Cloud certifications for building cloud knowledge

[Spirnia]

I would like to know how the following cloud certifications compare:

- ISC2 CCSP (work requirement/Associate)

- CSA CCSK

- CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

- CompTIA Cloud+

If I would like to build my cloud knowledge, is it better to follow the following path?

Cloud Essentials+ > Cloud+ > CCSK > CCSP

Are there other mainstream vendor-neutral cloud certifications also?

Do they all teach the same core material?

[Spirnia]

Gwen has a FULL CCSP course on her website, Tactical Security Inc, which was mentioned in her book’s about the author section, for $21.99!

I just signed up!

Thank you for sharing!

[nkeaton]

@Spirnia I like her presentation style and has a lot real world examples on the modules that I watched which was a few years after I earned my CCSP. For that price you can’t go wrong. Would definitely like your input as try resources that were mostly not available when I took mine. I want to help others so is good information to me. You can probably tell that the CCSP is maybe my favorite certification. Once your CISSP is a certification, you do not need endorsement for the CCSP. Because of saving that voucher from expiring, I did it in the “wrong” order. It was actually that exam that made me decide to try the CISSP. I had other more minor certifications from ISC2 and CompTIA and honestly thought was done. I didn’t need them for my job but like learning and helping others. Will definitely be interested in your journey if share it. Best wishes.

[Spirnia]

I am interested in seeing how my journey maps out too.

You are right, with that price, you cannot go wrong!

Gwen, in her video course on her website, also has links to all the documents from NIST, ISO, CSA, etc. etc. etc. that pertain to learning the content one needs to learn for this certification as well! All in one place. She has done all the preliminary work for the student.

And you gain access to a community section on her website where you may post questions! I like that feature!

CISSP certification seems to be enough for the experience portion of the CCSP certification as well, if I understand correctly.

[nkeaton]

@Spirnia Very good. She knows her stuff and is well respected. Yes, when have a CISSP, you only go to the endorsement page to accept the code of ethics. Since I did it in the “wrong” order, I had to be endorsed for mine. I would guess would be the same when an Associate of ISC2 but don’t know without digging a little. You’re on your way.

[Spirnia]

Thank you for confirming that for me!

In the last few days, I had completed the first domain of my official online training. But did not feel confident at all about my mastery of topics.

Yesterday, I viewed all of Gwen’s first domain videos.

She did cover a few terms that I had not recalled seeing in my ISC2 official online training.

Looks like Gwen’s videos are recordings of remote teaching sessions. I learned some new content. I like her teaching style. She is speaking at a rate where I can process the information.

Still not confident about domain 1.

I will be viewing other trainers’ first domain videos and covering their readings as well, before I move on to domain 2.

Finally, I will be doing a consolidated review and a boot camp plus the CSA document.

This is my resources list (and study order) as of now:

- Official online curriculum (by domain)

- Gwen Bettwy video series (by domain) on Tactical Security Inc (18 hrs)

- Michael Shannon video series (by domain) on O’Reilly (11 hrs)

- Mike Chapple video series (by domain) on LinkedIn Learning (16 hrs)

- CCSP for Dummies (by domain)

- CSP Cloud Guardians (by domain)

- ISC2 OPT (by domain)

Consolidated Review:

- ISC2 OSG (consolidated)

- Bob Salmans video series (consolidated) on CBT Nuggets (18 hrs)

Boot Camp:

- Michael Shannon (3-day/4 hrs per day) bootcamp recording from Feb 2025 on Percipio.

- CSA Security Guidance

[nkeaton]

@Spirnia Thank you for sharing that. Gwen is definitely a good resource. A lot of people also use Luke Ahmed. He has been teaching the CISSP for years but started the CCSP recently. Even if you do nothing else with him, you might want to sign up for his newsletter because includes tough practice questions. I self-study, and his book How to Think Like a Manager was definitely very important to me for my CISSP because it helped frame the mindset needed to answer the questions correctly. This book is also recommended by ISC2. His site is https://www.studynotesandtheory.com. I got Ben Malisow to teach our folks. He used to teach for ISC2 and a was a credited as an author on the first Sybex book. He reviewed Gwen’s book for her. His site is https://www.wannabeasscp.com/wannabeaccsp They are all really good people and give back to the community as well. I appreciate you being this interested; you will do well. Cloud knowledge is definitely important right now. I tell our folks that the first thing to do when planning a cloud initiative is to develop an exit plan. That answers a lot of the what if questions if something goes wrong. Can you tell that the CCSP is maybe my favorite certification?

[Spirnia]

I signed up for Luke’s free newsletter. Thank you!

I have his book from my CISSP studies.

However, his course is going to be costly for me at $44.99/month. So, at this time, I am not considering his course.

I checked out Ben’s website as well. Again, cost will be an issue. His 9 hr course is $93 for 2 month’s access.

I will be spending a little bit of time each day on my studies. Going at it long term.

And having time limits makes it difficult and costly for me at this time.

[nkeaton]

@Spirnia Thank you for your input. The newsletter is definitely valuable. I never used a class so no idea on pricing. Since can tell are motivated and analytic, I wanted to at least give you an idea on resources that I was aware of as successful for others. I do this at work but like helping others when can see their goal ahead of them. I am certain that you will be fine.

[Spirnia]

Thank you for bringing the different resources to my attention.

It is good to know what is out there and the different trainers who teach the certification subject matters.

It helps me to make an informed decision.

I appreciate your input!

[Spirnia]

Today, I added a course from Cybrary.it as well!

It is by Elizabeth Sims.

Looking forward to viewing this series which is also broken down by exam domains and includes a “readiness tracker” and a practice test. Additionally, it comes with 5 virtual labs.