CCSP vs. Cloud+: Which certification is better?

Cloud computing knowledge is the biggest skills gap in today's cybersecurity professionals, according to the 2024 ISACA State of Cybersecurity Report. Today, two of the most respected cloud computing certifications are the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) hosted by ISC2 and CompTIA's Cloud+.

Both certifications may drastically improve your career outlook, but which one is right for you? This article will explore both certifications, highlight the differences between the two and leave you in a better position to determine which certificate is right for you.

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CCSP and Cloud+ basics

To effectively compare these two certifications, it's important to keep in mind that the certifications focus on different aspects of the cloud. CCSP focuses explicitly on cloud security, while Cloud+ is an entry-level certification that takes a more general view of the cloud and includes security as just one of several domains to cover. As you may have guessed, this article will be especially useful to those considering making the cloud the focus of their career (at least in part).

CCSP

CCSP is a globally recognized cloud certification that focuses on the security side of things. In terms of exam content, CCSP tests your skills and knowledge across six cloud security domains. These domains, and other CCSP exam specifics, will be explored below.

CCSP exam prerequisites

This certification only demands a certain level of professional experience acquired either in a cloud computing environment or in a role that requires cloud computing security knowledge. There is no mention of whether any certain education level is required; however, having previously earned certificates or certifications may help you attain the level of experience needed faster.

CCSP candidates must have performed at least five years of paid, cumulative work experience in IT. Of this, at least three years must be in information security, and at least one year must be in one of the six domains of the CCSP exam (explored below).

What does CCSP cover?

CCSP covers six domains of cloud security knowledge. These domains are:

• Domain 1 — Cloud Concepts
• Domain 2 — Cloud Data Security
• Domain 3 — Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security
• Domain 4 — Cloud Application Security
• Domain 5 — Cloud Security Operations
• Domain 6 — Legal, Risk and Compliance

As of the August 2024 update, the CCSP exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions.

Who is looking for CCSP certification holders?

While all companies have different personnel demands, those looking for holders of this certification will be organizations already operating in a cloud computing environment. Those looking to strengthen or expand their cloud security will be most interested in certification holders.

Cloud+

Cloud+ is closer to an entry-level cloud computing certification that proves you have the knowledge and skills required for data center jobs. Cloud+ used to be seen as strictly entry-level, but recent changes to the certification (including increased years of experience) place this certification somewhere between entry-level and intermediate. Job titles that prefer Cloud+ certification include cloud engineer, cloud specialist, cloud project manager and cloud computing business analyst.

Cloud+ prerequisites

CompTIA offers some recommendations for prerequisites for this certification exam. First, Cloud+ candidates should have a background in STEM. Because IT is an established part of the "T" in STEM, this recommendation technically opens up the Cloud+ exam to those in science, engineering, and mathematics roles who are interested in cloud computing. Second, Cloud+ candidates are suggested to have at least two to three years of experience in system administration. However, their is no experience requirement for any CompTIA certifications.

What Cloud+ covers

This certification exam material was updated in September 2024 and is divided into five domains of cloud computing knowledge. These domains are:

• Domain 1 — Cloud Architecture 
• Domain 2 — Deployment
• Domain 3 — Operations
• Domain 4 — DevOps Fundamentals
• Domain 5 — Troubleshooting

The Cloud+ exam contains 90 questions, including performance-based and multiple-choice questions.

Who is looking for Cloud+ certification holders?

Companies looking for Cloud+ certification holders have their data workload integrated into the cloud. As the majority of enterprise data workloads are in the cloud, more and more companies will need these professionals.

Key takeaways of CCSP and Cloud+

CCSP and Cloud+ both have the common subject matter of the cloud, but this is where the similarities end. These two certifications essentially certify different things and are meant for professionals at different stages of their careers and with different focuses.

These certifications certify different aspects of cloud computing knowledge. CCSP focuses on cloud computing security, applying best practices to cloud security architecture, design, service orchestration and operations. In contrast, Cloud+ focuses on cloud infrastructure and validates skills required to maintain and optimize cloud infrastructure services.

These certifications are intended for cloud computing professionals at different stages in their careers. CCSP is intended for professionals with five years of experience, which rests somewhere between their careers' intermediate and expert phases. Cloud+ is intended for professionals with two to three years of experience, somewhere between the entry-level and intermediate phases.

Lastly, these certifications are intended for cloud computing professionals with different cloud career paths. CCSP is for those devoted to cloud security, whereas Cloud+ is meant for cloud infrastructure professionals who approach the cloud with an outlook beyond just security (one of the domains of Cloud+).

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Choosing between CCSP and Cloud+

With the increasing proliferation of cloud computing in the business world, demand for cloud computing professionals with relevant certifications will only increase as time goes on. CCSP and Cloud+ are two of the most respected of these certifications, but it is essential to understand their differences to make the best use of them. CCSP is a cloud security certification for those with at least five years of experience, and Cloud+ is an infrastructure-centric cloud certification for those with three years of experience.

Choose the certification that best fits your cloud computing career path, and you will have an outstanding verification of your cloud computing knowledge and skills.

Read our Cybersecurity certifications and skills: A roadmap for mid-career professionals ebook for more information to decide the right certification for you.