The Ultimate
Guide to the CCSP
Be a leader in the field of cloud security
Achieve More
in Your Career
You prove every day that you have what
it takes to secure critical assets. But our
profession is always changing, and even
the brightest minds can benefit from
having a guide on the journey to success.
ISC2 is here to help you discover the
right path, create your plan and thrive
throughout your career.
The Ultimate Guide to the CCSP covers
everything you need to know about
the world’s leading cloud security
certification. Inside, learn how CCSP and
ISC2 help distinguish you as a top-level
cybersecurity expert.
Inside…
» Is CCSP Right For Me?
» CCSPs in the Community
» CCSP Fast Facts
» Benefits of CCSP Certification
» Benefits of ISC2 Membership
» Exam Overview
» Official Exam Prep
» Pathway to Certification
» Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Opportunities
» Grow Your Cyber Skills and Knowledge
Is CCSP Right For Me?
As cyberthreats continue to make daily headlines, the need for cloud security experts is
at an all-time high. Yet talent is scarce. That’s where CCSP from ISC2 comes in — to help
fill the gap in cloud security. Once certified, the opportunities for certified professionals
are near limitless.
CCSP, a vendor-neutral cloud security credential, not only provides a strong
foundational understanding of key concepts, it recognizes IT and information
security leaders who have the knowledge and competency to apply best practices to
cloud security architecture, design, operations and service orchestration. As more
organizations worldwide move to multicloud operations, the versatile skills from
vendor-neutral certification are highly desirable for cloud security teams.
CCSP is particularly well-suited for IT and information security professionals seeking to
prove their understanding of cybersecurity and securing critical assets in the cloud. It
shows you have the advanced knowledge and technical skills to design, manage and
secure data, applications and infrastructure in the cloud.
As a first step – become an ISC2 Candidate
Begin your journey by joining ISC2, the world’s leading cybersecurity professional organization.
As a Candidate, you’ll access many of the benefits our certified members enjoy, including 20% off
online training and 30% - 50% off textbooks to help you on your path to CCSP certification.
Sign up now. Your first year is free — no cost to you.*
*If you choose to renew after the first year, U.S. $50 due annually.
Acquire five years experience
To qualify for the CCSP, candidates must have at least five years of cumulative, paid
work experience in information technology, of which three years must be in information
security and one year in one or more of the six domains of the ISC2 CCSP Exam Outline.
If you don’t yet have the required experience to become a CCSP, you can become an
Associate of ISC2 after successfully passing the CCSP exam. You will then have six years to
earn the experience needed for the CCSP certification.
Discover your path
See “Pathway to Certification” for more information.
Jobs that typically use or require
CCSP certification
• Cloud Architect • DevOps • Security Consultant
• Chief Information Security • Enterprise Architect • Security Engineer
Officer (CISO) • IT Contract Negotiator • Security Manager
• Chief Information Officer • IT Risk and Compliance • Systems Architect
(CIO) Manager • Systems Engineer
• Chief Technology Officer • Security Administrator • SecOps
• Engineer/Developer/ • Security Analyst
Manager
• Security Architect
CCSPs in the Community
“Vendor knowledge in cloud security is focused on a particular cloud solution
and the tools to manage it — but the CCSP is the glue that connects all the
concepts. You get a better overview so you can see the capabilities and how
everything fits together.”
Jonas Björk
Security Presale Representative
Telia Cygate, Helsingborg, Sweden
“Certification from widely recognized bodies like ISC2 clarify
factual information versus opinion. In cloud security, it’s important
to provide recommendations based on facts supported by data.
The CCSP Exam Outline is a great source of information in that respect.”
Vanessa Leite
Principal Strategy and Consulting
CyberCX, Wellington, New Zealand
“CCSP complements my CISSP by asserting my knowledge in key areas specific
to cloud environments. Cloud-based technologies and theory are ubiquitous
in today’s IT and cybersecurity realms, and the CCSP took the knowledge I
had and updated it to take me to the next level in my career.”
David Schneider
Senior Cyber Security Threat Engineer
Garmin International, Olathe, KS
“Cloud is in the present and it will be here in the future. Every company will
always have a footprint in the cloud. The CCSP is a credential that, as a
cybersecurity professional, you need to invest in. It is an asset that will serve
you for years.”
Panagiotis Soulos
Global Information Security Manager
Intrum, Athens, Greece
Become an ISC2 Candidate
You’ll access a full range of benefits as you pursue the CCSP, including 20% off
online training and 30% - 50% off textbooks to help you prepare. Sign up now.
CCSP Fast Facts
Introduced in 2015
Exam available
in 4 languages at
882 locations in
114 countries
CCSPs are part of
a network of over
675,000 cybersecurity
professionals
DoD-approved
ANAB
accredited
Average CCSP Salary:
U.S. $137,100
Shout-outs
Ranked #2 on ‘THE NEXT BIG THING’ LIST as the certification survey
respondents plan to earn in 2023 . — Certification Magazine
“CCSP is the most
CCSP makes the list of most well-rounded
top cloud certifications certification by far
— SC Magazine for the cloud protection area.”
— Certification Magazine
Benefits of CCSP Certification
Career opportunities and
advancement
Raise visibility and credibility,
improve job security and create Versatile skills
new opportunities. Build vendor-neutral skills
that can be applied to
different technologies and
methodologies.
Credibility
Demonstrate a solid
foundation to mitigate and
respond to cyberthreats. Leadership
Develop a broad set of technical
and nontechnical skills that job
experience alone doesn’t provide.
Membership in a
strong peer network
Become an ISC2 member,
unlocking exclusive
resources, educational tools Higher salaries
and peer-to-peer networking
In 2023, Certification Magazine’s
opportunities.
annual survey lists an average
salary of $137,100 (in U.S.)
and $115,150 (globally).
Expanded knowledge
Stronger skill set
Reach a deeper, better and
Expand the skills and
broader understanding of
knowledge needed to fulfill
the Exam Outline.
organizational duties.
Benefits of ISC2 Membership
Once you earn your CCSP, you’ll become an ISC2 member and part of a professional
community that never stops learning and growing. You’ll also gain access to a full
suite of benefits and resources for continuing education and development, many
that will help you earn CPE credits to maintain your certification:
iscounts on ISC2 Certificates, Courses and
• D
Express Courses
iscount pricing for ISC2 events and industry
• D
events including ISC2 Security Congress
• D
iscounts on textbooks, practice textbooks
and study guides.
ree access to ISC2 webinars on cybersecurity
• F
topics, tools and trends
• Invitation to join or start a local ISC2 Chapter
• Volunteer opportunities
ccess to the Center for Cyber Safety
• A
and Education
• P
rofessional recognition through
ISC2 Global Achievement Awards
Sign up now to become an ISC2 Candidate
Your first year is free — no cost to you.* You’ll enjoy most of these benefits as you prepare for
certification — plus 20% off Online Bootcamp and Online Self-Paced Training for CCSP.
*If you choose to renew after the first year, U.S. $50 due annually.
Exam Overview
The CCSP exam evaluates expertise across six security domains. (Think of domains as topics you
need to master based on your professional experience and education.) Passing the exam proves
you have the advanced knowledge and technical skills to effectively design, manage and secure data,
applications and infrastructure in the cloud using best practices, policies and procedures.
16% 13%
Cloud Security Operations Legal Risk & Compliance
17%
Cloud Concepts
17% Architecture & Design
Cloud Application
Security
17% 20%
Cloud Platform & Cloud Data Security
Infrastructure Security
125 Number of items
on the CCSP exam View the CCSP exam outline
Exam availability: English, Japanese,
Chinese and German
3 hrs.
Maximum amount of
time for the exam
Testing Centers: Pearson VUE
700
CISSP certification holders
automatically meet the experience
Score you need out of 1,000 requirements for CCSP
to pass the exam
Official Exam Prep
ISC2 offers Official Exam Prep for CCSP. Save 20% on Official ISC2 Exam Prep when you sign up to be
an ISC2 Candidate.
Everyone has their own style of learning. That’s why we offer three options to help guide you in CCSP
certification. Experience new learning with recently enhanced Official ISC2 CCSP Exam Prep options.
Find Exam Prep.
1. Online Self-Paced – Register now
Your self-guided tour toward certification — now featuring adaptive learning for a streamlined experience
customized to each individual. Leveraging the power of AI, the training guides learners through a self-paced
learning experience adapted to their individual needs.
• Flexibility to study on your own time and at your own pace
• Personalized learning that adapts to your needs
• Interactive, engaging courseware
• Analytics dashboard to track learning progress
• Education Guarantee
2. Online Bootcamp – Register now
Progress through the course domain by domain with the most current content that aligns to the CCSP
exam outline to be easy-to-follow in live virtual learning sessions from an ISC2 Authorized Instructor.
• 180-day access to the most up-to-date course content — straight from the source
• Virtual live instruction and access to recordings if you miss a session
• Official ISC2 Student Training Guide (electronic format)
• Interactive content
• Online interactive flash cards
• 24x7x365 chat technical support
• Education Guarantee
• And more!
3. In-Person Bootcamp – Learn more
Your guided small group tour (10 or more students) toward certification
• Learn in-person at your office or a private venue near you
• Interact with an ISC2 Authorized Instructor and students
• Coordinate training around your schedule
CCSP Self-Study Resources
We offer a variety of Self-Study Resources to supplement your
coursework and reinforce key concepts. Choose from options for
every schedule and learning style.
Pathway to Certification
1 Become an ISC2 Candidate
Begin your journey by joining ISC2, the world’s leading cybersecurity professional organization.
As a candidate, you’ll access many of the benefits our certified members enjoy, including 20%
off training and 30% - 50% off textbooks to help you on your path to CCSP.
Sign up now.
2 Obtain the required experience
To qualify for the CCSP, candidates must have at least five years of cumulative, paid work
experience in information technology, of which three years must be in information security,
and one year in one or more of the six domains of the ISC2 CCSP Exam Outline:
• Domain 1: Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design
• Domain 2: Cloud Data Security
• Domain 3: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security
• Domain 4: Cloud Application Security
• Domain 5: Cloud Security Operations
• Domain 6: Legal, Risk and Compliance
If you don’t yet have the required experience, you may become an Associate of ISC2 after
successfully passing the CCSP exam. The Associate of ISC2 will then have six years to earn
the experience needed for the CCSP certification.
Pathway to Certification
3 Study for the exam
Many self-study resources are available from ISC2 – the creator and keeper of the
CCSP Exam Outline – to help you prepare with confidence. Some CCSP candidates pass
the exam with self-study, and many choose to attend an Official ISC2 Training to review
and refresh their knowledge before sitting for the exam.
4
Pass the exam
Candidates are given a maximum of three hours to complete the 125-item CCSP exam.
Ready for the exam? Register now and get it on your calendar.
5
Get endorsed
After you pass the exam, you have nine months from the date of the exam to complete
the ISC2 endorsement process.
6 Earn CPE credits
Once you are certified, you become a member of ISC2 and recertify every three years.
Recertification is accomplished by earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
credits and paying an annual maintenance fee (AMF) to support ongoing development.
90 CPE credits
over 3 years
U.S.
$
135 AMF
Members with multiple ISC2
certifications only pay a single AMF
Continuing Professional
Education (CPE) Opportunities
The Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits requirement helps you maintain your
competencies following initial certification. By developing and enhancing skills through CPE
activities, you make an important investment in yourself while increasing value to customers and
employers.
Join webinars
• Think Tanks
• Security Briefings
• Knowledge Vault
• Security Congress
Read and write
• Read a book directly related to CCSP and submit a 150-word review
• Author an information security article published in a journal or magazine
• Review an educational white paper related to the CCSP
Attend trainings and events
• ISC2 Chapter meetings
• P
repare or attend an educational presentation related to the CCSP exam outline domains
• ISC2 Certificates – Grow your skills with quick learning averaging just 3.5 hours per
certificate that focuses on high demand subject matter
• ISC2 Courses – Dive deeper into learning with actionable strategies you can apply
immediately to strengthen your organization’s security.
• ISC2 Express Courses – Grow your cybersecurity knowledge at home or on the go with fast,
flexible learning that delivers real-world results.
• Discount pricing for ICS2 events and industry events, including ISC2 Security Congress
Volunteer
• Become a Safe and Secure Online Ambassador and spread your knowledge about
cyber safety in your community
• Volunteer to help develop ISC2 certification exams
Grow Your Cybersecurity Skills
and Knowledge
Cybersecurity never stands still – it’s a constantly evolving field that requires continuing education. ISC2 Certificates,
Courses and Express Courses will help you stay in front of cyberthreats and on top of trends.
Explore ISC2 Continuing Education Now
Learn on demand anytime, anywhere with Certificates, Courses and Express Courses created by industry experts
ISC2 Certificates
Advance your skills in high-demand cybersecurity areas of focus with ISC2 Certificates. Move your career forward
and gain the competencies you need for certification.
ISC2 Certificates turn a laser focus on the subject matter. And with courseware created on the hottest topics by
cybersecurity’s most respected certifying body, you’re assured the most current and relevant content.
You’ll earn digital badges you can share when you pass the assessments.
ISC2 Courses
Demonstrate your knowledge of the latest cybersecurity principles and best practices with ISC2 Courses, created
by industry experts and available online. Access practical learning with actionable strategies that deliver measurable
results for organizations around the globe.
ISC2 Express Courses
Stay in front of the hottest cybersecurity topics, challenges and emerging trends with ISC2 Express Courses.
Quickly grow what you know with short-format, on-demand learning designed to fit your busy schedule.
Get in touch with us
For more information about CCSP certification and training, contact an Education
Consultant in your region:
Americas — Phone: +1.866.331.4722, Email: [email protected]
Europe, Middle East and Africa — Phone: +44.203.960.7800, Email:
[email protected]Asia-Pacific — Phone: +852.5803.5662, Email:
[email protected]About ISC2
ISC2 is an international nonprofit membership association
focused on inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Best
known for the acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security
Professional (CISSP®) certification, ISC2 offers a portfolio of
credentials that are part of a holistic, pragmatic approach
to security. Our association of candidates, associates and
members, is made up of certified cyber, information, software
and infrastructure security professionals who are making a
difference and helping to advance the industry. Our vision
is supported by our commitment to educate and reach the
general public through our charitable foundation –
The Center for Cyber Safety and Education™. For more
information on ISC2, visit isc2.org, follow us on X or connect
with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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