CCSP
Certified Cloud Security Professional · ISC2
The CCSP is the vendor-neutral reference for cloud security architects: it covers cloud concepts and design, data and platform security, application security, operations and the legal, risk and compliance side. Developed by ISC2 with input from the Cloud Security Alliance, it is well regarded by large organisations and cloud consultancies. Its strength is that neutral view across providers; its limit is that it stays theoretical, so it pairs well with a hands-on provider certification.
- Exam
- Computerised adaptive test (CAT) since 1 October 2025: 100 to 150 questions in 3 h, pass mark 700/1,000. New exam outline since 1 August 2026.
- Exam price
- $599€575.04 in Europe.
- Required experience
- Five years of full-time IT experience, including three in cybersecurity and one in at least one of the six CCSP domains. The CCSK or a degree can waive one year; an active CISSP replaces the whole requirement.
- Validity and maintenance
- 3-year cycle: 90 CPE credits (30 per year) and an annual maintenance fee of US$135, a single fee however many ISC2 certifications you hold.
- Format
- Adaptive multiple choice
- Recognition
- ISO/IEC 17024 accredited · DoD 8140 approved
Who is it for?
Experienced security or IT professionals who design or audit cloud environments: cloud architects, security consultants, CISOs of cloud-first organisations.
Domains covered
- Cloud concepts, architecture and design: 17%
- Cloud data security: 20%
- Cloud platform and infrastructure security: 17%
- Cloud application security: 16%
- Cloud security operations: 17%
- Legal, risk and compliance: 13%
Belinda’s take
Information checked on 2 October 2026 against the official site. Prices exclude tax and training, and may change.
The certification names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners. KrakenShield is not affiliated with any certification body and does not reproduce any exam question.
