Big Data Specialty, BDS-C00 AWS Certified Big Data Specialty: Ultimate Guide with 15+ Tips

AWS Certified Specialty

 

Introduction to AWS Certified Big Data Specialty

In a world overflowing with data, businesses are constantly seeking ways to harness, analyze, and act on massive datasets. This growing reliance on data has made the AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty (BDS-C00) certification more valuable than ever. Designed for professionals working with complex Big Data services using Amazon Web Services (AWS), this certification validates both conceptual knowledge and practical skills in data analytics.

Whether you're aiming to future-proof your career or looking to specialize in data-driven cloud solutions, the BDS-C00 can set you apart in the marketplace. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from exam structure and domains to preparation tips and real-world applications.

Why Choose the BDS-C00 Certification in 2025?

Industry Relevance and Career Growth

Big Data isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a foundational technology for AI, ML, business intelligence, and real-time decision-making. The AWS Big Data certification proves that you’re capable of managing, analyzing, and securing large datasets on the cloud — a skill set that employers actively seek.

According to a report by Global Knowledge, AWS certifications rank among the top-paying IT credentials. BDS-C00 specifically targets roles such as:

  • Big Data Engineers

  • Data Scientists

  • Solutions Architects

  • Analytics Specialists

Salary Potential and Market Demand

Certified professionals report average salaries upwards of $130,000. That figure can go even higher in niche markets or consulting roles. With cloud adoption growing globally, demand for AWS-certified experts — especially in analytics — continues to rise.

Key Domains Covered in the BDS-C00 Exam

The exam focuses on six major domains, each testing specific competencies in Big Data processing and analytics using AWS.

Domain 1: Collection

  • Understand data ingestion techniques

  • Use of Amazon Kinesis, AWS Snowball, and Data Migration Service (DMS)

  • Best practices for capturing streaming and batch data

Domain 2: Storage

  • Design scalable storage using Amazon S3, Redshift, and DynamoDB

  • Choose appropriate data formats and partitioning strategies

  • Manage data lifecycle and cost optimization

Domain 3: Processing

  • Deploy distributed processing systems like Amazon EMR and AWS Glue

  • Stream processing using Kinesis Data Analytics and Apache Flink

  • ETL and workflow orchestration

Domain 4: Analysis

  • Utilize tools such as Amazon Athena, Redshift, and QuickSight

  • Implement analytical pipelines

  • Query optimization and parallelism

Domain 5: Visualization

  • Create dashboards using Amazon QuickSight

  • Understand storytelling through data

  • Apply visual best practices and permissions control

Domain 6: Security

  • Ensure encryption at rest and in transit

  • Apply IAM roles, policies, and VPC security

  • Data masking and audit trails for compliance

BDS-C00 Exam Format and Structure

Number of Questions and Exam Duration

  • 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions

  • Time allowed: 180 minutes

  • Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese

Question Types and Passing Score

  • No penalty for guessing

  • Scaled score between 100 and 1,000

  • Minimum passing score: 750

Who Should Take the AWS Big Data Specialty Exam?

This certification is ideal for:

  • Data analysts and engineers already using AWS tools

  • Cloud architects specializing in analytics

  • Developers working with data lakes or real-time streaming

  • Professionals with at least 2 years of AWS experience

Eligibility Requirements and Prerequisites

Though there are no mandatory prerequisites, it is recommended that candidates:

  • Have the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or an Associate-level certification

  • Possess 5+ years of experience with data analytics technologies

  • Be proficient in defining and architecting AWS Big Data solutions

Study Tips for Passing the BDS-C00 Exam

Recommended Study Materials and Courses

  • AWS Big Data Specialty Training – from AWS and platforms like A Cloud Guru and Udemy

  • AWS Whitepapers – including the Big Data Analytics Options and Data Lakes and Analytics on AWS

  • Official Practice Questions – available on AWS Training and Certification portal

Study Schedule and Time Management

  • Set a realistic goal of 6–8 weeks of study

  • Allocate daily study blocks (1–2 hours)

  • Use spaced repetition for technical concepts

Hands-on Experience with AWS Big Data Tools

Using Amazon EMR, Kinesis, Redshift, and QuickSight

Knowledge without experience won’t take you far in this exam. Get hands-on by:

  • Launching EMR clusters and processing datasets

  • Building real-time streaming applications with Kinesis

  • Creating dashboards and reports using QuickSight

  • Running SQL queries on large data warehouses in Redshift

Practice is key — many exam questions are scenario-based and assume familiarity with real-world implementations.

Best Practice Exam Resources

Online Practice Tests and Simulators

  • Tutorials Dojo / Jon Bonso’s Practice Exams

  • Whizlabs AWS Big Data Specialty Exams

  • Digital Cloud Training's question banks

Whitepapers and AWS Documentation

Key whitepapers include:

  • AWS Big Data Analytics Options

  • Building Data Lakes on AWS

  • Amazon Redshift Best Practices

Reading the official AWS documentation will give you deeper insights into services mentioned in the exam.

How to Register and Schedule the BDS-C00 Exam

  1. Sign in to your AWS Certification account

  2. Choose an exam provider (Pearson VUE or PSI)

  3. Select your preferred test format (online proctored or in-person)

  4. Pick a date, pay the fee, and you're set!

Costs, Vouchers, and Retake Policies

  • Exam cost: $300 USD

  • Practice exam: $40 USD

  • Retake policy: Must wait 14 days before reattempt

  • AWS vouchers: Often available through AWS training partners or promotions

Real-World Applications of AWS Big Data Certification

Job Roles That Benefit from the Certification

  • Data Engineer

  • Cloud Data Architect

  • BI Analyst

  • Machine Learning Engineer

Use Cases in Enterprise and Cloud Data Platforms

  • Retail analytics with Amazon Redshift

  • Real-time fraud detection using Kinesis

  • Health data aggregation using AWS Glue and Athena

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Preparation

  • Ignoring hands-on labs

  • Memorizing answers without understanding concepts

  • Skipping whitepapers or not reading FAQs

  • Not managing time during the exam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the AWS Big Data Specialty certification retiring?

Yes, AWS is transitioning BDS-C00 to the new Data Analytics Specialty (DAS-C01). However, BDS-C00 is still valid for credential holders.

2. What’s the main difference between BDS-C00 and DAS-C01?

BDS-C00 focuses on legacy services and broader data concepts. DAS-C01 emphasizes modern AWS analytics tools and data lake strategies.

3. Can I take the exam without prior AWS certifications?

Yes, but it’s highly recommended to first take an associate-level certification to build foundational knowledge.

4. Is coding required for this exam?

Basic scripting and SQL knowledge are helpful, but extensive coding isn’t necessary.

5. How long is the certification valid?

The AWS Big Data Specialty certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.

6. What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake it after 14 days. There's no limit on attempts, but you’ll need to pay the full fee again.

Conclusion

The AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty (BDS-C00) is more than a badge — it’s a career-defining achievement. It demonstrates your ability to architect, manage, and analyze Big Data solutions using AWS’s vast ecosystem. Whether you're aiming to move into a more advanced role or looking to specialize in analytics, this certification is your gateway to long-term success in cloud computing.

Commit to your learning journey, prepare smartly, and let this credential showcase your expertise in one of today’s most lucrative fields.

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