From mastering multi-cloud environments and sticky scenarios to unlocking opportunities for increased earnings and consulting engagements, here’s a look at eight significant perks of becoming a Certified Cloud Security Professional.

King Of The Cloud

The CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) certification is for IT leaders looking to validate their understanding of cybersecurity and securing critical assets in the cloud. Passing the rigorous (ISC)2 exam proves that security professionals have the advanced technical skills and knowledge needed to design, manage and secure data, applications and infrastructure in the cloud, according to (ISC)2.

To qualify for the CCSP, (ISC)2 said candidates must pass the exam and have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in information technology, of which three years must be in information security, (ISC)2 said. A candidate who doesn’t yet have the required experience to become a CCSP may become an Associate of (ISC)2 after successfully passing the CCSP exam.

From its application in practical situations such as multi-cloud environments to the opportunities it unlocks for increased earnings and consulting engagements, here’s what four education and training experts said are the most significant perks of getting CCSP-certified.

8. Can Apply Knowledge In Practical Situations

The CCSP shies away from general knowledge and instead forces practitioners to determine how their learning can be applied in specific situations, according to Toni Hahn, content development manager for the (ISC)2 Examinations team. The test looks at how practitioners can apply the knowledge they’ve accrued rather than just having them regurgitate the key findings, Hahn said.

As a result, Hahn said it’s easy for practitioners to go out into the real world after passing the CCSP exam and use what they’ve learned to demonstrate cloud security expertise. The CCSP goes well beyond book-based knowledge to ensure practitioners have a comprehensive understanding of how the concepts can be applied, Hahn said.

Questions on the CCSP exam tend to be more scenario-based than knowledge-based to assess how the practitioner would respond to a particular set of circumstances, according to Hahn.

7. Complements Vendor-Specific Cloud Certifications

Security generalists or analysts looking to get into cloud security typically get certified in whichever public cloud platform their current or prospective employer uses, according to Brad Puckett, global portfolio director at IT training company Global Knowledge. But the CCSP puts a security professional on a different career vector or trajectory since it’s not tied to any particular employer, Puckett said.

Vendor-based certifications allow security professionals to work at a specific organization, Puckett said, but their applicability is limited since being certified in Microsoft Azure isn’t useful if the organization uses AWS. As a vendor-neutral certification, Puckett said the CCSP is more complementary than competitive with the platform-based certifications, and it can actually be ancillary to certifications for Azure, AWS or GCP.

Practitioners holding the CCSP tend to work in the following cybersecurity or IT security roles, according to Global Knowledge: incident response/forensic analyst; CISO/CSO/ISO; security manager or director; or security engineer or analyst.

6. Signifies Cloud Proficiency And Professionalism

The CCSP was introduced in 2015, and it has been the fastest of any (ISC)2 certification to reach 5,000 people certified, according to (ISC)2’s Hahn. The certification gives businesses confidence that the practitioner knows industry best practices for securing a cloud environment, Hahn said.

Having a CCSP certification signifies a level of proficiency and professionalism, and can be a big differentiator when competing against another security practitioner for a job, Hahn said. The CCSP is updated every three years to reflect changes on the ground, and has recently put more emphasis on making sure practitioners know the differences between Software as a Service and Infrastructure as a Service.

The CCSP is more senior to the Cloud Security Alliance’s CCSK (Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge) since the CCSP requires industry experience as well as continuing education credits to remain certified, Hahn said. The CCSP is broader than the CCSK, Hahn said, covering all types of cloud security rather than just introducing certificate-seekers to a couple of key documents.

5. Demonstrates Hands-On Expertise

Even though the CCSP is vendor-agnostic, practitioners should make sure they’re getting hands-on experience with AWS or Azure while preparing for the exam to help with retaining classroom material and understanding how security misconfigurations can be attacked, according to Ken Underhill, a master instructor at Cybrary.

The hands-on practice ensures that security professionals know what to do in the field with the skills they’ve gained from passing the CCSP exam that extends well beyond book smarts, Underhill said. The CCSP pairs well with (ISC)2’s signature CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) exam, which helps practitioners understand how security risks pan out across other areas of the organization.

The CSSP goes down into architectural and design concepts in the cloud, addressing subjects such as auditing, virtualization, identity and access management, and cloud platform and infrastructure security, according to Leif Jackson, Cybrary’s vice president of content and community. This covers tasks such as avoiding unauthorized access and analyzing infrastructure in the cloud, Jackson said.

4. Can Build Clouds Either In-House Or As Consultant

The CCSP prepares practitioners to go in and securely build a cloud security solution as either a consultant or a cloud architect, according to Global Knowledge’s Puckett. Being a certified security practitioner for cloud positions certificate-holders well for consulting on secure ways organizations can architect and build their cloud infrastructure, Puckett said.

In addition to being brought in as a consultant to vet and secure cloud buildouts, Puckett said CCSP certificate-holders are well-positioned to work in-house managing an organization’s security themselves. Learners would have to advance to the senior or executive level before they’d have the competencies, knowledge and skills to perform the job the CCSP accreditation qualifies them for, according to Puckett.

All cybersecurity functions require distinct knowledge of IT concepts ranging from programming, incident response and forensics down to troubleshooting, risk management, business continuity and disaster recovery, according to Puckett. Many of the competencies require distinct knowledge of how the network works in the technical world, Puckett said.

3. Applies Well To Multi-Cloud Environments

Most organizations are multi-cloud and don’t just rely on Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure to meet all of their needs, according to Cybrary’s Underhill. Since the CCSP is vendor-agnostic, Underhill said the information can be applied to most organizations, making it possible for security professionals to get a role within any cloud organization since they’re not limited to any single environment.

The CCSP is laser-focused on security and goes into how strategy and risk should be evaluated in the cloud, according to Cybrary’s Jackson. That’s a big contrast as compared with Cloud Security Alliance’s Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), which Underhill said provides a more general and holistic view of the cloud without going too deep into security.

Obtaining the CCSP helps with career advancement, Jackson said, providing a salary bump that boosts compensation above what most other roles in cybersecurity pay.

2. Boost To Earnings Potential

Practitioners going for the CCSP certification typically have a high earnings potential since more than 80 percent of them have been in the industry for at least 11 years, according to Global Knowledge’s Puckett. The CCSP definitely isn’t a foundational or midcareer certification since it requires a significant body of work experience, Puckett said.

Professionals coming into the security industry today would probably gain midlevel experience and pursue vendor-neutral certifications like CompTIA Security+ and the EC-Council’s Certified Network Defender that accredit them as an experienced professional before even thinking about going for the CCSP, according to Puckett.

Practitioners holding the CCSP certification earned an average salary of $122,761 in 2020, up 7.5 percent from an average salary of $114,164 a year earlier, according to Global Knowledge. CCSP certificate-holders primarily got a salary boost due to better job performance, Global Knowledge found, with some profiting from standard company increases or additional responsibilities in their current role.

1. Sought By Tech Vendors, Hospitals & Starbucks Alike

The CCSP shows potential employers that the practitioner has senior-level management ability and knowledge to ensure that what’s going into the cloud is secure, according to (ISC)2’s Hahn. The CCSP is great for any job that requires knowledge of cloud security such as being a cloud manager or engineer, Hahn said.

Not everybody who obtains the CCSP works for a major public cloud provider like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft, Hahn said. One of (ISC)2’s subject matter experts for cloud security works in IT at a hospital, Hahn said, while others pursuing the certification are part of the technology team at Starbucks.

The vendor-agnostic approach of the CCSP ensures that the certificate-holder will have relevant knowledge regardless of which cloud platform or platforms the organization actually uses, according to Hahn. And the broad-based approach of the CCSP means that a business can switch cloud providers and still leverage the knowledge of its CCSP certificate-holder, Hahn said.

IT security professionals looking to advance their careers or dive deeper into the realm of cybersecurity should consider the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. Organizations across industries need to protect their data and proprietary information from cyberattacks, making CISSP-certified professionals a valuable asset to any company.

CISSP certification signals to employers that you know how to best protect web-based information systems and command a strong IT security team. Read on to learn all you need to know about earning CISSP certification.

Who Should Get CISSP Certification?

As an early-career IT security professional, you may be tempted to jump into the CISSP certification process soon after completing an undergraduate degree or spending just a few years working entry-level cybersecurity jobs. However, you’ll have to meet certain benchmarks before qualifying to become a CISSP.

(ISC)², which administers CISSP certification, requires candidates to have completed either five years of full-time employment or four years of employment plus an undergraduate degree (such as a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity) or another approved credential.

(ISC)² also created the Body of Knowledge (CBK), which holds nearly all the information a seasoned cybersecurity professional should know. The CBK lists eight primary domains, including asset security and software development security. To become a CISSP, your past work experience must be within one or more of these eight domains.

Earning CISSP certification is not an easy process. From passing the exam to paying annual fees, this certification requires an investment of time, energy and money. On the other hand, CISSP certification is among the most common cybersecurity credentials required by employers.

Whether you plan to become a chief information officer or an independent security consultant, knowing your “why” can help you stay the course as you work toward earning CISSP certification.

Benefits of CISSP Certification

A CISSP certification is among the gold standards for IT and cybersecurity professionals. This credential can lead to higher salaries, a competitive advantage in the job market and knowledge of the latest industry advancements.

Increase Your Earning Potential

Salaries for CISSP-certified professionals vary by job title and location. On average, these workers earn around $128,000 per year in North America, according to Payscale.

CISSP-certified professionals are some of the most well-paid IT professionals in the industry. This is because employers understand the rigorous process required to become a CISSP, and the credential is recognized on a global scale.

Become a More Competitive Job Candidate

Adding CISSP certification to your cybersecurity resume signifies to recruiters and employers that you are among the top candidates in the information security industry. This credential also guarantees that you have at least four or five years of hands-on experience.

Some professionals plan to earn certification to pursue roles outside of their current organizations. (ISC)²’s 2023 workforce study indicates that 17% of respondents pursue credentials for a position with another company, while 15% considered certification to qualify for promotions.

Build Cybersecurity Expertise

Part of the CISSP certification process is becoming intimately familiar with all relevant information in the world of cybersecurity, both to pass the exam and to maintain certification.

After earning their certification, CISSPs must accumulate a set number of continuing education credits. Continuing education helps build expertise and ensure that CISSPs have current, relevant skills.

Participants in (ISC)²’s workforce study reported that their teams recognize the following benefits of employing cybersecurity professionals with certifications like the CISSP.

• These workers have a deeper knowledge of critical cybersecurity topics.
• Certified workers increase confidence in their teams’ ability to handle security challenges.
• Hiring professionals with cybersecurity certifications ensures current knowledge and practice of information security trends.
• Certification allows organizations to hire high-level workers with demonstrated expertise in cybersecurity.

Network with Other CISSPs

All CISSPs must become (ISC)² members, granting access to networking opportunities. More than 168,000 cybersecurity professionals are members of (ISC)².

What is the Current Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals?

Between 2021 and 2022, cyberattacks and data breaches increased by 41.5%. This spike in cyberattacks among companies of all types highlights both the need for expert cybersecurity professionals and the gap in supply.

Despite the field’s increasing popularity, the (ISC)²’s workforce study found that 67% of cybersecurity professionals say a shortage of cybersecurity professionals is putting their organizations at risk. (ISC)² estimated a global cybersecurity workforce gap of 3.9 million in 2023.

One potential reason for this workforce gap is that most cybersecurity job requirements include certifications such as the CISSP. Earning certification involves considerable time and effort, making it tougher to close this workforce gap. Meanwhile, technological advances used by malicious parties continue to outpace the rate at which IT and cybersecurity professionals enter the field and develop the expertise necessary to secure data against these attacks.

The Demand for CISSPs

CISSP professionals are in high demand across industries due to their advanced knowledge and ability to defend against data breaches and Strengthen security measures.

According to CyberSeek, CISSP certifications see the most demand among all current cybersecurity job openings requiring certification. As of December 2023, more than 85,000 cybersecurity job listings request CISSP certification.

How to Earn CISSP Certification

To earn CISSP certification, you must first meet requirements for work experience, education and professional credentials. Candidates may have five years of relevant work experience or four years if they also hold a related undergraduate degree or an (ISC)²-approved credential.

If you do not meet these requirements but are still interested in taking the CISSP exam, you can work toward becoming an Associate of (ISC)². Associates have passed the exam but cannot become fully certified until they have fulfilled the work experience requirements.

Pass the Certification Exam

Each candidate has four hours to complete the CISSP certification exam, which comprises 125 to 175 questions. You can find ample preparation resources, including practice exams and study materials, on (ISC)²’s website.

When the time comes, you can register online to take the exam, though the exam itself will take place in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. Note that the exam fee is $749.

To pass, you must score at least 700/1,000 or higher. If you do not pass the CISSP exam the first time, you’re in good company—many test-takers attempt the exam multiple times. You can retake the CISSP exam 30 days after your first try and up to four times within a 12-month period.

Get Endorsed

After passing the CISSP exam, you must obtain an endorsement from a current certification-holder before becoming certified yourself.

This endorsement validates that you have completed the necessary work experience to earn CISSP certification. You have nine months to find an endorsement after passing the exam. In the event you are unable to find someone, (ISC)² may act as your endorser.

Maintain Certification

Like many professional accrediting bodies, (ISC)² requires its members to stay up to date on the latest trends and research in cybersecurity. You must earn at least 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits every three years to maintain CISSP certification. Many members earn their CPEs by attending courses or conferences, volunteering or teaching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CISSP Certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification is a globally recognized, entry-level credential accepted across many industries. This professional designation is ideal for students, latest graduates and professionals seeking to gain project management experience or manage larger projects.

The CAPM certification can be a crucial stepping stone toward a career in project management and toward earning the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. If you’re considering earning the CAPM credential, this article overviews its purpose and benefits, along with key considerations for prospective candidates.

What Is CAPM Certification?

The CAPM certification is a credential administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)® to prepare candidates for entry-level project management positions.

This beginner-level certificate is ideal for project team members, project managers and other professionals who want to learn and implement the fundamental principles of project management. This designation validates your project management skills and your knowledge of processes, frameworks, methodologies and best practices.

CAPM Requirements

To apply for the CAPM certification and take the exam, candidates must meet the following prerequisites.

• Have a secondary degree such as a high school diploma, an associate degree or the global equivalent.
• Complete 23 hours of project management education by the time you sit for the exam.

The CAPM Certification Exam

The CAPM exam comprises 150 questions, which test-takers have three hours to complete. The exam includes subjects covered in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)®. However, test-takers should focus their studies on PMI’s CAPM exam content outline. This outline comprises four sections, each of which is included in the CAPM exam. The sections are:

• Agile frameworks and methodologies
• Business analysis frameworks
• Predictive plan-based methodologies
• Project management core concepts and fundamentals

Benefits of CAPM Certification

The CAPM certification is a popular designation that helps companies and organizations find well-suited candidates with certifiable knowledge and experience in project management. Below are some of the benefits that come with earning the CAPM certification.

Validates Credibility, Skills and Knowledge

The CAPM certification evaluates candidates against rigorous guidelines, requiring professionals to meet specific competency measures regarding project management skills, processes and best practices. This assessment process demands a strong understanding of best practices, principles, industry-standard ethics and professional conduct.

This designation signals to potential employers that you can fulfill their organization’s specific roles and requirements.

Develop Leadership Skills

In addition to expanding their project management knowledge, CAPM candidates develop leadership skills through the certification process. Entry-level practitioners can learn to manage teams effectively in various work environments. The certification process also teaches project management and leadership fundamentals, which typically include the following.

• Human resource management
• Project and organization lifecycle
• Project integration management
• Project management processes
• Project scope management
• Quality management
• Stakeholder and communications management
• Time, cost and risk management

Helps Your Résumé Stand Out

Earning the CAPM credential demonstrates certifiable competency in the fundamentals of project management. This certification can supply you a competitive edge over other entry-level job applicants. Becoming CAPM-certified also indicates a commitment to advancing your skills and knowledge in the field.

Career Development and Advancement

Earning the CAPM certification can help you qualify for various project management roles. Here are some common jobs that CAPM-certified professionals can pursue.

• Assistant project manager
• Program manager
• Project analyst
• Project coordinator
• Project manager
• Technical project manager

Moreover, CAPM certification fulfills the project management education/training requirement for PMP certification. If you’re debating between the CAPM vs. PMP credentials, they recommend starting with the CAPM.

Higher Earning Potential

Payscale reports that the average CAPM certification salary is around $72,000 per year.

What to Consider Before Earning CAPM Certification

The CAPM certification is one way for entry-level project management professionals to develop their skills and knowledge, position themselves as valuable assets to potential employers and expand opportunities for career advancement.

Still, you should take a few considerations into account before pursuing the CAPM certification. Two such considerations are time commitment and CAPM certification cost.

Can You Invest the Time Required?

Candidates typically spend one to three months studying for the CAPM exam. Successful test-takers usually use a combination of courses, study groups and self-study to prepare.

PMI recommends that CAPM candidates review the CAPM handbook, quiz themselves using PMI-provided trial questions, complete a formal study course through one of PMI’s authorized training partners and review the exam content outline.

To fulfill the education requirement, you can sign up for PMI’s course on project management basics. This course meets the CAPM-required 23 educational hours.

Can You Afford It?

The CAPM certification exam costs $225 for PMI members and $300 for nonmembers. These prices do not include the costs of CAPM training or exam preparation courses. Training course prices vary depending on the program and organization. Generally, the cost of CAPM bootcamps, training courses and classes ranges between $200 and $500.

CAPM candidates may find helpful information in the seventh-edition PMBOK, which PMI members receive with their memberships. Nonmembers must purchase this guide if they want to use it to prepare for the exam. The cost of the PMBOK guide can vary depending on the retailer.

Does Your Company or Future Career Value or Require It?

Certification requirements vary depending on your employer, company and organization. If you aspire to work in a specific role or with a particular organization, consider researching the job requirements to see if they include CAPM certification.

Project management skills are in high demand across many industries and organizations. Earning a globally recognized certification can make you more marketable and increase your job opportunities.

Will Your CAPM Certification Pay Off?

Is PMI certification worth it? They think so, and starting with the CAPM credential is a great first step.

There’s a rising global demand for project managers across many industries. Project management ranked as one of the fastest-growing fields in the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs report. To keep up with demand, a 2021 report from PMI projects that 2.3 million professionals need to enter the project management field every year until 2030, indicating a steady market that could create strong job security.

Moreover, even early-career project management professionals earn relatively high salaries, according to the results of a salary survey by PMI. In the U.S., project managers with less than three years of experience earn a median annual salary of $80,000.

Earning your CAPM certification can be a vital stepping stone in your career. CAPM certification can help with career advancement and increase your earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions About CAPM Certification