To become certified CCSK means that an IT professional has passed examinations for the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK). This certificate is frequently considered the basis for achieving all other cloud security credentials. Read this article to learn more about how to become certified CCSK.
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What Is Certified CCSK?
The Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge is a competency exam that validates candidates’ functional knowledge on utilizing cloud computing services securely. It’s widely recognized as the standard of expertise in cloud security and called the “mother of all cloud security certifications.”
The CCSK exam covers key areas of cloud security, including cloud architecture, cloud data security, cloud platform and infrastructure security, cloud application security, cloud security operations, and risk and compliance.
CCSK vs CCSP certification
Although the CCSK complements the CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) certification in many ways, both are different. CCSK is a certificate course, and the certificate provides only proof of the completion of the course.
On the other hand, CCSP is a certification that ensures the CCSP holder has advanced skills to design, implement, and secure infrastructure in the cloud. The CCSK is a good start for IT auditors and other information security professionals, whereas the CCSP certification is mainly designed for senior-level professionals.
What Are the Requirements for a CCSK Certification?
There are no specific requirements for taking the CCSK examination. The only criteria is that the candidate is familiar with Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) guidance and their cloud control matrix.
What Is the Exam Format for the CCSK Certification?
Understanding the exam format is essential to scoring high in the CCSK certificate examination. The exam is comprised of 60 multiple choice and multiple response questions that need to be completed within 90 minutes. The CCSK exam is conducted in the English language, and the candidate should score 80% to pass the exam.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Certified?
Compared to other certifications in the cloud security domain, the CCSK exam costs less. The exam costs $395 USD, and two attempts are available for the one-time payment.
Where Can I Get Certified?
To schedule the CCSK exam, candidates can register on the CSA’s website and purchase the exam token for $395 USD. The exam is online and unsupervised in format. Candidates can get certified from anywhere in the world.
How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?
The one-time purchase of the CCSK exam token allows for two attempts and up to two years for candidates to appear for the exam.
What Are the Benefits of Earning the CCSK Certificate?
The most significant benefit of becoming CCSK certified is the increased job opportunities that open up related to cloud platforms. Obtaining a CCSK certificate proves the competency of a professional in cloud security and enables them to effectively apply technical knowledge to manage cloud security issues. It also complements other certifications, including CCSP, CCAK, CISA, and CISSP.
Top Careers for a CCSK Certificate
Whether you’re already in this cloud role or trying to decide what fits your education and experience, CCSK certificates work best for the following cloud professionals:
- Cloud security architect: Cloud security architects design, implement, and manage security systems for cloud services and data storage systems.
- Security consultant: Security consultants, or security analysts, help organizations pinpoint security vulnerabilities in networks, systems, and software; They also provide solutions to strengthen them.
- Cloud engineer: Cloud engineers are responsible for the smooth functioning of cloud computing platforms.
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