From CISSP to CCSP - Another Milestone Achieved!

[akkem]

Happy to share that today I’ve passed the CCSP exam!

My preparation was focused solely on the Sybex CCSP book and its practice tests. Due to a packed schedule, I didn’t have the chance to explore other resources. I had booked the exam quite a while ago and felt a bit nervous going in, as I didn’t prepare as thoroughly as I usually do.

That said, my 10+ years of hands-on experience in cloud security definitely helped me navigate the questions. With this milestone, I now hold both CISSP and CCSP certifications, and I’m setting my sights on the ISSAP next.

To anyone preparing: practical experience combined with focused study can go a long way. 

[nkeaton]

@akkem Congratulations. At least with a CISSP, you won’t need endorsement, just to accept the code of ethics. I did it in the “wrong” order and had to be endorsed twice which was definitely not an issue, just a few more steps. I did read the Sybex book but relied more on resources from CSA. I took the CCSK about a month later. I thought would do it sooner, but I found needed the time to decompress out cybersecurity from my head as CSA assumes that already know that for their exam. It was an old goal which was only reason wanted it. I am hoping to earn a CCAK to round out my cloud certifications/certificates. Right now am studying more for architecture trying to maybe achieve the triple crown. Definitely my weakest discipline of the 3. Don’t forget to celebrate. It’s a big deal.

[akkem]

Thank you, @nkeaton, for sharing. Actually CCSK is on my radar, planning to take it in the coming months. Since you've certified both, I'd love to your feedback. How do compare terms of syllabus and focus area b/w these two certs? Do you think pursuing CCSK adds value for someone who is already CCSP certified?

[ericgeater]

Congrats!  I also used the Sybex book (and practice tests) for CCSP last year.  And I agree, the focused study was crucial for both exams.

How did you find the difficulty of the exam?  In mine, I read each question very thoroughly, but it took nearly the entire allotted time to complete.  I only had a couple of minutes left!  Trading thoroughness for ensuring a good choice added a bit more pressure.

[akkem]

Thanks, @ericgeater
I found the CCSP covered fewer topics than the CISSP, but it still required careful reading and close attention to detail. I was fortunate to finish in about half the time, but that was mainly because I had already built a strong foundation in cloud security through my work and prior CISSP prep. Like you, I read each question carefully some were definitely tricky and required distinguishing between two very close options. I think the key was understanding the intent behind the question and applying cloud-specific context rather than just general security best practices.

[solajide017]

Congratulation! I'm preparing for the CCSP exam in two weeks. 

[akkem]

All the best for your exam!

[nkeaton]

@solajide017  It was not available when I took the exam, but I have been getting the book by Gwen Bettwy for our people studying for it.  Our folks really like that is concise and pulls everything together.  It was recommended by ISC2 was how I found it.  I mostly used no cost materials from CSA and NIST for mine.  Best wishes.    

[pgbiel]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your experience as I am also preparing for my exams very soon..

[akkem]

Thank you!
All the best for your exam.