How much does CCSP certification cost?
How much does CCSP certification cost?
$599 CCSP exam fee
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CCSP certification cost
The CCSP exam costs $599. Study materials to help you prepare for the exam range from $25 to $100 for books, practice exams, or mobile apps. Training courses cost $500 to $3,000, depending on whether they are self-paced programs or live, instructor-led bootcamps.
To keep your CCSP certification active, you must also pay a $135 annual maintenance fee.
| Factor | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $599 |
| Exam with one retake | $798 |
| Rescheduling fee | $50 |
| Cancellation fee | $100 |
| ISC2 annual maintenance fee (AMF) | $135 per year |
| Study materials | $25 – $100+ |
| Training course | $500 – $3,000 |
What is CCSP certification?
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a globally recognized credential that validates your expertise in cloud security architecture, design, and operations. Developed by ISC2 with the Cloud Security Alliance, it demonstrates advanced skills required to design, manage, and secure data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud.
CCSP certification targets IT and information security professionals with cloud security experience. It covers critical aspects across Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), signaling to employers your understanding of both technical and strategic cloud security.
What is on the CCSP exam?
The CCSP exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), with the exam length ranging from 100 to 150 questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
The exam covers six domains that test your practical knowledge and real-world application of cloud security concepts:
Domain 1: Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design (17%) covers cloud computing concepts, reference architecture, service models, and security fundamentals.
Domain 2: Cloud Data Security (20%) addresses data classification, storage architectures, security controls, and lifecycle management.
Domain 3: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security (17%) examines physical and logical infrastructure, network security, and virtualization.
Domain 4: Cloud Application Security (17%) covers secure development lifecycle, application security testing, and identity management.
Domain 5: Cloud Security Operations (16%) deals with operational controls, monitoring, incident response, and disaster recovery.
Domain 6: Legal, Risk and Compliance (13%) addresses legal requirements, risk management, audits, and compliance considerations.
CCSP certification requirements
To earn CCSP certification, you need five years of cumulative work experience in information technology, including three years in information security and one year in a CCSP domain.
ISC2 offers flexibility through prerequisite waivers. CISSP holders or those with other approved ISC2 certifications satisfy the one-year domain requirement automatically. Education credentials can also substitute for up to one year of experience.
If you pass the exam but don't yet meet the experience requirements, you can become an Associate of ISC2 and have six years to fulfill the requirements.
After obtaining CCSP, you must earn 90 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years to maintain certification. At least 60 of those credits must be directly related to cloud security topics.
FAQs about CCSP certification
Is CCSP certification worth it?
For many professionals, CCSP certification is worth it. The credential is highly respected in the cloud security field and can lead to career advancement, higher salaries, and broader job opportunities.
The CCSP provides structured knowledge for approaching cloud security strategically across all major domains. It's particularly valuable in industries with strict compliance requirements like healthcare, finance, or government. However, early-career professionals without required experience might consider building foundational skills through other certifications first.
Can I take the CCSP exam online?
Yes, the CCSP exam is available through online proctoring and physical testing centers. The online option through Pearson VUE allows testing from home or office, eliminating travel time. You'll need reliable internet, a computer with webcam and microphone, and a quiet private space.
Alternatively, you can test at a Pearson VUE center for a dedicated environment. Both options offer identical content and security standards.
How hard is the CCSP exam?
The CCSP exam is challenging, with pass rates lower than many entry-level certifications. A passing score is 700 out of 1,000. The test covers six domains requiring broad knowledge and deep technical understanding. Questions present complex scenarios testing application of concepts rather than simple recall.
Questions are intentionally nuanced with multiple plausible answers. Time management is challenging, as scenario-based questions require careful analysis.
Questions to ask a CCSP tutor or instructor
Ask these questions to help you find the best CCSP test prep tutor:
What is your cloud security experience, and do you hold the CCSP certification?
How do you structure your training program based on exam domain weighting?
What study materials and resources do you provide?
How do you incorporate hands-on labs to reinforce concepts?
Can you provide practice exams reflecting actual exam difficulty?
What are your students' first-attempt pass rate, and what retake support do you offer?
How do you stay current with CCSP exam changes and cloud security practices?
What is your availability for questions between sessions?
Do you offer guarantees or additional support if a student doesn't pass initially?
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