In the rapidly evolving landscape of cloud computing, “Cloud Security” is of paramount importance. As organizations migrate to the cloud, the demand for skilled cloud security professionals is on the rise. One of the best ways to demonstrate your expertise in this field is by obtaining recognized cloud security certifications.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 cloud security certifications that can pave the way for a successful career in cloud security.

1. CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional

The CCSP exam covers a wide range of topics, including cloud security architecture, cloud security governance, cloud security incident response, and cloud security legal and compliance issues.

  • Certification Provider: (ISC)²
  • Official Website: CCSP
  • Exam Duration: 4 hours
  • Exam Format: 150 total questions; Multiple choice
  • Cost: $599 USD
  • Passing Grade: 700 out of 1000 points
  • Key Highlights:
    • Focuses on cloud architecture, data security, and legal compliance.
    • Ideal for professionals with a strong background in information security.
    • Relevant for cloud security experts, architects, and managers.
    • Examines access management, infrastructure security, and security services in cloud environments.

2. AWS Certified Security – Specialty

The AWS Certified Security – Specialty SCS-C01 exam covers a wide range of topics, including identity and access management, data security, network security, and incident response.

  • Certification Provider: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Official Website: AWS Certified Security
  • Exam Duration: 170 minutes
  • Exam Format: 65 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response
  • Cost: $300 USD
  • Passing Grade: 750 is the passing scaled score
  • Key Highlights:
    • Concentrates on securing applications, data, and networks on the AWS platform.
    • Valuable for cloud security engineers and professionals working with AWS.
    • Covers a range of topics specific to securing the AWS cloud environment.
    • Requires a strong understanding of AWS security services and best practices.

3. Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer

The Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer (PCSE) certification exam covers a wide range of topics, including identity and access management, data security, network security, and incident response.

  • Certification Provider: Google
  • Official Website: Google Cloud Platform
  • Exam Duration: 2 hours
  • Exam Format: ~50 (not a fixed number, but typically around 50+ questions); Multiple choice and multiple select
  • Cost: $200 USD
  • Passing Grade: 70% is the passing scaled score
  • Key Highlights:
    • A Professional Cloud Security Engineer deploys and manages security controls, maintains policies, monitors access and protects systems in Google Cloud.
    • The certification exam covers topics around cloud security architecture, data security, infrastructure security, incident response and cloud security operations.

4. CCSK – Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge

CCSK will equip you with the knowledge to develop a comprehensive cloud security program based on globally recognized standards. The topics covered include IAM, cloud incident response, application security, data encryption, SecaaS, securing emerging technologies, and more.

  • Certification Provider: Cloud Security Alliance (CSA)
  • Official Website: Cloud Security Alliance
  • Exam Duration: 90 minutes
  • Exam Format: 60 questions; multiple choice questions
  • Cost: $395 USD
  • Passing Grade: Open book but must get 80%
  • Key Highlights:
    • Vendor-neutral certification covering a wide range of cloud security topics.
    • Suitable for IT professionals, security experts, and executives involved in cloud computing.
    • Emphasizes understanding cloud security architecture and principles.
    • Assesses knowledge of secure cloud environment best practices.

5. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)

An Azure Security Engineer implements security controls that protect identities, systems, data, applications and infrastructure in the cloud. The exam covers identity, access & permissions management, platform protection, data protection, security operations and secure development.

  • Certification Provider: Microsoft
  • Official Website: Azure Security Engineer
  • Exam Duration: 120 minutes
  • Exam Format: 40-60 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response
  • Cost: $165 USD
  • Key Highlights:
    • AZ-500 exam is targeted at individuals implementing security controls and managing identity and access within Azure.
    • Validates skills in securing Azure cloud environments.
    • Relevant for professionals working as Azure security engineers.
    • Requires a strong understanding of Azure security services.

Final Thoughts

With cyberthreats growing and more workloads moving to the cloud, there is high demand for security skills. Getting certified in cloud security can help land lucrative job roles like Cybersecurity Architect, Security Manager, Application Security Analyst, threat analyst, cloud security engineer, and more. The certifications above are globally recognized for validating your technical skills across various cloud platforms and frameworks.

When considering a cloud certification, it’s crucial to evaluate your career goals, the cloud platform you work with, and the specific skills you want to develop. The mentioned certifications cover a spectrum of cloud security expertise, from general principles to platform-specific knowledge.

These certifications often require hands-on experience and provide a solid foundation for topics such as encryption methods, secure systems, risk management, incident response, and business continuity.

In the competitive landscape of cloud security, staying ahead with the right certifications can set you on a fulfilling and prosperous career path. Whether you choose to specialize in Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or a combination of cloud technologies, a cloud security certification can be a key asset in establishing your expertise in the field.

Further Reading:

How to deal with security when working with the cloud services.

Results are out – We’ve compiled a list of top 2024 IT certifications for you.