaker, model selection, feature engineering, and production ML workflows.
Provider
Amazon Web Services
Level
Specialty
Duration
3–6 months
Cost
$300
Passing Score
72%
Validity
3 years
Salary Impact
+$20,000–$30,000 avg
Prerequisites
AWS Solutions Architect Associate (recommended)
Python fundamentals
ML fundamentals
Exam Format
65 multiple-choice questions, 180 minutes, $300 USD
Exam Topics & Weights
Select and justify the appropriate ML approach
26%
Prepare data for ML
24%
Build, train, and tune ML models
26%
Deploy and operationalize ML solutions
24%
8-Week Study Plan
Weeks 1-2
Focus: Fundamentals of AWS ML services and SageMaker basics
A Cloud Guru AWS ML Specialty course
AWS ML Specialty official exam guide
AWS SageMaker documentation
Weeks 3-4
Focus: Data preparation, feature engineering, and exploratory data analysis
AWS ML Specialty DataPrep labs
Pandas and NumPy refresher
SQL for data querying
Weeks 5-6
Focus: Model selection, training, hyperparameter tuning, and evaluation
SageMaker built-in algorithms deep dive
Scikit-learn and XGBoost documentation
Model evaluation metrics study
Weeks 7-8
Focus: Deployment, monitoring, and production ML patterns
SageMaker Model Monitor
MLOps on AWS
Real-time and batch inference patterns
Week 9
Focus: Practice exams and weak area remediation
Whizlabs practice exams
TD Synnex mock exams
Official sample questions
Exam Tips & Strategies
Focus on SageMaker built-in algorithms—you need to know when to use each one
Understand the difference between batch, real-time, and async inference patterns
Study cost optimization—the exam includes questions on minimizing ML infrastructure costs
Hands-on labs matter more than videos. Set up SageMaker notebooks and practice.
Review AWS ML whitepapers, especially the one on AI/ML best practices
Practice time management—the exam is 180 minutes for 65 questions. That's ~2.8 minutes per question.
Ready to Apply? Use HireKit's Free Tools
AI-powered job search tools for AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
Add to Your Resume
Showcase this certification on an ATS-optimized resume
ATS Resume Checker
Verify your updated resume passes ATS screening
hirekit.co — AI-powered job search platform
Ready to start preparing for AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty?
Get a personalized study plan and track your progress toward certification.
Start Learning