Exam Comparison
CCSP vs CISSP
Comparing the ISC2 CCSP and the ISC2 CISSP. Both fall under IT Certifications. Both are covered by the Cyber Security Cert Exam Prep: CISSP, CEH & CySA+ app.
The Bottom Line
The CISSP is the broader, more senior credential and usually comes first, not least because holding it waives the CCSP’s entire experience requirement. Add the CCSP when your role concentrates in cloud security architecture; take the CCSP alone only if your career is cloud-security-specific from the start.
CCSP vs CISSP: At a Glance
| Detail | CCSP | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | ISC2 CCSP | ISC2 CISSP |
| Governing Body | ISC2 | ISC2 |
| Number of Questions | 125 | 125 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam Fee | $599 USD | $699 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App | Cyber Security Cert Exam Prep: CISSP, CEH & CySA+ Soon | Cyber Security Cert Exam Prep: CISSP, CEH & CySA+ Soon |
Content Areas Compared
CCSP Domains
- Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design(17%)
- Cloud Data Security(20%)
- Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security(17%)
- Cloud Application Security(17%)
- Cloud Security Operations(16%)
- Legal, Risk and Compliance(13%)
CISSP Domains
- Security and Risk Management(15%)
- Asset Security(10%)
- Security Architecture and Engineering(13%)
- Communication and Network Security(13%)
- Identity and Access Management(13%)
- Security Assessment and Testing(12%)
- Security Operations(13%)
- Software Development Security(11%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CCSP and CISSP?
The CISSP covers the full breadth of security, architecture, engineering, identity, operations, risk, and governance, at a management-and-design level, requiring five years of experience. The CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) applies that discipline specifically to cloud: cloud architecture and design, data security in shared-responsibility models, platform and infrastructure security, compliance across providers. The CCSP requires five years of IT experience including three in security and one in cloud, unless you hold the CISSP, which satisfies the requirement entirely.
Can I take both the CCSP and the CISSP?
A strong pairing for cloud security architects and consultants, CISSP for seniority signaling, CCSP for cloud specificity, and ISC2’s shared CPE system lets one set of continuing-education credits feed both. If your work is not cloud-centric, the CISSP alone is sufficient.
Which should I take first, CCSP or CISSP?
CISSP first for most security careers: it is requested in vastly more job postings, and the CISSP-waives-CCSP-experience rule makes the sequence administratively free. Reverse the order only when your work is already cloud-security-focused and a CISSP’s breadth is less urgent than proving cloud depth now.
Does C3RT cover both the CCSP and the CISSP?
C3RT is building apps for both the CCSP and the CISSP. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The ISC2 CCSP (CCSP) is administered by ISC2. The ISC2 CISSP (CISSP) is administered by ISC2. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.