CCSP and CISSP are both advanced (ISC)² certifications with similar experience requirements. CCSP specializes in cloud security architecture and operations, while CISSP covers the full breadth of information security management and practice.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| (ISC)² CCSP | (ISC)² CISSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | (ISC)² | (ISC)² |
| Exam Code | CCSP | CISSP |
| Level | Advanced | Advanced / Expert |
| Cost | $599 | $749 |
| Duration | 240 min | 240 min |
| Questions | 150 | 125–175 (CAT format) |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | Five years of IT experience including three years in information security and one year in cloud security; CISSP can substitute for entire requirement | Five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains; one year waived with a relevant degree or approved credential |
| Avg Salary Range | $120,000–$165,000 | $120,000–$170,000 |
Focus Areas
(ISC)² CCSP
Cloud concepts, architecture, data security, platform and infrastructure security, application security, operations, and legal and compliance in cloud environments
(ISC)² CISSP
Security and risk management, asset security, security architecture, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment, security operations, and software development security
Who Should Get Which?
Get (ISC)² CCSP if...
Cloud security architects, cloud engineers, or compliance professionals who specialize in securing cloud environments and need to validate cloud-specific security expertise
Get (ISC)² CISSP if...
Senior security professionals who need the broadest possible recognition, those targeting CISO or security director roles, or anyone who wants a certification that covers all security domains
Recommended Order
Get CISSP first in most cases. CISSP is the more broadly recognized credential, and holding CISSP satisfies the entire experience requirement for CCSP. Add CCSP afterward if you specialize in cloud security.
Study Tips
About 30% of CCSP content overlaps with CISSP, particularly in access controls, cryptography, and security operations. CCSP goes much deeper into cloud-specific topics like shared responsibility, cloud reference architecture, and cloud data lifecycle. If you hold CISSP, focus CCSP study on cloud-native concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between (ISC)² CCSP and (ISC)² CISSP?
CCSP and CISSP are both advanced (ISC)² certifications with similar experience requirements. CCSP specializes in cloud security architecture and operations, while CISSP covers the full breadth of information security management and practice.
Should I get (ISC)² CCSP or (ISC)² CISSP first?
Get CISSP first in most cases. CISSP is the more broadly recognized credential, and holding CISSP satisfies the entire experience requirement for CCSP. Add CCSP afterward if you specialize in cloud security.
Who should get (ISC)² CCSP?
Cloud security architects, cloud engineers, or compliance professionals who specialize in securing cloud environments and need to validate cloud-specific security expertise
Who should get (ISC)² CISSP?
Senior security professionals who need the broadest possible recognition, those targeting CISO or security director roles, or anyone who wants a certification that covers all security domains
Test Your Knowledge
Already studying? Try our free tools:
- Security+ Practice Quiz — 300 questions mapped to SY0-701 domains
- CVSS Calculator — Practice scoring vulnerabilities
Deep Dive Guides
FixTheVuln Store
Get the Study Planner for (ISC)² CCSP
Structured study planners with domain trackers, time blocking, and exam strategies. Standard + ADHD-friendly editions.
Shop (ISC)² PlannersAlso available: CompTIA, (ISC)2, AWS, Cisco, and 60+ more