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General Inquiries

What is the cost of an exam?

Token price varies depending on the exam. A CCSK Exam Token costs $395, and a CCZT Exam Token costs $175. Each exam token provides you with two test attempts.

Why can't I see the correct answers once I have completed the exam?

In an effort to maintain the integrity of the exams, the platform is designed to avoid giving out the answers to specific questions. In order to assist those that do not pass the test to study for future attempts the exam platform will provide the user with the number of questions asked from each domain and how many questions were answered correctly in each of the domains.

Is the exam timed? How many questions? Is it open book?

The exam is 90 minutes with 60 questions. As it is a timed test and some questions can be lengthy, it is recommended that you rely as little as possible on study materials.

Do I need to schedule a testing date or find a testing facility?

No, the exam is online.

Are the results of the exam immediate?

Yes, the results are immediate. You will know your score after you finish the exam.

Can you send me an invoice?

We do not send out individual invoices. Due to the high volume of requests, we only send out invoices for bulk purchased tokens. When you sign up for the exam online, you will receive a PayPal receipt that will work as an invoice.

Are there testing accommodations for individuals with testing disorders who need extra time on the exam?

No, the feature to extend exam time does not currently exist. If you do not pass the exam on the first two attempts, please contact us and we will consider your circumstances.

Are there training courses available? How much does a training course cost? Where can I find training courses?

There are different types of trainings courses available (online, instructor lead). To see offerings of individual training partners, go to the course schedule and select the register button.

Do I have to take a training class to take an exam?

No, you can prepare for the exams by self-study. The training courses are for a more in-depth understanding of the study materials.

Tokens and Certificates

How long is my exam token valid?

Exam tokens are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase. We do, however, recommend that you take the exam within one year of your token purchase.

Do I have to take the exam immediately after purchasing or redeeming a token?

No, you may use your attempts at any time before your token expiration date.

If I fail my first exam attempt, will I get another chance?

Yes, standard tokens are good for two attempts at the exam. If you fail a second time you will need to purchase another token should you wish to attempt the exam again.

Can my employer verify my certificate?

On the homepage under the "Redeem a Token" box, there is a "Validate a Certificate" box where your employer can put in the primary email address on your account, and the code you were provided upon passing the exam.

Can I have my certificate reflect my professional name and show my business email address?

Your certificate displays your name, primary email, and verification code.

Will I be mailed my certificate?

We do not send out hard copies of individual certificates. If you wish to see your certificate you can log into your account and download it in PDF format.

Account

Can I change my password?

Yes, you can update your password once logged into your CSA Exams account under My Account > Security.

Can I change my email address?

Currently we do not allow changing your primary email address. You can however contact us to change it for you if required. You can also add or change a backup email address under My Account > Account Details (adding a backup email is highly recommended).

I cannot remember my password. Can you reset it for me?

Please use our password reset form, once you have an account, to reset your password.

Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) Exam

In which languages is the CCSK exam offered?

The CCSK exam is currently offered in English, Spanish, and Japanese.

What is the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)?

The CCSK is a web-based examination of an individual's competency in key cloud security issues. Launched in 2010, the CCSK is a widely recognized standard of expertise and is the industry’s primary benchmark for measuring cloud security skillsets. The CCSK was recently lauded as the most valuable IT certification in terms of average salary by Certification Magazine.

Is the CCSK a viable substitute for other industry certifications?

The CCSK is NOT a substitute for other certifications in information security, audit and governance. Many certification programs help personal development within specific professional roles and job duties, and also provide vetting of individuals, which the CCSK does not do. The CCSK augments these other credentialing programs by encouraging a competency in cloud computing security best practices, which we believe will help individuals better cope with the increasingly pervasive cloud computing issues they are now facing. The Cloud Security Alliance is a strong supporter of popular professional certification programs within our industry and looks forward to developing formalized relationships with these programs in the future.

Does the CCSK have industry support?

The CCSK in strongly supported by a broad coalition of experts and organizations from around the world. Since its launch in 2010, the CCSK has been adopted around the world and is the gold standard for demonstration of cloud security competency. The collaboration with ENISA means that the world’s two leading organizations for vendor neutral cloud security research are providing the foundation for the industry’s first cloud security certification.

What is the latest version of the CCSK examination?

The latest CCSK version, v4 of the examination was made available December 1, 2017.

What is the cost of the exam registration (token)?

Effective December 1, 2017, the CCSK v4 exam token price is $395 USD.

How long is my exam token valid?

Exam tokens are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase. We do, however, recommend that you take the exam within one year of your token purchase.

How do I take the CCSK exam?

You can take the exam by completing the following steps:

  • Prepare for the exam through self-study or by participating in a CCSK training.
  • Register at the CSA Exams website.
  • Purchase a CCSK exam token (unless one was provided in your training package).

Do I need to take the CCSK Foundation course before I can take the CCSK Plus course?

No, the CCSK Foundation is a lecture course and covers the CSA Guidance, the CSA CCM, and the ENISA Document, as preparation for the exam. The CCSK Plus course will cover all of the foundation lecture material, and in addition will include hands-on labs to gain practical experience working in a cloud environment.

Will my CCSK certificate expire?

No, your CCSK certificate will not expire. However, information technologies in general, and cloud computing in particular, are rapidly progressing fields, and it is advisable to stay up-to-date with the most current version of the CCSK certificate.

Are there study materials for the exam?

Yes, you can find all of the study material free of charge here: CCSK Study Materials

What is the body of knowledge covered?

The CCSK v4 exam contains material sourced from the CSA Cloud Security Guidance v4 , the CSA Cloud Control Matrix , and the ENISA Cloud Computing Risk Assessment report. Approximately 86% of the exam questions will be related to content included in the CSA Security Guidance. The test is comprised of a set of random questions that covers all of these documents. Each test is different. We suggest that you study the material and feel comfortable with all of it before you sit for the exam.

Is the CCSK exam token (test attempt) included in the training class, or do I have to purchase that separately?

It depends on the training purchased. It is included as part of the exam bundle, but not included in the self-paced or self-study bundles.

Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust

What is the Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT)?

The (CCZT) is a web-based examination of an individual's competency in zero trust knowledge and concepts. Launched in 2023, the (CCZT) is a culmination of knowledge from experts in cloud security and zero trust. We aim to make (CCZT) the industry's primary benchmark for measuring zero trust skillsets.

What is the cost of the exam registration (token)?

Zero Trust exam token price is $175.00 USD.

How long is my exam token valid?

Exam tokens are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase. We do, however, recommend that you take the exam within one year of your token purchase.

How do I take the Zero Trust exam?

You can take the exam by completing the following steps:

  • Prepare for the exam through self-study or by participating in a Zero Trust Training course.
  • Register at the CSA Exams website.
  • Purchase a Zero Trust exam token (unless one was provided in your training package).

Will my Zero Trust certificate expire?

No, your certificate will not expire. However, information technologies in general, and cloud computing in particular, are rapidly progressing fields, and it is advisable to stay up-to-date with the most current version of the certificate.

Are there study materials for the exam?

Yes, you can find study material here.

What is the body of knowledge covered?

The CCZT exam contains materials sources from CSA's Zero Trust Training, NSTAC Report, CISA ZT Maturity Model, NIST 800-207, and more.

Is the CCZT exam token included in the training class, or do I have to purchase that separately?

A CCZT exam token is included in the Zero Trust Training Exam Bundle, which includes all necessary training to prepare for the exam. If you would like to purchase the token separately, you can do so here on the CSA Exams platform.

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