What Is the CCSP? Your Guide to Becoming Certified in Cloud Security

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification for those with some experience in information technology (IT) and security who want to advance their careers in cloud-based cybersecurity. Becoming a CCSP demonstrates that you have the technical skills to secure valuable cloud assets for potential employers.

With more organizations moving their operations to cloud environments, security professionals with specialized cloud knowledge will be in demand. Data from Mordor Intelligence shows that Canada's cybersecurity market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.99 per cent from 2024 through 2029 [1]. This growth demonstrates the need for qualified, skilled professionals.

However, a CCSP can also be used for more than cloud security. In fact, careers like cloud architect or cloud systems engineer are among Canada's highest-paying and most in-demand jobs. 

Read on to learn more about CCSP requirements, what to expect from the exam, and how to prepare for certification if you decide it’s a good fit.

How to get your CCSP certification

Becoming a CCSP means meeting a set of requirements and passing a certification exam designed to test your knowledge of cloud security topics. Here’s a quick look at the CCSP exam:

The CCSP is for IT professionals with a few years of experience in IT and security. To qualify for the exam, you need five years of cumulative experience in IT: three years in information security and one in one of the six CCSP domains.

The six CCSP domains include:

• Cloud architecture and design

• Cloud data security

• Cloud platform and infrastructure security

• Cloud application security

• Cloud security operations

• Legal, risk, and compliance

Full-time, part-time, and paid or unpaid internships count toward the experience requirement. Earning the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) from the Cloud Security Alliance also counts toward one year of experience in one of the six domains. 

If you have relevant IT and information security experience but haven’t yet worked with a cloud environment, earning the CCSK could be a faster option than accruing a year of experience in cloud security. The CCSK has no experience requirements.

Another option if you're starting out in cybersecurity is to consider an entry-level credential, like the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. You can build job-ready skills in less than eight months while earning a shareable Professional Certificate from an industry leader.

What does the CCSP exam cover?

The multiple-choice exam questions cover each of the six (ISC)² CCSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) domains listed above. Each account for 17 per cent of your grade except cloud data security at 20 per cent, legal, risk, and compliance at 13 per cent, and cloud security operations at 16 per cent [4]. 

The CCSP Certification Exam Outline goes into detail about what you need to know for each domain.

Preparing for the CCSP exam

The CCSP is a knowledge-based exam with a clear outline of six domains. While experience is an excellent teacher, it’s often a good idea to set aside extra time to prepare for the exam. Depending on your learning style and other obligations, you have more than one right way to prepare. Here are a few options:

• Exam prep course: Several companies offer training for the CCSP. While you’ll have to figure in the extra cost, a course could be helpful for those who prefer a more structured learning environment.

• Practice tests: When you take practice exams ahead of the real thing, you can identify areas where you may need to spend more time, and you can build confidence on test day by knowing what to expect. (ISC)² offers an official set of practice tests with 1,000-plus questions, an official CCSP study app, flashcards, online study groups, and more. Access these resources via the (ISC)² website [5]. 

• Study groups: Learning with others can be a fun way to keep yourself motivated as exam day approaches. If you’re looking for fellow exam takers to form a study group, start with forums like the subreddit r/CCSP.

Tips for CCSP exam success

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare:

• Register for the exam to give yourself a date to work toward. Consider your other obligations and pick a date that is realistic for you.

• Set aside a little time each day to study. Even 15 minutes a day can add up when you’re consistent.

• You don’t get penalized for incorrect answers on the CCSP exam, so use the process of elimination and make your best guess.

• You can flag questions to skip and come back to later. Remember, you have three hours to finish—that works out to nearly 90 seconds per question.

Is the CCSP right for me?

If you’re working in cybersecurity and are interested in specializing in cloud security, becoming a CCSP could be a worthwhile investment. Glassdoor reports an average salary of $101,735 in Canada for all cloud security positions with or without a CCSP certification [6].

Suppose you’re just starting in cybersecurity but might be interested in working in cloud security. In that case, the CCSP might be something to aim for as you build experience and earn more beginner-friendly credentials, like the CCSK.

Jobs that hire for CCSP

As more companies work with cloud technologies, it’s common for cybersecurity professionals in various roles to need cloud security skills. Here’s a look at some of the jobs listed on LinkedIn that require or prefer a CCSP:

• Product security engineer

• Cybersecurity solutions architect

• Application security architect

• Cloud security engineer

• Information security auditor

• Compliance technology specialist

• Information security manager

Benefits of a CCSP certification

Becoming a CCSP could help you advance into a better, higher-paying job. But it could also come with other benefits.

• Learn new skills: Preparing for the CCSP certification exam could double as a way to develop your vendor-neutral cloud security skills in a more structured way.

• On-the-job confidence: The knowledge and skills you gain by attaining CCSP status could help you be better prepared to solve cloud security problems in the real world.

• Networking: Earning the CCSP also gives you membership to (ISC)², which includes networking opportunities and professional development resources. 

CCSP vs. CISSP

Suppose you have several years of experience working in cybersecurity. In that case, you may need to choose between the CCSP and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), two reputable security certifications from (ISC)². 

Which you choose depends on your experience level and career goals. The CCSP requires five years of experience, whereas the CISSP doubles that requirement to 10 years of cumulative experience. This could be a limiting factor if you’re still early in your career.

The CSSP focuses on cloud security specifically, while the CISSP covers cybersecurity topics more broadly and may be desirable for a broader range of jobs.

It’s also possible to start with the CCSP to advance your career, build experience, and later work toward the CISSP. 

Get started in cybersecurity.

Curious if a job in cybersecurity could be a good fit? Experience the work of a cybersecurity analyst as you build job-ready skills with the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. Learn at your own pace from top industry experts at IBM as you earn a credential for your resume.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)