CCSPCertified Cloud Security Professional
The premier cloud security credential from ISC2
Exam details independently verified January 2026
About this certification
The CCSP is a senior-level cloud security certification from ISC2 covering architecture, design, operations, and compliance of cloud environments. It demonstrates deep expertise in securing multi-cloud infrastructure and is widely recognized alongside CISSP as a senior security credential. Requires 5 years of IT experience with 3 years in cloud security.
MyCertPath verdict
The (ISC)² certification for cloud security — required-or-preferred reading for security architects working in AWS, Azure, or GCP environments. CCSP holders typically have or are pursuing CISSP; the two pair naturally. Recognized globally and particularly strong in regulated and government contexts.
What it actually tests
125 questions in three hours across six domains. Vendor-neutral but expects working familiarity with cloud architecture across the major providers. Heavy on data security, legal and compliance, and risk — lighter on hands-on cloud configuration.
Common traps
Things candidates underestimate or get wrong on this exam.
- Approaching it as a hands-on cloud exam. CCSP is policy- and architecture-focused, not configuration-focused.
- Not budgeting study time for the legal and compliance domains.
- Assuming CISSP prep covers CCSP. The overlap is meaningful but partial — the cloud-specific material needs its own pass.
What you'll validate
- ✓Cloud concepts, architecture and design
- ✓Cloud data security
- ✓Cloud platform and infrastructure security
- ✓Cloud application security
- ✓Cloud security operations
- ✓Legal, risk, and compliance
- ✓Encryption and key management in cloud
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Gold-standard cloud security credential
- +Recognized alongside CISSP globally
- +Covers all major cloud providers
- +Significant salary premium in cloud security roles
Disadvantages
- −Steep experience requirements (5 years)
- −Expensive exam and ongoing maintenance fees
- −Broad scope requires substantial study time
Who it's for
Best for
- →Senior security professionals moving into cloud
- →Cloud architects adding security depth
- →Security managers overseeing cloud environments
Not ideal for
- ×Entry/mid-level practitioners without 5 years experience
- ×Those seeking a purely hands-on/technical credential
Career paths this unlocks
Study Resources
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Register for the exam
Official registration only — no third-party resellers. (ISC)² offers candidate discounts for members.
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Jobs for CCSP holders
CCSP holders report $10k–$30k+ salary uplift on average.
LinkedIn Jobs
Updated daily
Indeed
Dice (tech roles)
Tech-focused job board
CyberSeek (cyber only)
NIST-backed supply/demand tool
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $599 (Price may vary by region; ISC2 membership required for maintenance)
- Exam Duration
- 180 minutes
- Questions
- ~125
- Passing Score
- 700 out of 1000 (scaled)
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice
- Study Time
- ~130 hours
- Validity
- 3 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong ($10k–$30k+ uplift reported)
- Certified Globally
- 20,000+
- Last Verified
- January 2026
Prerequisites
- !5 years of paid IT experience, including 3 years in information security
- !1 year in one or more of the 6 CCSP domains (or CCSK as substitute)
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