CCSP Exam Preparation [CCSP Exam Tips & Tricks]

Companies encounter new security concerns every day in the dynamic environment of cloud computing, including untrained internal teams and new threats to critical data. The demand for security personnel with specific cloud understanding will increase as more businesses move their activities to cloud platforms. According to Burning Glass Technologies, cloud security is one of the cybersecurity skills with the sharpest growth. Hence, companies seek certified cloud security experts to create multi-layered, encrypted and constantly monitored safe cloud infrastructures.

The CCSP training online acknowledges IT and information security executives with the expertise to implement best practices in cloud security architecture, implementation, operations, and service orchestration. It demonstrates that you're an expert in cloud security.

What Is CCSP?

One of the top cloud security qualifications is CCSP certification. The examination verifies the technical expertise and understanding of cloud security experts for developing and administering security measures. It also ensures that cloud specialists can guarantee adherence to legal requirements. The Cloud Security Alliance and (ISC)2 created the CCSP, regarded as the best cloud security certification (CSA).

Consequently, passing the Certified Cloud Security Professional certification helps you develop the following skills:

• Applying information security understandings in a cloud setting.
• Design and architecture for cloud security. 
• The management and upkeep of cloud security services. 
• Competences in service orchestration. 

CCSP Certification Exam - Basic Information

CCSP Exam Overview

It takes three hours to complete the CCSP exam, which must be taken on a computer. To take the exam, you must have a video camera and an internet connection. There would be 125 multiple-choice problems in the examination, which is exclusively offered in English and Japanese. Although the problems are multiple-choice, you can come across "scenario-based" questions, which require participants to select the correct answers to numerous questions regarding an actual scenario. Additionally, 25 of each test's questions are "pretest" questions included for research while being evaluated by (ISC)2 for potential inclusion on upcoming exams. But candidates won't be able to identify them because they don't affect your score and aren't noted. The exam will set you back $599. There are 1000 points available from the 125 questions, and participants must obtain at least 700 points to pass the exam. 

CCSP Certification Prerequisites

The CCSP certification procedure entails more steps than just passing the CCSP exam. Candidates must also show that they have had previous professional experience in their field because this certification is not intended for recent graduates. 

In a nutshell, you need the following to become CCSP certified: 

• (ISC)2 certification for the CISSP. 
• A minimum of five years of paid IT work experience 
• With at least three of those years having to do with information security; 
• In addition, at least one of those years must have been spent in one of the six CCSP CBK domains. 

Domains Covered in CCSP Exam

Awareness of the domains the CCSP test will cover is crucial. Each of the domains listed above in the CCSP study guide has a particular weight regarding exam questions. These are the many CCSP domains and the percentage of the exam that each one will cover : 

• Cloud concepts, architecture, and design: 17% 
• Cloud data security: 19% 
• Cloud platform and infrastructure security:17% 
• Cloud application security: 17% 
• Cloud security operations: 17% 
• Legal, risk, and compliance: 13% 

How to Maintain Your CCSP Certification Credential?

In this CCSP exam guide, you would also anticipate seeing information regarding maintaining the CCSP certification. You must keep your CCSP certification current during the three-year certification cycle after earning it. Maintaining at least ninety Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits during this period will help you achieve this. In addition to adhering to the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics, certified professionals must pay an annual maintenance fee (AMF). An (ISC)2 certified professional must attest to the certified professional's application of the code of ethics. If you do not adhere to these instructions within nine months after the exam date, you must retake the test. 

Recommended Books and Readings for CCSP Certification Exam

1.  Adam Gordon's "The Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CCSP CBK."

This book provides practical guidance on cloud security through simple diagrams, examples with illustrations, best practices, and case studies. 

1.  "Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing v4.0."

This article offers in-depth explanations of developments in cloud security and related technology. Details on practical best practices for cloud security are also available. 

1.  "The Treacherous 12."

By studying this, you may learn more about the main security risks that organizations face. 

1.  CSA- Cloud Control Matrix

You can read this study material to get advice for potential vendors and cloud clients. 

2.  Jericho- Cloud Cube Model

Reading this book, you can understand more about proprietary/open, internal/external, parameterized/be-parameterized, insourced/outsourced, and internal/external architectures. 

3.  NIST Publications

To study for the CCSP exam, candidates should concentrate on publications from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The following are the most significant ones. 

NIST SP 800-144, 800-146, NIST SP 800-125 

4.  CCSP Flashcards 

(ISC)2 flashcards facilitate interactive learning and test preparation. You might be able to use them to evaluate your understanding of business jargon and the various CCSP domains.

How To Prepare for the CCSP Exam?

1. Determine Long-Term Career Goals  

Applicants may find it difficult to decide which (ISC)2 certification to pursue, given the considerable time and effort needed. The CCSP certificate focuses more on the technical side of cybersecurity, whereas the more general CISSP credential caters more to strategy and leadership job responsibilities. The CCSP certificate is, therefore, typically the best choice for those interested in positions like enterprise architect, security consultant, or security engineer. 

2. Ensure to Meet All Prerequisites 

After passing the exam, candidates must fulfill a few requirements, which have already been covered above, to receive the certification. Before receiving their credentials, candidates must present verifiable proof of their employment history. 

Even if they lack the necessary experience, individuals may still take the exam. If the candidate succeeds, they will be able to obtain a minimum of five years of experience within six years after becoming an Associate of (ISC)2. 

3. Purchase the Official Study Materials  

The "Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CCSP CBK" and the "Official CCSP Study Guide" are just a couple of the study tools that (ISC)2 publishes. To reflect significant modifications in the certification structure, these are frequently updated. These resources are not designed to be used as a complete learning tool; they are meant to be used as references. The official CCSP study app, flashcards, and practice exams are additional authorized resources. Lastly, attending the official online study group provides access to a group of other test-takers. 

4. Become Familiar with the CCSP Domains  

The six areas covered by the CCSP architecture outlined above highlight the most important security issues that contemporary businesses must deal with. At least one year of experience in one or more of these sectors is essential to earn the certification.

5. Enroll in a Hands-on Training Program  

While traditional study materials like the official resources are useful references, practical experience is the only thing that can truly replace them. Candidates can train on their schedule using a variety of tools, such as instructional videos, practice quizzes, and simulations, in a full online CCSP course. As opposed to simply trying to read through hundreds of pages of information, this method enables applicants to learn through practice.

6. Understand the Exam Structure 

Four hours are allotted for the exam, which can be taken in person or virtually with proctoring. Candidates must first register and make the $599 exam fee payment. The exam date must be scheduled within 120 days of making the purchase, and they will then get access to various additional tools to aid in their preparation. This English and Japanese-language exam consists of 125 multiple choice problems and passes. Candidates must receive at least 700 out of a potential 1000 points. 

Expert Tips to Prepare for CCSP Certification Exam

• Ensure that you cover each topic in the CCSP domains. However, you should also give each question a specific amount of time. The CCSP exam comprises 125 questions and lasts for four hours. As a result, you have roughly two minutes to respond to each question. Therefore, candidates must answer the simple questions initially and then return to the remaining problems. You can also look at cyber security training courses online. 
• Practice must be given top attention. You can mimic the examination scenario with practice exams. In the three hours available, you can know what topics you are comfortable with, attend to the many inquiries, and discover your weaknesses. 
• The most crucial component of your CCSP exam preparation is a timetable. A timetable can assist participants in modifying their schedule and study hours for the best outcomes. This will also help the participant prepare for the exam with a calm and collected mind.

Top CCSP Exam Strategy

A person typically requires about 120 days to prepare for the CCSP exam. Interestingly, once you have paid for the exam, you will have 120 days to schedule the exam. Because applicants would require between 40 and 60 hours to study for the CCSP exam, they'll have enough time to go over every topic in the CCSP study guide. To excel in the exam, applicants can dedicate 2 hours per day to studying. 

The primary focus while studying for the CCSP exam should be the basics. The essentials include virtualization technology, encryption, and the distinctions between IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS. Additionally, the books and referencing materials mentioned above can aid you in better understanding the concepts. The pre-examination tests, however, maybe the most important factor in passing the CCSP exam.

Conclusion

Both the need for Cloud Security and the need for Cloud Security experts are at an all-time high. According to a recent (ISC)2 survey, CCSP is the top-ranked certification that IT workers hope to earn during their careers. As one of the top-paying IT certifications, certified individuals can expect yearly incomes of more than US$1,14,315.Take the correct path to a prosperous IT and Cyber Security career by enrolling in KnowledgeHut's CCSP training online if you are an IT or information security leader wishing to advance in your profession.