CCSP vs. CISSP: Which One Should You Take?

 

CCSP vs. CISSP Which One Should You Take
CCSP vs. CISSP Which One Should You Take 


Introduction 

When it comes to cybersecurity, you can't be left behind. In the digital world, staying ahead is vital if businesses want to thrive. Cybersecurity is now a fundamental part of how businesses operate. Moreover, organizations unable to keep up with cybersecurity threats risk falling behind and getting left behind by their competitors. Given the extent to which cyberattacks have increased in frequency and severity over the last few years, there's no time to waste when it comes to learning more about this area. 


Knowing which cybersecurity certification program is right for you can be difficult. This article will explore what each of these various certifications entails and whether or not they're worth taking the time out of your day to achieve. 

Overview of CCSP vs. CISSP 

The CISSP certification is a more challenging and rigorous certification than CCSP. It is more focused on technology and cybersecurity and requires a higher level of experience and education. 

There are several differences between CISSP and CCSP. The CISSP exam tests knowledge in five areas: cybersecurity fundamentals, security architecture and design, cyber-attack strategy and response, risk management, and incident response. The CCSP focuses on IT security with a focus on four areas: security fundamentals, IT architecture design, managing the data center environment, and incident response. 

CISSP certification is a good choice for candidates with experience in IT security and a solid grasp of computer networks. The CCSP certification is better suited for candidates who have previous experience in IT support or operations and are familiar with basic networking concepts. 

What Is a Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)? 


CCSP is a certification program developed by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), whose purpose is to raise awareness of best practices and standards in cloud security. CCSP certifications are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in cloud security through experience and education. The CSA also offers two award programs: the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) and the Certified Cloud Security Associate (CCSA). CCSPs are experts in cloud security, whereas CCSA is for people with cloud security experience but no formal training. 

The CSA believes that CCSPs should be recognized as professionals who can be relied on to provide advice and guidance on cloud security for businesses and individual users. To obtain a CCSP certification, an individual must complete the CSA's online certification application process, which entails submitting a resume, cover letter, and proof of completion of at least one exam from any of the following categories: cloud computing fundamentals, cloud computing operations, cloud security fundamentals, or cloud security operations. 

The Prerequisites of CCSP 

You must meet certain requirements to take the exam. These are the following criteria: 

Work experience of at least five continuous years in information technology. 

  • Three years working in information security 
  • One year working in one of the six CCSP CBK domains (Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design, Cloud Data Security, Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security, Cloud Application Security, Cloud Security Operations, Legal, Risk and Compliance, and Cloud Security). 


In case you have CSA's CCSK certificate, you do not need experience in the CBK domains. You don't need to meet any prerequisites with a CISSP certification. The certificate has a validity of three years and can be renewed if you earn 30 CPE credits every year for three continuous years. 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification verifies that an individual has the domain expertise needed to maintain security in an information systems environment. Individuals who complete this certification can work in various roles, including information security professionals, IT auditors, and IT security consultants. The CISSP exam is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. Since ISC2 administers the exam, it is known as the ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. 


To be eligible for the CISSP certification, individuals must have one year of experience working in a security-related role and pass the 70-hour examination. They must also have at least one year of relevant work experience.

The CISSP certification consists of three distinct parts:  

  • Structured Computer Security Foundations 
  • Applied Computer Security Practices 
  • Technical Essentials.  

Each part includes multiple-choice questions associated with different topics within the scope of cyber security. 

The test taker must score at least 75 % to pass the CISSP exam. Those who score less than 75 % are advised to review their performance and try to improve their score through practice exams or retaking the exam until they achieve a passing score. 

The Prerequisites of CISSP 

CISSP certification from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC) validates candidates' knowledge of security principles and practices. This includes the ability to perform and understand tasks such as conducting risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing controls. 

To be eligible for the CISSP certification, candidates must: 

  • goog_415736570Hold an undergraduate or higher degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. 
  • Hold an active security clearance (e.g., O-1 visa status, Top Secret clearance). 
  • Pass ISC's online test. 
  • Complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of training (either self-paced or via classroom). 
  • Be 18 years old at the time of taking the exam. 
  • Five continuous years of work experience with salary in at least eight of the nine CISSP domain areas. These domains are Security operation, Security engineering, Security and risk management, Security Assessment and Testing, Network security, Identity and Access Management, Asset security, and Software Development Security 
  •  To be certified, you must have attended college for four years or a should have a CISSP-approved credential.  

Comparison Between CCSP and CISSP


---------- CCSP CISSP
Pre-requisites To sit for the CCSP exam, candidates must have 3 years of work experience in one of the six domains and 1 year of work experience in the field of information security. Of the 5 years of work experience, three years in one of the six domains ,and 1 year must be in information security. To qualify for the CISSP exam, a candidate must present five years of full-time security experience in at least two of the eight domains represented in the (ISC)2 CISSP CBK(Com
Exam format The exam lasts three hours and has about 125 questions. To pass the test, you should score 700 out of 1000 points.  The CISSP exam is offered in English, where computer adaptive testing is used. There are about 100-150 questions on the exam. To pass, you must score 700 out of 1000 points. The CISSP exam lasts approximately 3 hours.
Introduced in 2015 1994
Domains There are six categories in CCSP: Cloud Design, Architecture, and Conceptualization Domain, Cloud Infrastructure Security Domain, Cloud Application Security Domain, Cloud Service Security Domain, Cloud Data Security Domain, and Cloud Security Operations Domain. The CISSP exam tests your knowledge in eight main domains: Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, Software Development Security, and Security and Risk Management.

Comparison Based on Salary 

The yearly average salary of an expert in the Indian profession varies from ₹500,000 for an information security analyst position to ₹5,000,000 for a technology director post. The PayScale survey determined the following average annual salaries for CISSP experts: ₹500,000 for a security analyst position to ₹5,000,000 for a technology director post. You can use the above tips to see the similarities and differences between the certifications. 

An expert in the CCSP certification earns an annual average of $100,800. In the United States of America, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, and Shreveport, LA, salary reports were averaged to arrive at this figure. In a Pay Scale survey, CISSP experts earn an average of $80,540 for an information security analyst position and $110,451 for a security architect post.  

Conclusion 

If you want to build your career or advance it further, your path will eventually lead to a certification in information security. This is a certification you'll need to obtain if you want to work, or focus on, the field of information security. If you happen to be working towards the CISSP or Common CCSP certification, then you'll need to pay a bit more attention to the content of your studies. This is to give the certification an extra boost of security knowledge. 
 

A CISSP covers all security aspects, from risk management to application development. The certification is not just for security specialists or professionals. And professionals outside of the IT industry can also benefit from this certification. If you want to change your current career path or gain more skills in the field of IT security, then it would be good to start looking into the CISSP certification. 


If you have already taken other IT certifications, you should still consider the CISSP certification. The certification is vendor-neutral and therefore does not focus on any specific technology, and it is also applicable to any industry and not just IT. 
 

FAQs 

1. Which is more challenging CCISP or CCSP? 

The CISSP is more of a challenge due to the requirements. It will require in-person experience and written examination. While the CCSP will need you to take exams in two different testing windows. 

2. Do professionals recommend obtaining the CCSP before the CISSP? 

Before taking the CISSP or CISM, it is recommended first to take the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CCSP) exam. 

3. Would experts recommend obtaining CCSP? 

Obtaining CCSP will offer outstanding abilities and increase your chance of being an exceptional presenter. The CCSP holder earns an average of $109,965. 

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