CCSP Certification : Certified Cloud Security Professional

What is CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional ?

CCSP, or Certified Cloud Security Professional, validates your technical skills in protecting data, applications and cloud infrastructure. Aimed at IT and security professionals familiar with cloud environments, it aims to enrich their knowledge and position them advantageously in the job market.

The PSAB addresses six key areas of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) established by the certifying body (SAI). These areas include:

• Cloud concepts, architecture and design

• Data security in the cloud

• Security of the cloud platform and infrastructure

• Application security in the cloud

• Security operations in the cloud

• Legal aspects, risks and compliance

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Achieving CCSP certification demonstrates your mastery of cloud security best practices, policies and procedures, as recognized by cybersecurity experts globally. It also gives you access to a community of cybersecurity leaders who support you throughout your career.

Internationally recognized as a proof of cloud security competence, CCSP certification is accredited by ANAB according to ISO/IEC 17024 and approved by the US Department of Defense in accordance with DoDM 8140.03. It is also one of the most sought-after and highest paid cybersecurity certifications in the cybersecurity industry.

Which organizations offer CCSP certification ?

The CCSP certification is awarded by the (ISC)², or International Information System Security Certification Consortium, a non-profit global entity of more than 150,000 information security specialists. The (ISC)² is considered a reference in the field of certification of cybersecurity skills, offering recognized credentials such as CISSP, GSEC, GCIH, CISA, OSCP or CRISC.

How to become a member of the (ISC)² ?

To join the (ISC)², you must :

• Pass the (ISC)² certification exam, such as the PSAB

• Adhere to the code of ethics established by the (ISC)²

• Have specific professional experience in the field of information security, according to the criteria of each certification

• Maintain your certification through continuing education activities (CPE) and pay an annual maintenance fee

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Benefits of being a member of (ISC)² include :

• Access to a global network of information security professionals

• Access to educational resources, webinars, publications and events

• Professional recognition and credibility in the labour market

• Volunteer opportunities, mentoring and leadership

What other organizations offer cloud security certifications ?

Other entities also offer cloud security certifications, including :

• The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), with the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), attesting to your mastery of cloud security principles and best practices

• EXIN, offering the Cloud Computing Foundation (EXIN CloudF), certifying your understanding of cloud computing concepts and features

• CompTIA, delivering Cloud+ (CV0-002), a certification proving your competence in the management and maintenance of cloud services and infrastructures

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These certifications can complement the CCSP, which remains the most advanced and recognized cloud security certification, based on the CBK of (ISC)², covering all aspects of cloud security, from design to management to compliance.

What are the specific CCSP certification requirements for my industry ?

Intended for information security professionals in cloud environments, CCSP certification is ideal for a multitude of roles such as architects, engineers, consultants, cloud security auditors, analysts and managers. It represents a major asset to enhance your expertise with your employer or your clients and propel your career.

What are the prerequisites and eligibility conditions for CCSP certification ?

To obtain CCSP certification, you must :

• Have at least five years of full-time, paid professional experience in the field of information technology, including three years dedicated to information security and one year in one or more of the six areas of the common body of knowledge (CBK) of the PSAB.

• Pass the CCSP exam, which includes 125 multiple-choice questions to complete in four hours.

• Adhere to the code of ethics of the (ISC)², certifying body.

• Keep your certification up to date through continuous training (CPE) and the payment of annual fees.

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If you do not yet meet these criteria, you can take the CCSP exam and become an Associate of the (ISC)², giving you six years to gain the experience necessary to obtain full certification.

Which industries are looking for CCSP certified professionals ?

The CCSP certification is valued in various business sectors using cloud services, including :

• Financial services, for sensitive data protection and regulatory compliance.

• The healthcare sector, for the confidentiality and security of medical data, in accordance with standards such as HIPAA.

• Public services, for continuity and resilience against cyber attacks.

• The education sector, for secure access to educational resources and student data.

• Telecommunications, for managing the complexity of cloud technologies and networks.

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Cloud service providers, such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform, are also looking for CCSP certified professionals to ensure the security and reliability of their services, thus standing out from the competition.

What are the steps to obtain CCSP certification ?

To obtain CCSP certification, it is necessary to follow these important steps:

1. Check your eligibility

Before even thinking about registering for the CCSP exam, it is essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This involves having at least five years of experience in the information technology sector, including three years specifically in information security and at least one year in one of the six CBK areas of the CCSP. If you do not yet meet these requirements, it is still possible to take the exam and become a partner of the (ISC)², the time to complete your experience.

2. Register for the exam

Registration for the CCSP exam is done online on the (ISC) website. After creating an account, you will complete a registration form and pay the registration fee of $599 (US). Then choose a Pearson VUE accredited testing centre. Once this step is completed, you will receive a registration confirmation and a unique identification number, to be presented on the day of the exam.

3. Prepare for the exam

Thorough preparation is important to pass the CCSP exam. It is advisable to thoroughly review the six areas of the CCSP CBK using the resources provided by the (ISC)², such as the official study guide and training available online or in class. Don’t overlook other sources of information such as books, articles, podcasts, or forums that specialize in cloud security.

Blank tests and test questions available on the web are also good ways to prepare.

4. Taking the exam

On the D-day, go to the examination centre with your registration confirmation, your unique identification number and a valid photo ID. It is important to respect the rules of the center, such as the prohibition to use your mobile phone, calculator, or bring personal documents.

The CCSP exam includes 125 multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours. A score of 700 points out of 1000 is required to pass.

5. Receive and maintain your certification

Once the CCSP exam is passed, you will be informed by email by the (ISC)² of your success. To obtain your certification, it is necessary to commit to respect the code of ethics of the (ISC)² and to justify your professional experience. Following this, you will obtain your CCSP certification as well as your membership card (ISC)².

To keep your certification up to date, you are required to complete 90 Continuing Education (CPE) activities every three years and pay an annual maintenance fee of $125 (US).

How much does a CCSP certification cost ?

Obtaining a CCSP certification requires a financial investment that depends on several factors such as the region, the method of preparation chosen and your professional situation. Let’s look at the main fees to consider:

The cost of registering for the exam

The registration fee for the CCSP exam is $599 (US) in America, Asia-Pacific and all other regions, €665 in Europe, £585 in the UK, and $749 (US) in the Middle East and Africa. You must pay these fees online on the (ISC)² website at the time of registration.

These fees are non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation of the examination by the (ISC)² or by Pearson VUE, the approved examination centre.

The cost of exam preparation

Several training options are available to prepare for the CCSP exam, adapted to different budgets, availability and learning preferences. Choices include :

• The (ISC)² official online course, offering interactive modules, videos, quizzes, mock exams and course materials for $2,495 (US), with unlimited access for six months.

• Official Classroom Training (ISC)², to participate in a five-day intensive course led by a certified instructor, in an accredited centre. The cost ranges from $3,000 (US) to $4,000 (US) depending on location and date.

• Online or classroom training offered by a training partner of (ISC)², an alternative to formal training with content tailored to your needs. Prices vary depending on the partner, duration and format of the course.

• Self-training resources such as the official study guide, practice guide, books, articles, podcasts or forums dedicated to cloud security. Their costs depend on source, quality and availability.

The cost of maintaining certification

After obtaining your CCSP certification, it is necessary to keep it active through continuous training (CPE) and paying annual maintenance fees. CPEs, which must total 90 over three years, including at least 30 in the PSAB field, may include training, webinars, publications, conferences, volunteer activities, or other cloud security-related events. The cost of CPEs varies according to their type, duration and source. The annual maintenance fee is $125 (US) and is payable online at (ISC)².

What is the deadline for obtaining CCSP certification ?

The time it takes to earn CCSP certification will vary depending on your preparation, availability, geographic area and professional experience. Here is an estimated guide of steps:

The verification of your eligibility

To be eligible for CCSP certification, you must have at least five years of experience in the information technology sector, including three years specifically in information security and one year in at least one of the six areas of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) of the PSAB. If you do not meet these conditions, you can still take the exam and become an associate of the (ISC)² while waiting to acquire the necessary experience. The time required for this stage varies from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your route.

Exam registration

To register for the CCSP exam, go to the (ISC)² website, pay the registration fee and choose a Pearson VUE approved exam centre. You will then receive a registration confirmation and a unique identification number, to be presented on the day of the exam. This step can last from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the availability of the examination centers.

Exam preparation

Preparation for the CCSP exam involves revising the six CBK areas of the CCSP and using the training resources of your choice, whether they are online or face-to-face courses from the (ISC)², training offered by partners from the (ISC)², or self-help resourcesformation. The duration of this step depends on your initial level, your learning pace and the type of training chosen and can range from a few weeks to a few months.

The passage of the exam

The CCSP exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions to complete in three hours. A score of 700 out of 1000 is required to pass. You will receive the results by email from (ISC)² within 24 hours of the exam. This last step can take from a few hours to a few days, depending on your exam schedule.

Receipt and maintenance of certification

Obtaining and maintaining your CCSP certification involves several key steps. You must comply with the code of ethics established by the (ISC)², submit proof of your professional experience, participate in continuing education activities (CPE) and pay the annual maintenance fee. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your CCSP certification and (ISC)² membership card, usually within four to six weeks.

The process, from obtaining to maintaining certification, can vary in duration, from a few weeks to several years, depending on your level of commitment and professional progression.

Is there a renewal required for CCSP certification ?

CCSP certification is not permanently acquired. To maintain up-to-date cloud security expertise and knowledge, regular renewal is essential.

This renewal requires paying annual maintenance fees and participating in continuing education activities.

The annual maintenance fee

Each year, to maintain your CCSP certification and status within the (ISC)², a $125 (US) maintenance fee is required. This payment is made directly online on the website of (ISC)².

These fees contribute to the funding of (ISC)² initiatives and services, including exam development, Basic Knowledge Update (CBK), creation of educational resources and member support. Failure to pay these fees will result in suspension of certification, thereby depriving you of the use of the CCSP title.

Continuing education activities

To strengthen your cloud security skills and knowledge, you must complete 90 continuous learning activities over three years, including at least 30 specific to the CCSP field. These activities may include training, webinars, publications, conferences, volunteering and other cloud security initiatives.

It is necessary to record these activities on the (ISC)² website and provide supporting documents. Failure to complete these requirements leads to revocation of certification, requiring you to retake the exam to recover it.

Renewing your CCSP certification is essential to maintaining your credibility and competitiveness in the job market, while staying informed of the latest technological developments and best practices in cloud security.