AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty 2025

Prepare to pass the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty Exam (ANS-C01) with confidence. This training is designed and delivered by experts in AWS Networking and Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) technologies, giving you a solid pathway to mastering the concepts required for one of the toughest certifications AWS has to offer.

What you’ll learn

• Updated and comprehensive coverage of the ANS-C01 exam blueprint

• Downloadable resources including full slide decks to support your study

• Hands-on demonstrations and walkthroughs for advanced networking setups on AWS

• In-depth understanding of networking services, integrations, and troubleshooting strategies

• Exposure to hybrid networking scenarios involving on-premises and AWS connectivity

• Test-taking techniques and strategies that maximize your chances of success

Course inclusions

• Over 35 hours of carefully structured on-demand video

• 2 supplementary articles with focused learning materials

• 6 downloadable assets for revision and practice

• Accessibility on mobile devices and smart TVs for learning anywhere

• Subtitles and audio descriptions for an inclusive learning experience

• Official Udemy Certificate of Completion upon finishing the course

Requirements

• Recommended: completion of at least one associate-level AWS certification (Solutions Architect, SysOps, or Developer)

• Basic familiarity with networking is helpful, but not strictly required; the course provides foundational refreshers where necessary

• Enthusiasm to engage with real-world networking challenges in the AWS Cloud

Course overview

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty certification is widely acknowledged as one of the most difficult and respected credentials in the AWS portfolio. Unlike the associate-level or foundational certifications that focus on introducing you to cloud concepts and AWS services, this exam goes much further. It requires you to demonstrate a deep and practical understanding of advanced networking scenarios, both within AWS and in hybrid environments that integrate on-premises data centers with the cloud. Successfully passing this exam is a strong signal to employers and peers that you have the expertise to design, deploy, and maintain sophisticated network architectures that meet enterprise-grade requirements for performance, reliability, and security.

Networking is at the heart of everything that happens in the cloud. Every workload, whether simple or complex, depends on networking for connectivity, routing, and communication. The ANS-C01 exam tests your ability to navigate the intricacies of AWS networking at scale—covering topics such as Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) design, subnetting, network access controls, routing policies, DNS configurations, hybrid connectivity, and security integrations. It also challenges you to optimize these services for performance and availability while considering cost efficiency and compliance requirements. This means the exam is not just about theory; it is about proving you can design real-world solutions that meet demanding business needs.

This course has been carefully designed to prepare you for that challenge. The learning path begins with networking fundamentals on AWS to establish a solid foundation, before progressing into increasingly advanced topics such as Transit Gateway architectures, Direct Connect setups, Cloud WAN deployments, and the use of services like VPC Lattice and Route 53 for complex enterprise requirements. Each module is structured in a way that allows you to build your understanding step by step, ensuring that you do not just memorize concepts but gain the ability to apply them in practical scenarios.

What sets this course apart is its strong emphasis on hands-on practice. Instead of passively watching lectures, you will engage with guided demonstrations and lab exercises that mirror the kinds of configurations and problem-solving tasks you may encounter in the real world—or even during the exam. From setting up VPN connections and troubleshooting DNS issues to analyzing network paths and managing multi-region architectures, the labs are designed to reinforce knowledge and give you the confidence to apply it outside of a learning environment.

In addition to the technical content, the course provides test-taking strategies and exam-focused tips. The ANS-C01 exam can feel overwhelming due to its scope and difficulty, but with the structured approach of this training, you will be able to break down complex topics into manageable chunks, retain information more effectively, and approach questions with a clear strategy. The inclusion of practice scenarios and knowledge checks ensures that you constantly measure your readiness as you progress.

Whether you are an AWS professional who wants to validate your networking expertise, a network engineer transitioning into cloud environments, or an architect tasked with designing enterprise-grade cloud infrastructures, this course is tailored to meet your needs. By the time you complete it, you will not only feel prepared to take the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty exam, but you will also possess practical skills that can immediately be applied to your professional work.

This is more than just exam prep—it is an opportunity to elevate your cloud networking capabilities and gain a certification that is respected across the industry.

Instructors

This course is led by two highly accomplished instructors, each bringing a unique perspective and depth of experience that together create a powerful learning experience for students. The combination of Stéphane Maarek and Chetan Agrawal ensures that you not only gain theoretical knowledge but also acquire practical insights that come from years of real-world networking and cloud implementation.

Stéphane Maarek is one of the most recognized AWS instructors in the world. Over the years, he has taught millions of students through his bestselling online courses, focusing on AWS certifications across a wide range of domains. His reputation as a teacher is built on clarity, structure, and the ability to simplify even the most technical topics so that learners can truly understand and retain them. Stéphane’s teaching style is highly engaging and is praised for making complex subjects accessible without oversimplifying them. With more than a million students and hundreds of thousands of positive reviews, he has developed a teaching approach that consistently delivers results for learners who are serious about passing AWS certifications and excelling in their careers.

But Stéphane is not only a teacher; he is also a practitioner who has sat for and passed many AWS certifications himself, including the Advanced Networking Specialty exam. This means that his advice comes not only from his deep understanding of AWS services but also from firsthand knowledge of the exam structure, the kind of questions asked, and the strategies that lead to success. His goal in this course is not only to help you memorize networking concepts but to help you think like an AWS professional who can approach the exam and real-world scenarios with confidence.

Complementing Stéphane’s expertise is Chetan Agrawal, an AWS Networking and DevOps professional with over six years of direct industry experience. Chetan has built his career around designing, implementing, and troubleshooting networking solutions in the cloud. His hands-on experience includes working with enterprises that rely on complex hybrid architectures, multi-account deployments, and highly secure networking setups. By experimenting with and implementing AWS networking features in production environments, Chetan has developed a deep understanding of the nuances and best practices that can only be learned through practical application.

Chetan’s passion for cloud networking shines through in his teaching. He believes in learning by doing, and wherever possible, he integrates live demonstrations and guided exercises into the course. His sections are filled with examples drawn from real-world scenarios, helping students connect theory with practice. This focus on hands-on application ensures that the skills you gain are not limited to passing an exam but can also be directly transferred to your daily professional responsibilities.

Together, Stéphane and Chetan form an ideal teaching team. Stéphane provides the structured learning path, exam strategies, and in-depth AWS knowledge, while Chetan enriches the course with practical demonstrations, troubleshooting tips, and lessons from the field. Both instructors have passed the Advanced Networking exam themselves, and they designed this course to mirror the exact approach they used in their own preparation. This gives students a unique advantage, as the content is informed by real exam experiences and not just theoretical outlines.

Their collaboration means that students benefit from two different perspectives: one grounded in pedagogy and certification success, and the other rooted in practical networking expertise. This combination ensures you will walk away with both the confidence to succeed in the exam and the ability to apply these skills in real-world projects.

By enrolling in this course, you gain access to instructors who are not only subject-matter experts but also committed mentors. Their responsive presence in the Q&A sections and their dedication to continually updating the course content based on AWS changes and student feedback guarantee that your learning experience will be relevant, up-to-date, and highly effective.

Core topics covered

The AWS networking landscape is broad and evolving. This course ensures you understand both fundamental principles and the most advanced implementations. Some of the key subjects include:

• Foundations of networking within Amazon VPC

• Advanced VPC features including custom routing, multi-VPC connectivity, and traffic monitoring

• DNS, DHCP options, and name resolution in AWS environments

• Configuring and optimizing VPC endpoints, including Gateway and Interface types

• Hybrid networking models connecting AWS with on-premises environments

• In-depth exploration of Site-to-Site VPNs, AWS Client VPN, and Direct Connect configurations

• Performance optimization and monitoring of network throughput and latency

• Elastic Load Balancing and content delivery through Amazon CloudFront

• Route 53 configurations for advanced DNS use cases

• Networking design for Kubernetes workloads on Amazon EKS

• Architectures for multi-account, multi-region, and global networking setups

• Specialized services such as Cloud WAN, VPC IP Address Manager, and Reachability Analyzer

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on integrating concepts into coherent architectures. Students not only learn each service in isolation but also understand how multiple services interact in production-grade deployments.

Hands-on focus

The course is not limited to slide-based instruction. Every major concept is reinforced with practical demonstrations and guided labs. You will walk through actual configurations in the AWS Management Console and AWS CLI, gaining the confidence to replicate these steps in your own environment.

Hands-on topics include:

• Setting up VPCs with custom CIDR ranges and routing tables

• Building secure VPN connections between AWS and on-premises networks

• Testing hybrid DNS resolution with custom Route 53 configurations

• Configuring Transit Gateway with VPN attachments

• Deploying VPC lattice architectures for service-to-service communication

• Using Cloud WAN for global network management

• Implementing IPAM for efficient IP address tracking across accounts

• Analyzing traffic paths with VPC Reachability Analyzer and Network Access Analyzer

These exercises ensure that you don’t just memorize exam topics, but actually build and troubleshoot real systems.

Updates and enhancements

This course is continually updated to reflect the latest AWS changes and exam requirements. Recent updates include:

• May 2025: refreshed VPC endpoint materials covering IPv6 support, UDP protocol enhancements, and service network endpoints with AWS Lattice

• February 2025: expanded VPC Lattice section with practical demonstrations

• December 2024: reworked Hybrid DNS labs aligned with Amazon Linux 2023 AMI and the new AWS console experience

• November 2024: improved audio quality for VPN lectures and expanded Client VPN explanations

• March 2024: refreshed Firewall Manager, ACM, and AWS Shield sections to reflect new capabilities

• February 2024: new Cloud WAN hands-on walkthroughs

• January 2024: updated lectures on IP Address Manager, Reachability Analyzer, and Network Access Analyzer

Future planned topics such as Transit Gateway Private IP VPN and advanced IPv6 scenarios will be added as AWS introduces them, ensuring students always have the most relevant training material.

Teaching methodology

The teaching methodology for this course has been carefully designed to ensure that students not only learn the material required for the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty exam but also develop the confidence and practical skills to apply that knowledge in real-world environments. Unlike many courses that simply present a list of services or expect you to memorize theoretical definitions, this program takes a holistic and immersive approach. It blends theory, practice, and assessment in a structured sequence that maximizes comprehension and long-term retention.

Each major module begins with a thorough conceptual overview. This involves detailed explanations of networking principles, service architecture, and the relationships between different AWS components. Architecture diagrams are used extensively to illustrate these concepts visually. By starting with a high-level understanding, students can first see the “big picture” before diving into the specifics. This visual-first method also helps you connect individual technical details to broader architectural goals, which is critical when preparing for complex exam questions.

Once the theoretical foundation is established, the instructors transition into practical demonstrations. Using the AWS Management Console, AWS CLI, and in some cases Infrastructure as Code tools, they walk you through real implementations of the concepts just discussed. For example, after covering VPC design principles, the instructors show you exactly how to create subnets, configure routing tables, and apply security group or NACL rules. Similarly, when discussing hybrid networking solutions, you are guided step by step through VPN configuration or Direct Connect setup, so you see the actual process of applying knowledge to solve practical challenges.

This blend of explanation and demonstration makes the learning highly interactive and engaging. Students are encouraged to replicate these exercises in their own AWS accounts, which reinforces the material through hands-on practice. The methodology emphasizes the belief that true mastery comes from doing, not just watching. By following along with the demos, you not only understand what needs to be done but also experience the workflows and potential troubleshooting steps that professionals face on the job.

To reinforce learning and measure progress, quizzes and practice questions are strategically included at the end of sections. These checks for understanding simulate the style and difficulty of actual exam questions, forcing you to recall information and apply it under exam-like conditions. This constant reinforcement ensures that by the time you reach the end of the course, you are not only familiar with the content but also trained to approach exam questions with the right mindset and analytical approach.

Another key part of the methodology is repetition and integration. Concepts are not introduced in isolation and then forgotten. Instead, the course frequently revisits earlier topics and shows how they interact with new material. For example, when learning about advanced DNS with Route 53, you may revisit VPC and hybrid networking concepts to understand how DNS resolution works across boundaries. This integrated approach reflects the reality of AWS networking, where services rarely operate alone and solutions often require combining multiple services in a cohesive design.

By the end of the course, students will not only have a strong understanding of each individual service but also the ability to design, analyze, and optimize complete networking architectures that span multiple accounts, regions, and even hybrid environments. This mirrors the expectations of the AWS Advanced Networking Specialty exam, which is not limited to isolated configurations but tests your ability to apply knowledge in complex, multi-faceted scenarios.

Ultimately, the teaching methodology ensures that you gain both the depth and breadth of knowledge required for success. You leave the course not just as someone who can pass an exam, but as a professional capable of handling advanced networking challenges in the AWS Cloud with confidence.

Why pursue this certification

Networking underpins every AWS workload. Whether deploying microservices, hybrid enterprise applications, or global content distribution systems, robust networking is a requirement. The AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty certification demonstrates advanced expertise, which is highly valued by employers and consulting organizations alike.

Achieving this credential can open doors to senior roles in cloud architecture, DevOps, and enterprise networking. It signals to hiring managers that you can handle high-stakes cloud networking projects, troubleshoot complex connectivity issues, and optimize network performance in dynamic AWS environments.

Student support

Enrolling in this course also grants access to:

• Lifetime updates, ensuring you always have current material for exam prep

• Direct support from instructors through the Q&A forum

• An active student community where learners share insights and tips

• A 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free enrollment

Who this course is for

This course is designed for a wide range of technology professionals who are looking to either specialize in AWS networking or expand their existing knowledge to include advanced cloud-based architectures. Whether you are a cloud engineer, an IT professional, or a DevOps practitioner, the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification offers an opportunity to elevate your expertise and demonstrate mastery of complex networking solutions in the cloud.

One of the primary audiences for this training is cloud engineers and architects who want to validate their skills at an advanced level. Many cloud professionals are comfortable with the basics of deploying workloads on AWS, but fewer have the ability to design secure, scalable, and highly available network architectures across multiple accounts and regions. This course helps fill that gap by teaching you to think strategically about network design, hybrid connectivity, and service integration. For architects, this is particularly valuable because the certification proves to employers and clients that you can build infrastructure solutions capable of supporting enterprise workloads.

Another key group is networking professionals who are already experienced in traditional networking but are seeking to transition their skills to the cloud. Many IT networking experts are familiar with on-premises routing, firewalls, and WAN technologies but may not yet understand how these translate into AWS services like VPCs, Transit Gateways, Direct Connect, or Cloud WAN. This course provides a bridge between traditional networking concepts and their implementation in AWS, ensuring that professionals can adapt their existing knowledge while learning the unique capabilities and limitations of cloud environments.

DevOps engineers also stand to benefit greatly from this training. As DevOps roles increasingly require responsibility for infrastructure and networking, understanding advanced AWS networking concepts becomes critical. From designing secure hybrid networks to configuring advanced VPC features and integrating networking with Kubernetes clusters on Amazon EKS, DevOps engineers will leave this course with the ability to handle both automation and networking aspects of cloud deployments. The hands-on focus of the course ensures that they gain not just theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills needed to manage real-world networking challenges as part of automated CI/CD pipelines.

The course is equally relevant for IT professionals and system administrators who want to strengthen their resumes and stand out in a competitive job market. Adding the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty credential demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and the ability to handle one of the most technically advanced certifications offered by AWS. This can open doors to new roles, promotions, and opportunities across industries that are increasingly moving their critical workloads to the cloud.

Ultimately, this course is for anyone who wants to master the complexities of AWS networking. AWS networking is a highly specialized domain that underpins every workload in the cloud, from simple applications to multi-region enterprise architectures. By completing this program, you will not only gain the knowledge to pass the ANS-C01 exam but also acquire the confidence and skills to apply advanced networking strategies in your professional work.

With structured learning, frequent updates to reflect new AWS services, and guidance from expert instructors, this training provides a comprehensive pathway to success. Enroll today to take the next step in your cloud journey. By the end of the program, you will be prepared not only to pass the exam but also to design, optimize, and manage advanced AWS networking solutions that make a tangible difference in real-world environments.