Passing the ISC2 CCSP Exam: Top Tips

  • ISC2 CCSP exam
  • Published by: André Hammer on Feb 01, 2024
Blog Alt EN

Are you preparing for the ISC2 CCSP exam? This article has top tips to help you succeed in getting certified as a Certified Cloud Security Professional. These practical and effective strategies will help you ace the exam and advance your career in cloud security. Let's dive into these top tips and get you ready to conquer the CCSP exam!

Understanding the ISC2 CCSP Exam Structure

Overview of the Exam Outline

ISC2 websiteThe ISC2 CCSP exam outline gives an overview of key components, like the total number of questions and maximum time for the exam.

The breakdown of examination weights shows the percentage of questions for each domain, helping candidates focus their study.

The examination information section gives details about the type and format of questions, and the passing score criteria. This helps candidates prepare effectively.

Breakdown of Examination Weights

The ISC2 CCSP exam has different domains, each with its own percentage weight. For example, Domain 1: Architectural Concepts & Design Requirements is 25%, Domain 2: Cloud Data Security is 19%, Domain 3: Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security is 17%, Domain 4: Cloud Application Security is 17%, and Domain 5: Operations is 22%.

This means candidates need to understand each domain well to pass the exam. The areas with the most weight are cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration. Candidates must grasp these topics to excel in the examination.

Examination Information at a Glance

The ISC2 CCSP exam has six domains: Cloud Concepts, Architecture, Governance, Risk, Compliance, Data Security, and Encryption and IAM.

The exam format includes 125 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a maximum of three hours.

Candidates are graded on a scale of 1000, with a passing grade of 700.

To qualify for the CCSP accreditation, candidates need at least five years' experience in IT, with three years in security and one in cloud security specifically.

To maintain their certification, CCSPs must earn 90 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits over three years, with a minimum of 30 CPEs annually.

By understanding these key details, examination weights, and qualification requirements, candidates can confidently approach the CCSP exam and aim to become certified in cloud security.

Eligibility and Experience Requirements for Candidates

Minimum Experience Requirements

To take the ISC2 CCSP certification exam, candidates need five years of full-time professional work experience in IT. At least three years must be in information security, with one year in cloud security. Having a four-year college degree or certain approved credentials can grant a one-year experience waiver. Examples of qualifying credentials include CISSP, CISA, CISM, CompTIA Security+, and CCNA Security.

It's important to check the official ISC2 website for the latest requirements and ensurequalifications meet the criteria before taking the exam. These experience requirements demonstrate a candidate's comprehensive understanding and practical knowledge of cloud security concepts and best practices.

Educational Equivalents and Waivers

Candidates seeking the ISC2 CCSP certification have different options to meet the educational requirements. They can use a four-year college degree, a regional equivalent, or additional credentials as substitutes. ISC2 provides a thorough guide to check if specific certifications or degrees fulfill these prerequisites.

Applicants can also ask for an educational waiver if their qualifications don't directly match the outlined criteria. For example, candidates with hands-on expertise in cloud security instead of a formal degree might get an exemption after the certification committee's review.

This approach benefits individuals with non-traditional educational backgrounds or unique skill sets, making sure a diverse group of professionals can pursue the CCSP certification.

ISC2 CCSP Accreditation and Continuous Education

Value of ISC2 Accreditation

Getting ISC2 accreditation in information security has many benefits for professionals. It gives them a globally recognized validation of their expertise and skills, boosting their credibility and marketability.

Professionals also gain access to a network of like-minded individuals and industry experts, creating opportunities for ongoing knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Moreover, ISC2 accreditation shows a commitment to continuous education and professional growth in the field of information security.

This is important as the industry evolves rapidly, requiring professionals to stay current on the latest trends, threats, and best practices.

Finally, ISC2 accreditation is a noteworthy addition to a professional’s credentials, contributing to their career advancement and overall professional development.

It can lead to higher-level job opportunities and increased earning potential.

Continuing Professional Education Credits

Continuing Professional Education Credits are important for maintaining ISC2 CCSP accreditation. These credits help certified candidates stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in cloud security.

Candidates can earn CPE credits by attending educational courses, conducting research, or presenting on relevant topics. After completing these activities, candidates must submit evidence of their participation to ISC2 for validation.

Earning and maintaining CPE credits shows a commitment to continuous learning and improvement within the field of cloud security. It also helps certified professionals stay current with changing technology and legal landscapes, ensuring they remain effective in their roles.

Preparation Strategies for the CCSP Certification

Reviewing the Job Task Analysis (JTA)

The Job Task Analysis (JTA) for the ISC2 CCSP certification has five main domains:

  1. Architectural Concepts and Design Requirements.
  2. Cloud Data Security.
  3. Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security.
  4. Cloud Application Security.
  5. Cloud Security Operations

Candidates can use the JTA to prepare for the CCSP certification exam.

They should align their study materials and practice questions with the percentage weightings for each domain. This helps them focus on key areas like data classification and protection, encryption and key management, cloud security policies, and compliance.

Candidates should also pay attention to the knowledge areas within each domain outlined in the JTA. These provide specific guidelines on the topics and competencies that will be covered in the exam.

By reviewing the JTA thoroughly, candidates can ensure they are well-prepared for the CCSP certification exam and have a clear understanding of the content areas that will be tested.

Key takeaways

To prepare for the ISC2 CCSP exam:

  • Understand the exam domains and objectives thoroughly.
  • Use official study materials and practice tests to get familiar with the exam format and content.
  • Join a study group or seek help from an experienced mentor if needed.
  • Manage your time effectively during the exam.
  • Carefully read and understand each question before answering.
  • Stay calm and focused during the exam.
  • Use all the time provided to review your answers.

Readynez offers a 5-day CCSP Course and Certification Program, providing you with all the learning and support you need to successfully prepare for the exam and certification. The CCSP course, and all our other ISC2 courses, are also included in our unique Unlimited Security Training offer, where you can attend the CCSP and 60+ other Security courses for just €249 per month, the most flexible and affordable way to get your Security Certifications.

Please reach out to us with any questions or if you would like a chat about your opportunity with the CCSP certification and how you best achieve it. 

FAQ

What are the top tips for passing the ISC2 CCSP exam?

Top tips for passing the ISC2 CCSP exam:

  1. Fully understand the concepts and principles of cloud security.
  2. Use official study materials and practice tests.
  3. Join study groups or forums to discuss questions and learn from others' experiences.

How can I best prepare for the ISC2 CCSP exam?

Focus on understanding the official CCSP study guide and practice exams, engage in hands-on experience with cloud security technologies, and consider joining a study group or taking a review course.

Are there any specific study materials or resources you recommend for the ISC2 CCSP exam?

Yes, there are several recommended study materials including the Official Study Guide, official practice tests, and online training courses from ISC2 or third-party providers such as Cybrary or Simplilearn.

What are the common pitfalls to avoid when studying for the ISC2 CCSP exam?

Common pitfalls to avoid when studying for the ISC2 CCSP exam include focusing too much on memorization instead of understanding concepts, not practicing enough with real-world scenarios, and neglecting to regularly review and reinforce key topics.

Do you have any time management tips for the ISC2 CCSP exam?

Yes, prioritize your study materials, set a study schedule, and take regular breaks to avoid burnout. For example, allocate more time for complex topics and use study resources like flashcards for quick review.

Two people monitoring systems for security breaches

Unlimited Security Training

Get Unlimited access to ALL the LIVE Instructor-led Security courses you want - all for the price of less than one course. 

  • 60+ LIVE Instructor-led courses
  • Money-back Guarantee
  • Access to 50+ seasoned instructors
  • Trained 50,000+ IT Pro's

Basket

{{item.CourseTitle}}

Price: {{item.ItemPriceExVatFormatted}} {{item.Currency}}