Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common in the modern era, and corporations are desperate for people who can defend their information systems. There are two common cybersecurity credentials that satisfy this need: the CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) and the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). Both certifications give essential information and abilities in the realm of cybersecurity, but there are some distinctions to be made while selecting the appropriate qualification. In this article, IT Exams will discuss the differences between CCSP vs CISSP, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Companies are looking for qualified specialists to protect their data from cyber-attacks as cybercrime continues to rise. The CCSP vs CISSP certificates is two notable cybersecurity certifications that offer professionals with knowledge, abilities, and credibility. Choosing the correct certification, on the other hand, is dependent on your professional ambitions and the areas of cybersecurity that interest you the most.
What Are CCSP and CISSP?
Certified Cloud Security Professional
The CCSP Certification is regarded as a top-tier accreditation in the field of cloud security and is a premium credential internationally. The CCSP certification validates your knowledge and practical experience in numerous facets of cloud security, including as architecture, operations, design, and service orchestration.
This certification is intended for professionals who can demonstrate the high technical abilities and comprehensive knowledge required to develop, administer, and safeguard data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud environments. CCSP personnel ensure that cloud-based systems are secure and satisfy the highest security standards by adhering to industry best practices, standards, and procedures.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional
The prestigious CISSP certification validates security professionals’ proficiency in ten key areas, which include access control systems, business continuity planning, disaster recovery planning, physical security, operations security, management practices, and telecommunications and networking security.
The CISSP certification covers a wide range of topics, including cryptography, security architecture, application and system development, law, investigation, and ethics. Obtaining the CISSP credential is a big step forward in one’s career in cybersecurity. It exhibits skill in building, implementing, and maintaining very comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that can be trusted.
CCSP vs CISSP – What Are The Differences?
Exam Requirements
CCSP
Candidates for the CCSP certification must have at least five years of paid job experience in the field of information technology. At least three years of these five years should be devoted to information security, with one year devoted to one or more of the six areas specified in the CCSP CBK (Common Book of Knowledge):
- Cloud Concepts, Architecture, and Design
- Cloud Data Security
- Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security
- Cloud Application Security
- Cloud Security Operations
- Legal, Risk, and Compliance
However, candidates can substitute one year of experience in the CCSP CBK domains by completing the CSA or CCSK certification. Alternatively, holding the (ISC)² CISSP certificate can satisfy the whole experience need for the CCSP certification. Candidates who do not have the required experience for CCSP can still take the exam to become an Associate of (ISC)². They will have six years as an Associate to gain the required five years of experience.
Read more >> CCSP Requirements: Key Things To Know
CISSP
Individuals seeking to become CISSP-certified, on the other hand, must have a minimum of five years of paid work experience in at least two of the eight domains covered by the CISSP CBK:
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
One year of needed experience can be satisfied by having a four-year college degree, a regional equivalent, or an additional certification from the (ISC)² recognized list. For educational credit, one year of experience is sufficient. Candidates who do not have the required experience for CISSP can still take the exam to become an Associate of (ISC)². Associates, like CCSP, have six years to complete the required five years of experience.
The CCSP and CISSP certifications are both valid for three years and require the attainment of 40 continuing professional education credits (CPE) per year, for a total of 120 credits over the certification duration.
Exam format
CCSP
The exam is difficult and may take up to three hours to complete. There are also 125 multiple-choice questions on the exam. The CCSP Exam Questions are also only available in English. Above all, in order to pass the CCSP Exam, you must get a minimum of 700 points out of a possible 1000. The examination costs $599.
The common body of knowledge, or CBK, for cloud security professionals is a “peer-developed compendium of what a competent expert in their particular sector must know, including the skills, methodologies, and practices that are frequently utilized,” as defined by (ISC)². The CBK is split further into domains or section areas. The six CCSP domains of the test that each will cover are as follows (updated 2023):
- Cloud Concepts, Architecture, and Design (17%)
- Cloud Data Security (20%)
- Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security (17%)
- Cloud Application Security (17%)
- Cloud Security Operations (16%)
- Legal, Risk, and Compliance (13%)
You will take the exam on a computer terminal at a Pearson VUE testing center near you. The test, which consists of 100 to 150 questions, takes three hours to complete. Because the exam is “adaptive,” if you correctly answer enough questions in a domain to indicate your competency in that domain, your computer interface will stop providing you with questions in that domain, and the length of the test changes. In the (ISC)² discussion forums, there is a lively discussion thread where test-takers discuss how many questions they observed while taking the exam.
These domains form the basis for the test questions, and candidates are required to demonstrate a thorough grasp of cloud security ideas and procedures. The free CCSP Certification Questions online resource provides a range of questions and diagnostic tests to help you achieve your goal.
CISSP
The CISSP test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 180 minutes, or three hours. Before you may take the exam, you must pay a $699 exam fee. Candidates must also get 70% or 700 points out of 1000 to pass the test.
The CISSP test is accessible in the following languages: English, French, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. The exam time and amount of questions varied somewhat between the English version and the other variants.
The examination weights across the eight CISSP domains are as of this article:
- Security and Risk Management (15%)
- Asset Security (10%)
- Security Architecture and Engineering (13%)
- Communication and Network Security (13%)
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) (13%)
- Security Assessment and Testing (12%)
- Security Operations (13%)
- Software Development Security (11%)
Both exams consist of multiple-choice questions, with the CCSP exam having 125 and the CISSP exam having 100-150. The questions are designed to measure applicants’ knowledge and comprehension of critical cybersecurity topics, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge in real-world situations. We provide hundreds of free CISSP Practice Exams on our website to assist you become acquainted with the actual test style.
Target candidates
The target candidates for the CCSP and CISSP certifications include professionals who work in the field of cybersecurity and are looking to advance their careers and demonstrate their expertise in their respective domains.
CCSP
(ISC)² is dedicated to keeping the CCSP certification relevant for its members. The Job Task Analysis (JTA) is a methodical and necessary approach for identifying the primary responsibilities performed on a regular basis by CCSP security personnel. The insights gained through the JTA process are critical in keeping the CCSP exam up to date. This ensures that candidates are evaluated on issues relevant to the tasks and responsibilities of today’s information security professionals who work with cloud technology.
Enterprise Architect, Security Administrator, Security Architect, Security Consultant, Security Engineer, Security Manager, Systems Architect, and Systems Engineer are among the professionals who can benefit from the CCSP certification. The certification is especially useful for those who work in firms that use cloud services or want to relocate to the cloud.
CISSP
Similarly, (ISC)² fulfills its obligation to members by keeping the CISSP certification current. The Job Task Analysis (JTA) is a comprehensive and critical process that identifies the duties performed by CISSP security experts. The JTA process findings are used to regularly update the research content. This guarantees that candidates are assessed on issues that correspond to the current tasks and duties of information security professionals in real-world circumstances.
Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Security, IT Director/Manager, Security Systems Engineer, Security Analyst, Security Manager, Security Auditor, Security Architect, Security Consultant, and Network Architect are among the people who can benefit from the CISSP certification. The certification is especially useful for those who work in businesses that demand a thorough understanding of information security ideas and practices.
Both certifications are intended for cybersecurity experts with several years of experience as well as a good understanding of the essential principles and practices. Candidates should have a solid understanding of cybersecurity policies, processes, and laws, as well as technical competence in areas such as network security, cryptography, and application security. Overall, the CCSP and CISSP certifications are aimed at individuals who want to advance their careers in cybersecurity and demonstrate their proficiency in their respective sectors.
In essence, the CCSP certification is focused on cloud security principles and practices, whereas the CISSP certification is comprehensive in scope. Both certifications provide a thorough understanding of the necessary cybersecurity ideas and procedures in their respective fields.
Industry demand
The need for CCSP-certified experts is increasing as more firms move their activities to the cloud. The demand for cloud security expertise has surged by 33% in the last two years, according to (ISC)². This need is expected to grow as more firms use cloud technology, making the CCSP certification an important asset for cybersecurity professionals pursuing career advancement in the cloud security field.
The CISSP certification, on the other hand, is widely considered the gold standard in the information security sector and is necessary for many high-level cybersecurity roles. Demand for CISSP-certified workers has increased by 25% in the last two years, according to (ISC)². The qualification is useful in a variety of fields, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology.
With the growing demand for cybersecurity specialists in both cloud security and information security, possessing both CCSP and CISSP certifications can offer up a broader range of work prospects and career growth options for individuals in the industry.
Exam cost
The cost of CCSP and CISSP certifications varies according to a number of criteria, including exam location, study materials, and training courses.
The CCSP exam costs $599, whereas the CISSP certification costs $699. This charge, however, does not cover the cost of study materials or training courses, which can range between a few hundred and several thousand dollars. Many candidates choose to take training courses in order to prepare for the tests, which might increase the entire cost.
Furthermore, students who fail the exam on their first attempt must pay the exam cost again for subsequent attempts. This can raise the overall cost of certification.
Obtaining CCSP or CISSP certification can be a considerable time and financial investment. However, it is crucial to remember that these credentials can lead to higher pay and more career prospects in the cybersecurity profession.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
When choosing between CISSP vs CCSP certifications, it is critical to consider various variables to determine which one is most suited to your professional goals and experience.
Your professional journey
Although both credentials are related to cybersecurity, the CCSP certification focuses on cloud security and architecture. While this specialization narrows your purview inside cybersecurity professions, it also allows you to pivot into cloud-specific responsibilities. The CISSP certificate, on the other hand, necessitates a broader and more complete understanding of several cybersecurity topics. It provides the door for cybersecurity specialists to eventually ascend to positions of management in charge of cybersecurity initiatives. If you intend to get many certifications, the CISSP certification is likely to be the better option. This is due to the fact that certificates such as the CCSP, among others, are regarded as extensions of the CISSP certification.
Additionally, salary is a crucial factor related to your career path. The CCSP certification verifies a more modern skill set, therefore the related roles may pay less at the outset. CISSP certification, on the other hand, verifies a broader variety of cybersecurity experience and can open doors to managerial roles with higher compensation possibilities. However, if you are starting from an entry-level position, your income may be much lower if you do not have the CCSP certification.
Your expertise
It is critical to assess if you meet the eligibility requirements for both certifications. A minimum of five years of professional experience is required for the CCSP certification, including three years in information security and at least one year in one or more of the six domains covered in the CCSP CBK. CISSP, on the other hand, needs five years of professional experience in at least two of the eight information security domains.
Your time
In practice, the CCSP certification provides a more clear path, with a strictly multiple-choice exam structure and fewer domains to study. Individuals typically need roughly 120 days of study time to prepare for the CCSP exam. CISSP applicants, on the other hand, typically require 3-6 months to study for the exam and complete the course.
Ultimately, the certification you pursue should be based on your career goals, areas of expertise, and experience. You should carefully consider your career goals and select the certification that best fits your long-term goals. To make an informed conclusion, it may also be beneficial to seek assistance from coworkers, mentors, or industry experts.
FAQs
Should I start with CISSP or CCSP?
Because both the CCSP and the CISSP require at least five years of paid employment experience, it should come as no surprise that if you want to obtain all three certifications, you should begin with the SSCP. The CISSP should be obtained last by at least 95% of those seeking these certificates.
Is the CCSP more difficult than the CISSP?
The CCSP exam is not more difficult than the CISSP because the CISSP is considered more difficult. They also claim that CISSP is more difficult to obtain and necessitates more in-depth knowledge than CCSP.
Is CCSP certification tough?
The exam is difficult and may take up to three hours to complete. There are also 125 multiple-choice questions on the exam. The CCSP Exam Questions are also only available in English. Above all, in order to pass the CCSP Exam, you must get a minimum of 700 points out of a possible 1000.
How long did you study for CCSP?
In most circumstances, 120 days is enough time to study for the CCSP exam, which you will have access to once you have paid for it. You can commit 2 hours per day to exam preparation for a total of 40 to 60 hours.
Can a beginner take CISSP?
While it is not encouraged, you can take the CISSP exam without prior experience and then have 6 years to fulfill your 5 years of industry experience. After that, you submit your official endorsement to become an official CISSP, and you may begin using those initials after your name.
Read more >> CCSP Certification Path | The Ultimate CCSP Job Outlook
Final Words
As part of your professional development in the cybersecurity industry, you will most likely have to choose which certification to pursue first, particularly CCSP vs CISSP in this guide. The CISSP lets you advance your career by moving into management, whilst the CCSP allows you to stay technically focused. Furthermore, obtaining a CISSP credential is similar to acquiring all of the required experience for a CCSP. If you plan on obtaining a large number of certificates, the CISSP is likely to be the better choice because other certifications, such as the CCSP, are extensions of the CISSP. You can best prepare for CISSP and set the route to a great future with us.
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