Earning the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is a tried-and-true strategy to boost your career in information security. The certificate validates your ability to build, manage, and secure critical data, infrastructure, and applications in the cloud utilizing (ISC)² policies, procedures, and best practices. In this article, IT Exams will explore the benefits of CCSP certification and find out whether is CCSP worth it.
What is CCSP?
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is designed for those with some knowledge of information technology (IT) and security who wish to advance their careers in cloud-based cybersecurity. Individuals who can demonstrate advanced technical abilities and knowledge required to develop, manage, and safeguard data, apps, and infrastructure in the cloud, as well as using industry-accepted best practices, policies, and procedures, are granted this certification.
CCSP Exam Structure
The CCSP exam is intended to assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities in cloud security design, implementation, architecture, operations, controls, and regulatory framework compliance.
The certification complements and expands on current alternatives, such as (ISC)²’s certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and CSA’s certificate of cloud security knowledge (CCSK). Although having experience in these certification areas will help you grasp most of the content, it is not required.
You can apply your security skills with many firms that are looking for workers with a significant understanding of the cloud once you have obtained the CCSP accreditation. According to the 2021 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study, cloud security is a high priority for many organizations due to the continuous emphasis on enabling remote work opportunities. Opportunities abound since, according to the ISACA 2022 State of the Cybersecurity Workforce report, 52% of survey respondents identified cloud computing as one of the top skills gaps they see in today’s cybersecurity professionals.
Here is an overview of the CCSP exam structure:
Exam Format
At your local Pearson VUE test facility, you will take the exam on a computer terminal. You have three hours to complete the test, which consists of 100 to 150 questions. The length varies because it is an “adaptive” test, which means that if you correctly answer enough questions within a domain to demonstrate competence for that domain, your computer terminal will stop asking you that type of question.
The questions are multiple-choice; however, you may be asked to answer “scenario-based” questions, in which you must answer many multiple-choice questions concerning an example scenario. Furthermore, 25 questions on each exam are “pre-test” questions: they are included for research purposes as (ISC)² evaluates them for future test inclusion.
Exam Content
The CCSP includes questions based on what (ISC)² refers to as the cloud security professional’s common body of knowledge, or CBK — a “peer-developed compendium of what a competent professional in their respective field must know, including the skills, techniques, and practices that are routinely employed.” The CBK is further subdivided into domains or topic areas. The followings are the several CCSP domains and the portion of the exam that each will cover:
- Cloud concepts, architecture, and design: 17%
- Cloud data security: 19%
- Cloud platform and infrastructure security:17%
- Cloud application security: 17%
- Cloud security operations: 17%
- Legal, risk, and compliance: 13%
Exam Scoring
The CCSP test is graded on a scale of 0 to 1000. It is required at least 700 scores to pass the test and earn the certification. The exam results are available immediately following the exam, and applicants can retake the exam after a 90-day waiting period if they do not pass the first time.
Get free CCSP certification questions and practice for the exam now.
CCSP Requirements and Costs
To become a CCSP, there are certain costs and requirements that you should be aware of. Here is an overview of the CCSP requirements and costs:
CCSP Exam Requirements
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of paid work experience in information technology, with three years in information security and one year in one or more of the CCSP CBK domains. Earning the CSA’s CCSK certificate can be used to replace one year of experience in one or more of the CCSP CBK’s six domains. The CISSP credential can be used to satisfy the complete CCSP experience requirement.
A candidate who lacks the necessary experience to become a CCSP may become an Associate of (ISC)² by passing the CCSP test. The Associate of (ISC)² will thereafter have six years to gain the required five years of experience.
CCSP Exam Cost
The cost of the CCSP exam varies depending on your region and membership in the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, generally known as (ISC)². The fee for non-(ISC)² members is $599 as of 2023, while the cost for members is $499.
CCSP Certification Cost
After passing the CCSP exam, you must pay an extra fee to get the CCSP certification. Non-(ISC)² members must pay $100, while members must pay $50.
CCSP Certification Renewal
CPE credits are earned by Certified Cloud Security Professionals to demonstrate their dedication and dependability. (ISC)² accepts Continuing Professional Education credits earned through participation in a variety of events. To renew their CCSP Certificate, professionals must acquire 90 CPEs over the course of three years. Furthermore, CCSP-certified professionals must pay an annual maintenance fee of $125 for non-(ISC)² members and $85 for members of (ISC)² at the end of each year.
CCSP Exam Preparation Cost
CCSP Certification Training can cost anywhere from $1600 and $1900 on average. Choosing the proper training provider is critical for professionals who want to advance their cloud abilities. A professional may struggle to understand self-paced learning without attending the training session. Enrolling in the CCSP Training session also allows professionals to gain insight into sophisticated cloud security procedures.
CCSP Job Titles
In an interview, the author of the CCSP Cloud Security Professional All-in-One Exam Guide, Daniel Carter said, “The best candidates are more experienced IT architects and security types, including engineers. For people whose companies are moving into the cloud, it’s important. It’s also a good way to expand your marketability to employers. Since the cloud is so new, the CCSP gives employers a way to see that potential employees have gone through the rigor of the exam.”
The successful CCSP certificate demonstrates to clients and employers that an individual is dependable and has the necessary training to manage and safeguard cloud data. It also demonstrates that they are (ISC)² members with the backing of some of the world’s most recognized cybersecurity professionals. On the CCSP Certification Path, there are a bunch of choices of job roles for even the most choosy individual. It is appropriate for IT and information security executives with expertise in the following areas.
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Consultant
- Cloud Administrator
- Cloud Security Analyst
- Cloud Specialist
- Auditor of Cloud Computing Services
- Professional Cloud Developer
Is CCSP Worth It?
CCSP is an important certification for cybersecurity professionals for several reasons.
Comprehend regulatory systems
Regulatory frameworks create extensive, well-defined cloud security procedures and systems. These frameworks cover every facet of data security, from what data must be safeguarded to where and how it should be housed. Understanding these frameworks is crucial for maintaining cloud security, and CISSP certification is the best way to understand the fundamentals.
Enhance Career Opportunities
What do you hope to accomplish with your cloud security expertise and experience? You are not required to work in an organization’s office if you do not like to. As a cloud security consultant, you can start your own company.
As an independent cloud security consultant, you will be extremely beneficial to your clients, especially since they will be hiring you to build customized security solutions for their company. You may even specialize in a particular industry to increase your value even further. As you work with more clients, you will gain more specific experience, increasing your value.
Mitigate Cloud Security Risks
The capacity to deal with unusual situations is critical for becoming a valuable asset to your company. Although knowledge can help you get recruited, it is insufficient. Technical knowledge is often conceptual and does not lead to experience or wisdom. This makes using that information when it is needed challenging. There are so many technical components to master that it’s easy to get stuck in a learning cycle without applying what you’ve learned.
As you study for the CCSP test, you will learn how to apply your knowledge in real-world circumstances. The majority of exam questions will require you to demonstrate this knowledge in real-world scenarios. By passing the CCSP exam and being certified, you will have demonstrated a thorough understanding of how to use your new knowledge. All you’ll need to advance in your new field is real-world experience.
Validate Cloud Security Expertise
The CCSP certification validates the knowledge and skills of cybersecurity professionals in cloud security. The certification ensures that professionals have a comprehensive understanding of the best practices, strategies, and technologies used to secure cloud computing environments.
Better Earning Potential
Your income potential increases automatically when you become a Certified Cloud Security Professional. You will be chosen first for some positions, but you will also have the opportunity to progress to more strategic, higher-paying positions. Without further degrees or experience, the average CCSP in the United States earns about $119,000 per year.
Supplement vendor-specific certifications
Do you have any previous AWS certifications? Maybe you got Microsoft Azure certification for your current job. Vendor-specific credentials are useful if you work for a single company. If you quit a job, your certification will be useless to prospective employers who do not use the platform for which you are qualified. A CCSP certification will augment your existing platform-specific qualifications while also serving as a stand-alone certificate.
Increase Trustworthiness
Certain certificates just command the respect of colleagues, employers, and superiors. The CCSP certification is one of these qualifications. People will regard you as more authoritative if they know you’re certified. If you can stand confidently in your judgments and decisions, people around you will pick up on your confidence and reflect it back to you in the form of respect.
Being a CCSP comes with a lot of responsibility, and people will look to you for guidance and assistance. They will take your words seriously, and the more you come through for them, the more they will respect your authority.
Is CCSP Worth It?
To answer this question, we should look into several benefits of obtaining CCSP certification, which include:
Enhanced Knowledge and Skills
CCSP certification provides a comprehensive understanding of cloud security concepts, enabling cybersecurity professionals to design, implement, and manage secure cloud environments effectively. The certification covers a range of topics, including cloud architecture, design, operations, data security, and compliance, providing candidates with a broad knowledge base.
Career Advancement
CCSP certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in cloud security, making them stand out in a crowded job market. The certification is globally recognized and provides credibility, leading to better job opportunities and career advancement.
Higher Earning Potential
CCSP certification can lead to higher salaries for cybersecurity professionals. According to PayScale, the average CCSP certification salary for a certified professional is $129,000 per year, compared to $96,000 for non-certified professionals.
Industry Recognition and Credibility
CCSP certification is globally recognized and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession. The certification is highly respected in the industry, and CCSP-certified professionals are considered experts in cloud security. This provides credibility and recognition, increasing the chances of promotions and career growth.
How to Prepare for The CCSP Exam
Determine Long-Term Career Objectives
Given the significant time and effort required, applicants may find it difficult to choose which (ISC)² certification to pursue. The CCSP certification is primarily focused on the technical aspects of cybersecurity, whereas the more broad CISSP certification is more focused on strategy and leadership job responsibilities. As a result, the CCSP certification is often the ideal choice for those seeking professions such as enterprise architect, security consultant, or security engineer.
Ensure to Meet All Prerequisites
Candidates must meet a few prerequisites, which have previously been discussed above, after passing the exam in order to acquire the certification. Candidates must submit verified proof of their employment history before acquiring their credentials.
Individuals may take the exam even if they lack the qualifying expertise. If the candidate is successful, they will be able to gain at least five years of experience after becoming an Associate of (ISC)².
Understand the Exam Structure and CCSP Domains
The exam lasts four hours and can be done in person or remotely with proctoring. Candidates must first register and pay the $599 examination fee. The exam date must be arranged within 120 days of the purchase, and they will then get access to a variety of additional tools to help them prepare. This exam in English and Japanese consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and passes. Candidates must get at least 700 points out of a possible 1000.
Enroll in a Hands-on Training Program and Study Materials
While traditional study materials such as official resources are important references, only actual experience can really replace them. In a comprehensive online CCSP course, candidates can train on their own time utilizing a range of materials such as instructional videos, practice quizzes, and simulations. Rather than just reading hundreds of pages of information, this method allows applicants to learn via practice.
Furthermore, the “Official (ISC)² Guide to the CCSP CBK” and the “Official CCSP Study Guide” are just two of the study resources published by (ISC)². These are routinely revised to reflect substantial changes in the certification system. These resources are not intended to be used as a complete learning tool; rather, they are intended to be used as a resource. Additional acceptable materials include the official CCSP study app, flashcards, practice examinations, and CCSP Certification Questions. Besides, joining the official online study group gives you access to a group of other exam takers.
Tips to prepare for the CCSP exam
Cover All Subjects
Ensure that you are familiar with all of the topics and concepts covered in the Certified Cloud Security Professional domains.
Smartly Manage Exam Time
Set a time limit for each question. Because the CCSP exam lasts four hours and contains 125 questions, you have over two minutes to answer each one. If you spend more than two minutes on a single question, you will reduce your chances of passing the exam. So, the ideal method to manage time is to start with the easy questions and then return to the difficult ones that were left.
Take Practice Exams
Of course, practice is essential for any exam. So, do not forget to take practice examinations. These examinations will not only imitate the real examination setting for you, but you will also be able to put your reading knowledge into practice.
You will be able to time yourself and learn from your mistakes. Practice tests typically include extensive explanations for the questions, making it easier to steadily improve. The CCSP-certified practice tests might be an excellent addition to your preparation.
CCSP Exam Preparation Resources
Your CCSP exam preparation will be enhanced if you include the following books. To prepare, you can consult the following books:
- The Official (ISC)² Guide to the CCSP CBK by Adam Gordon (illustrated examples, clear diagrams, best practices, and real-life scenarios on cloud security)
- Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing v4.0 by Cloud Security Alliance (real-world best practices for cloud security, advancements in cloud security and supporting technologies, and latest Cloud Security Alliance research projects)
- The Treacherous 12 by CSA (free downloadable file about the top security threats faced by businesses).
- CSA- Cloud Control Matrix (a guide for cloud customers and prospective vendors)
- Jericho- Cloud Cube Model ( proprietary/open, internal/external, parameterized/de-parameterized, and insourced/outsourced architectures)
- OWASP Top 10 (the Open Web Application Security Project)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publications:
- NIST SP 800-125: Guide to Security for Full Virtualization Technologies
- NIST SP 800-144: Guidelines on Security and Privacy in Public Cloud Computing
- NIST SP 800-146: Cloud Computing Synopsis and Recommendations
- Electronic CCSP flashcards by (ISC)² (interactive learning and preparation for the examination)
FAQs
If I failed the test, when can I retake the CCSP?
Pearson VUE will let you retake a failed exam. You can take the exam up to four times a year. The following are the rules for retaking the exam:
- If you do not pass the exam the first time, you have 30 days to retake it.
- If you do not pass the second time, you can retest after 60 days.
- If you fail the third time, and for any subsequent retakes, you can retest 90 days following your most recent exam attempt.
It’s also worth noting that whether you’re retaking an exam or taking it for the first time, every exam costs the same.
What are the prerequisites for CCSP certification?
Candidates must have at least five years of experience in IT, with three of those years being in information security, and one year in cloud computing. Alternatively, candidates can substitute the experience requirement with a relevant degree.
Is CCSP certification globally recognized?
Yes, CCSP certification is globally recognized and considered a benchmark for cloud security proficiency.
Can I prepare for the CCSP exam on my own?
Yes, candidates can prepare for the CCSP exam on their own by utilizing various study resources, such as study guides, practice tests, and online forums. However, enrolling in a training program is recommended for better preparation.
What is the difference between CCSP and CISSP certifications?
In terms of comparing CCSP vs CISSP, while both CCSP and CISSP certifications are focused on information security, CCSP certification specifically covers cloud security. CISSP certification covers a broader range of security topics, including cryptography, network security, and access control.
Conclusion
We have discussed how important CCSP certification is, and how it necessitates a very complete training taught by a very skilled team. Taking this into consideration, KnowledgeHut provides a course that covers all of the strategies required to pass the CCSP certification exam.
With an annual income of approximately $119,000, this is a very high-paying skill. This is extraordinary, and it demonstrates the market value of this skill. Not only that, but the average wage raise has increased by 27%. It is the most popular IT field among professionals. So, everything is covered in the course. Enrolling and pursuing a brilliant career in this subject is strongly encouraged.
Is CCSP worth it, then? The answer is yes, CCSP is worth pursuing for those who want to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of cloud security and advance their careers in this rapidly growing industry.
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