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Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)

The standard of expertise for cloud security.

Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge

As organizations migrate to the cloud, they need information security professionals who are cloud-savvy. The CCSK certificate is widely recognized as the standard of expertise for cloud security and gives you a cohesive and vendor-neutral understanding of how to secure data in the cloud. The CCSK credential is the foundation to prepare you to earn additional cloud credentials specific to certain vendors or job functions.

Earning the CCSK will provide you with the knowledge to effectively develop a holistic cloud security program relative to globally accepted standards. It covers key areas, including best practices for IAM, cloud incident response, application security, data encryption, SecaaS, securing emerging technologies, and more. If you want to learn more, you can read our guide to earning the CCSK.

What are the benefits of earning your CCSK?

Increase employment opportunities by filling the skills-gap for cloud-certified professionals.

Demonstrate your technical knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively use controls tailored to the cloud.

Learn to establish a baseline of security best practices when dealing with a broad array of responsibilities, from cloud governance to configuring technical security controls.

Credentials the CCSK Complements

If you are looking to earn the CCAK, we recommend earning your CCSK first. The CCSK also complements the following credentials:

Who should earn their CCSK?

Cybersecurity analystsSecurity EngineersSecurity ArchitectsEnterprise ArchitectsSecurity AdministratorsCompliance ManagersSecurity ConsultantsSystems EngineersCISOs

How to Prepare for the CCSK Exam

The CCSK is an open-book, online exam, completed in 90 minutes with 60 multiple-choice questions selected randomly from the CCSK question pool. Purchasing the exam costs $395 and provides you with two test attempts, which you will have 2 years to use. The minimum passing score is 80%. The CCSK exam is offered in multiple languages languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese. There are several ways you can prepare for the exam.
Option 1

Study on Your Own

You can also study for the exam yourself using our free prep-kit. The kit includes sample questions, an outline of the domains and topics covered in the exam, as well as all of the documents you will be tested on.

Download Prep-Kit
Option 2

Enroll in Training

There are two types of training for the CCSK, the regular class is lectures-only, but there is a lectures + labs version (CCSK Plus) as well where students practice bringing a fictional organization securely into the cloud.

Class Formats:

Courses are typically offered in English, but instructors are willing to provide other language options based on demand. The Online Self-Paced trainings are only offered in English.

View Upcoming Classes

Want to train multiple members of your team?

Study Materials


The Security Guidance v.4 outlines specific uses and applications of the cloud and addresses regulatory issues and inherent risks in using cloud computing on various technologies including: IoT, blockchain and DevSecOps.

 

CSA Security Guidance v.4

An in-depth and independent analysis outlining the information security benefits and key security risks of cloud computing with practical advice on how to protect your organization.

 

ENISA Recommendations

The Cloud Controls Matrix provides fundamental security principles that guide cloud service vendors toward the most secure practices. For prospective cloud customers it helps in assessing the overall security posture of cloud providers.

 

CSA Cloud Controls Matrix

Corporate members receive discounts on the CCSK

Topics Covered

Course Outline

CSA CCSK Domain 01 Icon

DOMAIN 1

Cloud Computing Concepts and Architecture
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DOMAIN 2

Governance and Enterprise Risk Management
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DOMAIN 3

Legal Issues, Contracts, and Electronic Discovery
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DOMAIN 4

Compliance and Audit Management
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DOMAIN 5

Information Governance
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DOMAIN 6

Management Plane and Business Continuity
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DOMAIN 7

Infrastructure Security
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DOMAIN 8

Virtualization and Containers
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DOMAIN 9

Incident Response
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DOMAIN 10

Application Security
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DOMAIN 11

Data Security and Encryption
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DOMAIN 12

Identity, Entitlement and Access Management
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DOMAIN 13

Security as a Service
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DOMAIN 14

Related Technologies
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EXTRA DOMAIN

Cloud Controls Matrix
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EXTRA DOMAIN

ENISA Recommendations

CCSK digital badge now available through Credly

CCSK holders can showcase their credentials through a CCSK digital badge. In partnership with Credly, the digital badge helps you gain recognition for earning your certificate by allowing you to display and share your achievement.

Your digital badge has a unique URL that can be used in your email signature, personal websites, social media sites, and on electronic copies of resumes. It serves as a digital representation of your knowledge, skills, and credential achievements.

Explore digital badges and claim yours →

Industry Support

CCSK Success Stories

CCSK Success Stories: CSA Japan Chapter Executive Director
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CCSK Success Stories: From the VP of Internal Security and IT
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CCSK Success Stories: Cloud Security Training from a CTO’s Perspective
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CCSK Success Stories: From the Financial Sector
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CCSK Success Stories: From an Information Systems Security Manager
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CCSK Success Stories: From a Cybersecurity Assistant Director
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