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Vol. 1 · Ed. 2026
CyberGlossary
Entry № 150

CCSP

What is CCSP?

CCSPAn ISC2 cloud security certification covering architecture, data protection, platform and infrastructure security, operations, and legal compliance across major cloud providers.


The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is jointly developed by ISC2 and the Cloud Security Alliance and is aimed at architects, engineers, and security managers responsible for cloud environments. The exam covers six domains: Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design, Cloud Data Security, Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security, Cloud Application Security, Cloud Security Operations, and Legal, Risk and Compliance. The proctored test contains 150 multiple-choice questions over four hours. Candidates need five years of cumulative IT experience, including three years in information security and one year in one of the CCSP domains. CCSP renews every three years through 90 Continuing Professional Education credits.

Examples

  1. 01

    A cloud architect earns CCSP to design AWS and Azure landing zones aligned with corporate policy.

  2. 02

    A compliance manager uses CCSP to evaluate shared-responsibility obligations in cloud contracts.

Frequently asked questions

What is CCSP?

An ISC2 cloud security certification covering architecture, data protection, platform and infrastructure security, operations, and legal compliance across major cloud providers. It belongs to the Compliance & Frameworks category of cybersecurity.

What does CCSP mean?

An ISC2 cloud security certification covering architecture, data protection, platform and infrastructure security, operations, and legal compliance across major cloud providers.

How does CCSP work?

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is jointly developed by ISC2 and the Cloud Security Alliance and is aimed at architects, engineers, and security managers responsible for cloud environments. The exam covers six domains: Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design, Cloud Data Security, Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security, Cloud Application Security, Cloud Security Operations, and Legal, Risk and Compliance. The proctored test contains 150 multiple-choice questions over four hours. Candidates need five years of cumulative IT experience, including three years in information security and one year in one of the CCSP domains. CCSP renews every three years through 90 Continuing Professional Education credits.

How do you defend against CCSP?

Defences for CCSP typically combine technical controls and operational practices, as detailed in the full definition above.

What are other names for CCSP?

Common alternative names include: Certified Cloud Security Professional.

Related terms