CCSP
ISC2Specialized
Exam fee
$599
≈ 473 GBP · 809 CAD · 551 EUR · rolling-avg FX; verify with your bank before any payment
Exam code
CCSP
Renewal
3yr
The CCSP is a cybersecurity certification from ISC2 with an exam fee of $599 and a 3-year renewal cycle. Career intelligence sourced from BLS and ISC2 official data using the DecipherU Methodology™.
Version 1.0 · Published April 2026 · Last verified April 2026
How is it pronounced?
see-see-ess-pee
About the CCSP
CCSP is ISC2's cloud security specialization. It covers the shared responsibility model across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud; cloud architecture; data security; and cloud-specific risk management. Unlike AWS Security Specialty, CCSP is vendor-neutral, which matters when you work in a multi-cloud environment or consult across providers. It pairs naturally with CISSP for architects working on cloud programs. The exam is heavy on governance and lighter on hands-on technical depth; expect scenarios that ask you to pick the right control for a given compliance or architecture tradeoff.
Who should earn it
CISSP holders specializing in cloud, architects working on multi-cloud programs, and security engineers building cloud-first security controls.
Exam details
- Provider
- ISC2
- Exam code
- CCSP
- Questions
- 150
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Passing score
- 700/1000
- Exam fee
- $599 (verify with ISC2)
- Renewal
- Every 3 years via CPE
- Experience level
- Specialized
- DoD 8570/8140
- Not on the list
Prerequisites
Five years of cumulative paid IT experience, with three years in information security and one year in one or more of the six CCSP domains.
Key domains
- Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design
- Cloud Data Security
- Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security
- Cloud Application Security
- Cloud Security Operations
- Legal, Risk and Compliance
Salary impact
CCSP commonly adds $15,000-$25,000 for cloud security roles and is increasingly requested for cloud security architect positions in the $150,000-$200,000 range.
Most relevant roles
Last verified: April 2026?Report an inaccuracy
Certification details are sourced from official certifying body websites. Verify current pricing, exam format, and requirements directly with the certifying organization before making decisions. DecipherU is not affiliated with any certifying body.
The CCSP is a cybersecurity certification from ISC2 targeting cybersecurity specialists. It validates core competencies employers look for when hiring for security-focused roles.
The CCSP exam fee is $599 as of April 2026. Pricing is set by ISC2 and subject to change. Always verify current pricing at the official ISC2 website before registering. Some employers and training programs offer exam vouchers that can reduce out-of-pocket cost.
The CCSP is designed for experienced professionals seeking advanced credential recognition in a specialized area.
The CCSP certification is valid for 3 years. Renewal requires earning continuing education units (CEUs) or retaking the exam before expiration. ISC2 manages the renewal process through their member portal. Plan renewal activities well before the expiration date.
The CCSP is commonly listed as a preferred or required qualification for SOC Analyst, Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, and related cybersecurity roles. Use the DecipherU career assessment to find which certifications match your target role and experience level.
Sources
- ISC2 official website · Certification pricing, exam format, and renewal requirements
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
Bridge to Applied AI
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
CCSP certifies cloud security architecture; Azure AI Engineer Associate certifies cloud AI implementation. Roles bridging cloud security and AI deployment increasingly require depth in both.
Read the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate guide →Related Cybersecurity Resources
Wondering if CCSP is right for you?
Take a free behavioral assessment to discover which certifications align with your natural strengths and cybersecurity career goals.
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DecipherU career intelligence is developed by Julian Calvo, Ed.D., M.S., using AI-assisted research, analysis, and content generation: reviewed and validated against the DecipherU Methodology™. Career and compensation data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET OnLine, and industry compensation databases. Assessment frameworks are grounded in published psychometric research, applied learning sciences (University of Miami), organizational learning theory (Barry University), and applied AI (Northeastern University). DecipherU uses artificial intelligence as a research and authoring tool; all methodology, framework design, scoring models, and editorial standards are developed and maintained by the DecipherU team.
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