Trying to advance your IT profession? Then changing into a Licensed Cloud Safety Skilled (CCSP) may be for you. On this certification information, we’ll go over what the CCSP is, learn how to get it, CCSP profession prospects and wage, how the CCSP compares to different IT certifications, and extra!
Let’s get began!
What Is CCSP?
CCSP stands for Licensed Cloud Safety Skilled. It’s a vendor-neutral cloud safety certification administered by (ISC)² and developed in partnership with the Cloud Safety Alliance (CSA). It was first launched in April 2015 at a safety convention hosted by RSA.
Immediately, greater than 10,000 safety professionals maintain the CCSP certification, and it’s thought-about one of many prime IT credentials on the planet. The truth is, Certification Journal constantly ranks it as one of many prime certificates for IT professionals to pursue.
The CCSP certifies that you know the way to design, handle, and safe cloud information, purposes, and infrastructure. Within the IT business, it’s a badge of honor (fairly actually). You need to use it to show your abilities to potential employers and advance your profession.
The CCSP is acknowledged and revered worldwide. Incomes it’s going to open up new job alternatives you wouldn’t have in any other case, together with worldwide ones.
It is because the CCSP is issued by (ISC)², the world’s main cybersecurity skilled group. (ISC)² is a global nonprofit membership affiliation based in 1989 with over 168,000 licensed members.
The CCSP offers you on the spot credibility throughout six area areas:
- Cloud Ideas, Structure and Design
- Cloud Knowledge Safety
- Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Safety
- Cloud Utility Safety
- Cloud Safety Operations
- Authorized, Threat, and Compliance
Corporations and organizations that rent cloud safety professionals search for job candidates which have the CCSP certification. It’s a straightforward method for them to find out your expertise and talent degree.
So if you wish to take your IT profession to the subsequent degree, the CCSP may be for you. Learn on to be taught extra about it and what it takes to certify.
What Does a Licensed Cloud Safety Skilled Do?
Now, you would possibly marvel what precisely a Licensed Cloud Safety Skilled does. It is a onerous query to reply for the reason that CCSP certificates may also help put together you for a lot of positions.
The (ISC)² means that the CCSP is right for “IT and knowledge safety leaders accountable for making use of finest practices to cloud safety structure, design, operations, and repair orchestration.” It then lists widespread CCSP positions:
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Guide
- Cloud Administrator
- Cloud Safety Analyst
- Cloud Specialist
- Auditor of Cloud Computing Providers
- Skilled Cloud Developer
The CCSP examination define provides you an thought of what a typical CCSP should know and do. Right here’s a full listing of CCSP abilities and duties (organized by area):
Area 1: Cloud Ideas, Structure, and Design
- Perceive cloud computing ideas
- Describe cloud reference structure
- Perceive safety ideas related to cloud computing
- Perceive design rules of safe cloud computing
- Consider cloud service suppliers
Area 2: Cloud Knowledge Safety
- Describe cloud information ideas
- Design and implement cloud information storage architectures
- Design and apply information safety applied sciences and techniques
- Implement information discovery
- Plan and implement information classification
- Design and implement Data Rights Administration (IRM)
- Plan and implement information retention, deletion and archiving insurance policies
- Design and implement auditability, traceability and accountability of knowledge occasions
Area 3: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Safety
- Comprehend cloud infrastructure and platform parts
- Design a safe information middle
- Analyze dangers related to cloud infrastructure and platforms
- Plan and implement safety controls
- Plan enterprise continuity (BC) and catastrophe restoration (DR)
Area 4: Cloud Utility Safety
- Advocate coaching and consciousness for utility safety
- Describe the Safe Software program Improvement Life Cycle (SDLC) course of
- Apply the Safe Software program Improvement Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Apply cloud software program assurance and validation
- Use verified safe software program
- Comprehend the specifics of cloud utility structure
- Design acceptable id and entry administration (IAM) options
Area 5: Cloud Safety Operations
- Construct and implement bodily and logical infrastructure for cloud setting
- Function and preserve bodily and logical infrastructure for cloud setting
- Implement operational controls and requirements (e.g., Data Know-how Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Worldwide Group for Standardization/Worldwide Electrotechnical Fee (ISO/IEC) 20000-1)
- Assist digital forensics
- Handle communication with related events
- Handle safety operations
Area 6: Authorized, Threat, and Compliance
- Articulate authorized necessities and distinctive dangers inside the cloud setting
- Perceive privateness points
- Perceive audit course of, methodologies, and required variations for a cloud setting
- Perceive the implications of cloud to enterprise threat administration
- Perceive outsourcing and cloud contract design
If any of the above seems like one thing you’d take pleasure in, then you definitely’ll love being a CCSP. Within the subsequent part, we’ll go over what it’s worthwhile to do to earn the CCSP certificates.
The right way to Change into CCSP Licensed
If you wish to turn into CCSP Licensed, there are just a few steps it’s worthwhile to comply with. Right here they’re so as:
1. Meet the expertise requirement.
To qualify for the CCSP certification, you could have not less than 5 years of paid work expertise in IT, three of which should be in data safety and one in every of which should be in a number of of the six CCSP domains (cloud ideas, structure, and design; cloud information safety; cloud platform and infrastructure safety; cloud utility safety; cloud safety operations; authorized, threat, and compliance).
(ISC)² counts work expertise by month. To earn one month of full-time work expertise, you could have labored not less than 35 hours per week for 4 consecutive weeks.
Half-time work counts, too. Any work expertise through which you’re employed for not less than 20 hours per week however not more than 34 hours per week is taken into account part-time. 1040 hours of part-time work is the same as 6 months of full-time expertise, and 2080 hours of part-time work is the same as 12 months of full-time expertise.
Internships depend, too (each paid and unpaid). All you want is documentation from a supervisor confirming your place and the variety of hours you labored.
That stated, you’ll be able to typically waive half or all the CCSP work expertise necessities. For instance, having the CCSK certificates counts towards one yr of expertise in a CCSP area, and having the CISSP certificates fulfills your entire CCSP work expertise requirement.
Nonetheless don’t have sufficient work expertise? That’s okay. (ISC)² will allow you to take the CCSP examination anyway, and in the event you cross, they’ll award you an Affiliate of (ISC)². You’ll then have six years to earn the required 5 years of labor expertise to acquire the CCSP certificates.
2. Go the CCSP examination
When you’ve met the CCSP work expertise necessities, you’re able to take the CCSP examination. It is a four-hour-long take a look at with 100 scored multiple-choice questions and 50 unscored pretest objects. Please notice the variety of unscored pretest objects elevated from 25 to 50 on August 1, 2022.
The scored questions take a look at your information throughout six CSSP domains. Right here they’re with the relative proportion of questions per area:
- Cloud Ideas, Structure, and Design (17%)
- Cloud Knowledge Safety (20%)
- Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Safety (17%)
- Cloud Utility Safety (17%)
- Cloud Safety Operations (16%)
- Authorized, Threat, and Compliance (13%)
Remember the fact that the weighting of domains on the CCSP examination additionally modified just lately. On August 1, 2022, the proportion of cloud information safety questions elevated from 19% to twenty%, and the proportion of cloud safety operations decreased from 17% to 16%.
To cross the CSSP examination, you could rating not less than 700 out of 1000 factors (i.e. 70%). The examination is accessible at testing facilities throughout 882 areas in 114 international locations and in six completely different languages: English, Chinese language, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
To schedule the CSSP examination, create an account with Pearson VUE. From there, you’ll have the ability to choose a location and time to take the take a look at and pay the $599 examination registration price.
3. Get endorsed by an (ISC)² licensed skilled
When you cross the CSSP examination and meet the work expertise necessities, you solely have just a few steps left to get your certification. One in every of them is to get endorsed by one other (ISC)² licensed skilled in good standing.
If you happen to don’t know any (ISC)² members, that’s okay. You may as well get endorsed by (ISC)² itself. Both method, they might want to attest to your skilled work expertise. You’ve gotten 9 months from the time you cross the CSSP examination to have them do that, after which you could retake the examination.
It’s additionally value noting that (ISC)² audits CSSP candidates at random. If you’re chosen, you may be required to submit further data for verification. So don’t attempt to fudge any numbers. Not solely is it mistaken, however you may be disqualified from incomes the CCSP in the event you’re caught.
4. Comply with the (ISC)² Code of Ethics
Subsequent, you could comply with the (ISC)² Code of Ethics earlier than you’ll be able to obtain your CSSP certificates. This consists of adhering to the next preamble:
- The protection and welfare of society and the widespread good, obligation to our principals, and to one another, requires that we adhere, and be seen to stick, to the best moral requirements of conduct.
- Subsequently, strict adherence to this Code is a situation of certification.
It additionally means you could decide to do the next:
- Shield society, the widespread good, crucial public belief and confidence, and the infrastructure.
- Act honorably, truthfully, justly, responsibly, and legally.
- Present diligent and competent service to principals.
- Advance and shield the career.
If you happen to don’t have an issue agreeing to the above, you’re in fine condition to get the CSSP.
5. Pay your first annual upkeep price (AMF)
Lastly, you could pay your first annual upkeep price (AMF), which is $125 per yr. Nevertheless, in the event you solely get your Associates of (ISC)², it’s simply $50 per yr.
The AMF is due on the anniversary of your certification date (you probably have a number of certifications, it’s the date of your earliest certification). You’ll be able to pay it on-line by way of bank card, wire switch, or a examine within the mail. (In case your employer gave you an (ISC)² coaching voucher, you should utilize that, too.)
That’s it! When you full the 5 steps above, you’ll get your CCSP certificates despatched to you inside just a few quick weeks.
To keep up your CCSP certification, you’ll must proceed paying the $125 AMF yearly and recertify by finishing 90 persevering with skilled training (CPE) credit each three years.
What Does the CCSP Certification Price?
Incomes the CCSP will price you some cash. For one, you’ll must pay for the examination. The examination value (and taxes) will differ by location, however it’s 599 USD within the US, 479 GBP within the UK, and 555 Euro in different European international locations.
That stated, you even have the choice to pay for the examination with an (ISC)² examination voucher. Your employer should buy them in bulk for workers and switch them to anybody inside the group. However watch out for non-official voucher suppliers as (ISC)² is the one group licensed to difficulty them.
You’ll be able to cancel or reschedule your CSSP examination inside three hundred and sixty five days of registering, after which the examination price gained’t be refunded. To cancel or reschedule earlier than then, contact Pearson VUE on-line inside 48 hours of the examination or by telephone inside 24 hours of the examination. You’ll be able to then reschedule for a price of $50 or cancel for $100.
To keep up your CSSP, you’ll must pay an annual upkeep price (AMF) of $125. If you happen to solely get your Associates of (ISC)², it’s simply $50 per yr.
Taken collectively, the CCSP certification prices $724 the primary yr, after which $125 yearly after that. When you think about the potential wage enhance and profession alternatives that include having the CSSP certificates, it’s a small value to pay.
Which One Is Finest within the Cyber Safety Discipline: CCSP or CISM?
The CCSP isn’t the one certificates you may get to advance your cyber safety profession. The CISM (Licensed Data Safety Supervisor) by ISACA also can do the job. Let’s go over what the 2 have in widespread first:
The CCSP and the CISM are each vendor-neutral IT safety certifications that require having 5 years of labor expertise and passing a 150-question examination. For every, you additionally want to stick to a code of ethics and full persevering with training credit to keep up the certification.
That stated, the CCSP and the CISM even have essential variations. For instance, the CISM focuses on data safety extra usually (together with data safety governance, threat administration, program, and incident administration), whereas CCSP is geared completely towards cloud safety.
As well as, the CISM examination prices $760 ($575 for ISACA members), whereas the CCSP examination solely prices $599.
So which certification is finest? It actually relies on your profession targets. If you realize you wish to work in cloud safety (a market anticipated to develop from $8.33 billion in 2020 to 36.43 billion by 2028), then the CCSP is the way in which to go. Nevertheless, in the event you’re excited about IT safety extra usually otherwise you’re undecided what to concentrate on, getting the CISM could possibly be the higher route.
In the end, it’s as much as you. Do your analysis, weigh your choices, and pursue the certification that most accurately fits your wants. And keep in mind, there’s no hurt in getting each. The CCSP and the CISM are extra complementary than they’re completely different.
How Can I Go the (ISC)² CCSP Examination?
Passing the (ISC)² CCSP Examination isn’t simple. It takes a number of preparation and onerous work. To extend your possibilities of passing, listed here are some issues you are able to do:
1. Know the examination format.
Step one is to familiarize your self with the CCSP examination format. In contrast to the CISSP examination, for instance, the CCSP is simply provided as a conventional linear take a look at, not a pc adaptive take a look at (CAT) (although this will likely change sooner or later).
The CCSP is made up of 150 a number of selection questions, 50 of that are unscored. You’ve gotten 4 hours to finish the examination, and you could rating 700 out of 1000 factors to cross.
2. Research for the examination.
To cross the CCSP examination, it’s worthwhile to research—rather a lot. Fortunately, (ISC)² provides many research sources that can assist you, together with:
- An official (ISC)² information to the CCSP CBK
- An official (ISC)² CCSP research information
- Official (ISC)² CCSP apply exams
- A CCSP For Dummies e-book
- An official CCSP research app
- Official CCSP flash playing cards
- And CCSP on-line research teams
Select a research useful resource that matches your studying model. Then select a date for once you wish to take the CCSP examination and design a research plan. You must give your self ample time to arrange so that you just don’t should let different areas of your life endure (e.g. household and work). The sooner you begin finding out, the higher.
3. Take a course.
As essential as it’s to review alone, typically it additionally helps to review with others, aka take an examination prep course.
CCSP programs are available many codecs. Some are in-person, and others are digital. Some are self-paced, and others comply with a schedule (together with intensive boot-camp-style schedules that final just a few days). The proper course format for you’ll rely in your time horizon, finances, and studying model.
Let’s go over a few of your course choices. For one, you’ll be able to take a CCSP course by (ISC)² itself. It provides classroom-based, on-line instructor-led, on-line self-paced, and personal on-site CCSP programs.
Alternatively, there are numerous CCSP programs provided by third-party firms at reasonably priced charges. For instance, you’ll be able to take the Licensed Cloud Safety Skilled Course by Readynez.
It’s out there in digital format for $2,950 or in classroom format for $3,990. Each span 4 days and embrace all course supplies and a certificates assure. The classroom course additionally consists of lodging and all meals. That is an particularly nice solution to put together for the CCSP in case you are on a good schedule or have little time left earlier than your examination date.
4. Take apply exams.
You don’t know what taking the CCSP examination is like till you really take it. However you may get an excellent style with apply exams. Follow exams are similar to the true factor, besides that they don’t depend towards your certification.
We suggest taking as many CCSP apply exams as you’ll be able to to arrange. Simulate the true examination setting by giving your self a four-hour time restrict and eradicating any distractions. Then examine your solutions with a grading key and see how you probably did. If you happen to discover that you just wrestle particularly areas, give attention to them once you research.
You will discover loads of free and paid CCSP apply exams on-line. Simply do a easy Google search.
5. Develop good test-taking abilities.
As with every examination, a lot of your efficiency on the CCSP examination comes right down to test-taking abilities. Listed below are some good habits to develop as you’re taking apply exams:
- Learn questions fastidiously. Pay particular consideration to phrases like “all” or “none” that change the that means of a query.
- Tempo your self. Keep in mind, you’ve gotten 4 hours to finish the examination. Once you don’t know the reply, mark the query, transfer on, and return to it you probably have time on the finish of the examination.
- Use the method of elimination. If you realize some reply decisions are mistaken, cross them out so you’ll be able to slim down the best reply.
You must also arrive on the testing middle early. Give your self an excellent time cushion in case you run into visitors. You don’t wish to be harassed earlier than the examination even begins!
Come to the examination effectively rested and fed. Get an excellent evening’s relaxation the evening earlier than, have a hearty breakfast, and convey some water. 4 hours is a very long time. So be sure you’ll have the power and stamina to get by way of it.
6. Request particular lodging if wanted.
Lastly, (ISC)² provides particular examination lodging to people who want them. When you’ve got particular wants, don’t hesitate to make it recognized by filling out an lodging type earlier than your register for the examination. E-mail it to examadministration@isc2.org with the next:
- A proof of the lodging you want
- Documentation supporting the lodging
- The examination you wish to take
- The examination location
Particular examination lodging are accredited on a case-by-case foundation. As soon as accredited, (ISC)² sends them to Pearson VUE, whom you’ll be able to contact after two to 3 enterprise days to schedule your examination.
If you happen to comply with all of the above steps, you’re more likely to cross the CCSP examination.
Is getting Licensed in CCSP value It?
At this level, you could marvel if getting the CSCP is value it. In any case, it takes a number of work, time, and even some cash. However we’re right here to inform you it’s undoubtedly value it. Once you earn the CCSP, you get to:
- Be part of a worldwide neighborhood. There are over 168,000 licensed (ISC)² members, over 10,000 of which maintain the CCSP certification. This implies you’ll be able to community with different professionals in your subject, share and be taught one of the best IT cloud practices, hear about new job postings, and keep on prime of the most recent business tendencies and developments. You’ll be able to even be a part of an area (ISC)² chapter in your space.
- Earn member perks. As an (ISC)² member, you get a number of member perks, together with reductions on (ISC)² occasions, 50% off official (ISC)² textbooks, and a free subscription to the bimonthly InfoSecurity Skilled e-magazine. These perks alone could be value getting the CCSP.
- Proceed to be taught. To keep up your CCSP certification, you could often earn persevering with skilled training (CPE) credit. This includes attending occasions and webinars, mentoring, volunteering, and taking courses by way of the Skilled Improvement Institute (PDI). The PDI provides 35 specific studying, immersive and lab-style programs—all of which can assist maintain your cloud safety abilities sharp and keep up-to-date on the most recent business tendencies and developments. There’s no higher solution to put money into your self and your IT profession growth.
- Advance your profession. With regards to touchdown IT jobs and promotions, having the CCSP certificates helps you stand out out of your friends. Your CCSP certificates will sign to employers that you’re an knowledgeable in cloud safety. Plus, it’s a extremely versatile certificates that may profit you throughout different IT positions as effectively. You by no means know when it would turn out to be useful!
- Enhance your wage. On common, (ISC)² members report incomes 35% greater than non-members. With that form of wage enhance, the CCSP examination and recertification charges can pay for themselves very quickly. Within the US, the common CCSP earns $138,610!
In the end, you should be the one to resolve if the CCSP is value it. However given what we all know concerning the CCSP holders, it’s clear that certifying has some big benefits!
How Essential Is the CCSP Certification?
Getting the CCSP certification might not appear that essential to you proper now, however it’s changing into an increasing number of essential over time. Cloud computing is a big market anticipated to achieve $1.614.1 trillion by 2030! Meaning firms will want extra CCSPs within the coming years. However that’s not the one purpose the CCSP is essential.
The CCSP certification can be an essential signal of credibility. Organizations and corporations world wide acknowledge and respect the certification and search for it in job candidates. The CCSP is accredited by the American Nationwide Requirements Institute (ANSI) below ANSI/ISO/IEC Commonplace 17024.
As well as, the CCSP performs an essential position in providing cloud safety professionals a standard language for all issues cloud safety. As a result of CCSP is vendor-neutral, it helps everybody keep on the identical web page in the case of cloud safety terminology and strategies.
All in all, there’s no higher solution to deepen your cloud safety information than by getting the CCSP. It’s essential for anybody working in (or excited about working in) the sector.
CCSP Certification: Overview and Profession Path
The CCSP is probably the most complete vendor-neutral cloud safety certification on the market. The one different cloud safety certification that comes shut is the Certificates of Cloud Safety Information (CCSK) by the Cloud Safety Alliance (CSA).
The truth is, in the event you earn their CCSK, you’ll be able to waive one yr of labor expertise for the CCSP. That’s how you realize the CCSP is the superior certification.
To qualify for the CCSP certificates, you could have 5 years of labor expertise, cross the CCSP examination, comply with the (ISC)² Code of Ethics, get endorsed by one other (ISC)² member in good standing, and pay an annual upkeep price (AMF).
Listed below are the six domains that the CCSP examination covers (and the proportion of questions they make up on the examination):
- Cloud Ideas, Structure, and Design (17%). This covers the background information to understanding cloud computing techniques.
- Cloud Knowledge Safety (20%). This covers completely different methods for safeguarding cloud information and implementing safety applications and procedures.
- Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Safety (17%). This covers completely different parts of a sound cloud infrastructure, together with catastrophe restoration, enterprise continuity, and extra.
- Cloud Utility Safety (17%). This covers making use of the Safe Software program Improvement Life Cycle (SDLC) and designing acceptable id and entry administration (IAM) options.
- Cloud Safety Operations (16%). This covers working and managing bodily and logical cloud infrastructure, managing communication with third events, and extra.
- Authorized, Threat, and Compliance (13%). This covers all of the authorized necessities, distinctive dangers, privateness points, audit processes, and outsourcing that include operating a cloud setting.
Incomes the CCSP will open a world of latest alternatives for you. In line with the (ISC)² web site, the CCSP is right for individuals who wish to work within the following positions:
- Cloud Architect—This individual is accountable for overseeing an organization’s cloud computing technique, together with cloud utility design, cloud adoption plans, and cloud monitoring and administration.
- Cloud Engineer—This individual is accountable for all of the technical elements of cloud computing, like design, planning, administration, and assist.
- Cloud Guide—This individual consults firms on one of the best cloud computing methods and options. They’re well-versed within the technical aspect of cloud safety but in addition expert at speaking cloud safety ideas in layman’s phrases.
- Cloud Administrator—This individual works to keep up the infrastructure of a company’s cloud construction in order that it continues to run effectively with out disruptions.
- Cloud Safety Analyst—This individual evaluates cloud safety applied sciences and infrastructure and makes positive they conform to safety requirements. In addition they monitor and doc cloud environments.
- Cloud Specialist—This individual helps organizations migrate their information and companies to the cloud. They’re instrumental in an organization’s digital transformation.
- Auditor of Cloud Computing Providers—This individual ensures that an organization’s cloud information and companies are protected with the suitable controls.
- Skilled Cloud Developer—This individual applications laptop purposes that function within the cloud. The position is much like that of a software program developer, besides that it includes growing cloud software program completely.
As you’ll be able to see, there are numerous completely different profession instructions you’ll be able to take with a CSSP certificates. It’ll look good in your résumé regardless of the place you go.
Within the closing part, we’ll go over how a lot you’ll be able to count on to make as a CCSP.
How A lot Can Licensed Cloud Safety Professionals Make – 2022 Overview
On common, CCSPs earn 35% greater than uncertified cloud professionals. And in keeping with one estimate, the common wage for a CCSP is $138,610!
After all, the quantity you can also make will differ by place. In line with Payscale.com, you’ll be able to count on your wage to be within the following ranges:
- Safety Architect: $94k – $160k ($126,595 common)
- Safety Engineer: $76k – $145k ($107,500 common)
- Data Safety Analyst: $65k – $80k ($73,289 common)
- Cyber Safety Engineer: $97k – $147k ($120,000 common)
- Data Safety Supervisor: $110k – $128k ($116,981 common)
- Safety Analyst: $70k – $83k ($74,546 common)
- Director of Computing/Networking/IT Safety: $130k – $178k ($160,994 common)
- Cyber Safety Analyst: $94k – $158k ($113,000 common)
Your anticipated wage as a CCSP may even differ by location. In line with a 2021 Certification Journal survey, the common CCSP wage is $150,400 in North America and $119,880 globally.
As for different areas of the world, an (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Research exhibits the next common CCSP salaries:
- Asia-Pacific: $61,835
- Europe, Center East, and Africa: $78,548
- Latin America: $16,476
If you happen to’re able to take your cyber safety profession to the subsequent degree otherwise you’re excited about studying extra about cloud safety, take the Licensed Cloud Safety Skilled Course by Readynez. It’ll go over every thing it’s worthwhile to know to cross the CCSP examination inside 4 days, and you’ll select to do it on-line or in individual.
And one of the best half? It’s solely $2,950 for the digital course or $3,990 for the in-person course, and it comes with a certification assure! If you wish to be sure you cross the CCSP, that is the way in which to go. Contact us at the moment to be taught extra!
