Certifications are important if you want to advance in your cybersecurity career. They show that you’re dedicated to staying as knowledgeable as possible, and for some positions, they’re required.
Many IT professionals in the industry are unsure which to pursue first, the CCSP or CISSP. Destination Certification can help you to make this important resume-building decision. This article highlights the differences between CCSP and CISSP certifications and what’s required for each.
CCSP and CISSP Certifications
Both certifications were developed by ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium), a nonprofit association for information security professionals. ISC2 is known worldwide as the gold standard for cybersecurity certifications. They offer 8 different certifications, each focused on a very specific area of information security.
It should be noted that simply passing the exam doesn’t mean that you’ll be certified for life. To maintain the certification, you must continue your cybersecurity education by earning CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits every three years.
CCSP Certification
CCSP certification (Certified Cloud Security Professional) focuses on cloud security, design, architecture, and operations. This certification shows you have the competence and technical skills to design, manage, and implement security measures for cloud-based infrastructures.
Prerequisites for CCSP Certification
To be eligible for CCSP certification, there are certain prerequisites. First, you’ll need to have a minimum of five years of paid employment in the IT industry, with three of them focusing on information security. Also required is one year of focus on one of the six domains in the CCSP Common Book of Knowledge. The six domains include:
- Cloud concepts, design, and architecture
- Cloud data security
- Cloud infrastructure and platform security
- Cloud application security
- Cloud security operations
- Risk, legal, and compliance
These prerequisites are not required for those who are already CISSP certified.
CCSP Career Paths
This valuable certification is a great resume-builder for those IT professionals lusting for cloud security. Certified cloud security professionals in the United States can average a yearly salary of approximately $140,000. Typical positions that CCSPs seek include:
- Cloud security analyst
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud engineer
- Cloud consultant
- Cloud administrator
- Professional cloud developer
CISSP Certification
CISSP certification focuses on IT professionals interested in cybersecurity who want to build, design, and implement information-based security systems. While CCSP certification is better suited for professionals more interested in managing systems, CISSP certification focuses more on the technical side and has a hands-on approach.
Prerequisites for CISSP Certification
Like CCSP certification, CISSP certification has requirements that must be met before you can apply for the exam. Its prerequisites are a bit more demanding. Applicants much have a 4-year college degree or an approved ISC2 credential. Also required are five years of paid employment in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Book of Knowledge. The domains are:
- Security and risk management
- Asset security
- Security architecture and engineering
- Communication and network security
- Identity and access management (IAM)
- Security assessment and testing
- Security operations
- Software development security
CISSP Career Paths
Information technology experts looking to further their careers by obtaining CISSP certification are interested in focusing on the management side of cybersecurity. Certified information systems security professionals in the United States can earn, on average in the United States $140,000 per year. Common career paths can include the following:
- IT director/manager
- Security manager
- Security auditor
- Security consultant
- Security analyst
- Chief information security officer
Interestingly, CISSP certification is required for applicants seeking employment with the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity team. ICS2 has partnered with the U.S. government and ensures that those applying for positions either as employees or contractors have the training and latest skills to fend on cyber attacks successfully.
CCSP and CISSP Certifications Explained
Understanding and identifying your core interests will help you determine which certification is best for you. Both are shining gold stars on your resume and will help you stand out from other applicants. These certifications are proof of your dedication to the field of cybersecurity and all that it encompasses.
If you are leaning more toward the management side of the industry, CISSP certification is most likely for you. However, those with a penchant for the technical side who enjoy getting their hands dirty should consider CCSP certification.
