ANS-C01 Is Retiring — What This Means and How to Pivot to ANS-C02

Why AWS is Retiring the ANS-C01

AWS certifications follow a lifecycle. To keep exams aligned with the pace of cloud innovation, AWS periodically retires older versions and introduces new ones. The Advanced Networking – Specialty exam (ANS-C01) is no exception. Starting April 15, 2024, you can no longer register for the ANS-C01, and the exam will be fully replaced by the new ANS-C02.

This isn’t a sudden move. AWS gave a six-month notice, and the transition aligns with their standard practice of refreshing Specialty exams every two to three years. The ANS-C01, launched in 2022, covered core networking concepts like hybrid connectivity, VPC design, and network automation. But the networking landscape has evolved — think AWS Private 5G, VPC Lattice, and deeper integration with container services. The new exam reflects these changes.

What Does This Mean for Your Certification Path?

If you’re currently preparing for the Advanced Networking certification, the answer is straightforward: pivot to ANS-C02. The content domains are similar, but expect an updated blueprint that includes newer services and design patterns. You’ll still need deep knowledge of AWS networking, but the exam will now test your ability to design and manage networks in a world where edge computing and serverless networking play larger roles.

If you already hold the ANS-C01, your certification remains valid until its expiration date (three years from the date you passed). There’s no requirement to recertify immediately, but when the time comes, you’ll sit for the ANS-C02 exam.

The Right Next Step: Preparing for ANS-C02

Start by downloading the official ANS-C02 exam guide from the AWS certification site. Map the differences between the ANS-C01 and ANS-C02 blueprints — pay special attention to new content areas like hybrid DNS, AWS Cloud WAN enhancements, and network observability.

Then, hands-on practice is non-negotiable. Build VPCs, configure Transit Gateway route tables, experiment with AWS Network Firewall, and use tools that give you real-time visibility. At Sapior, we’ve seen how much faster engineers learn when they can visualize and iterate on network architectures. Our platform helps you prototype complex topologies without the fear of breaking production.

Finally, tap into the community. AWS re:Post, the Certification subreddit, and dedicated study groups are invaluable for clarifying tricky concepts. And if you’re a Sapior user, our shared infrastructure notebooks let you collaborate on network designs directly — turning study into a team sport.

How Sapior Fits In

Sapior is built for engineers who design, deploy, and monitor cloud networking. While we aren’t a certification training provider, our tooling shortens the feedback loop between building and understanding. When you’re studying for a networking exam, the ability to instantly render an architecture diagram, simulate traffic, and validate policies gives you a concrete mental model. That’s the kind of learning that sticks.

If you’re transitioning from ANS-C01 to ANS-C02, sign up for Sapior’s free tier and model a few of the sample architectures from the exam guide. You’ll see what we mean.

*[AWS Certification Retirement Announcement – ANS-C01, https://aws.amazon.com/certification/retired-courses/]*