Are you ready to invest significantly in your cybersecurity career but unsure which certification will give you the best return? Choosing between the CCSP Certification and other significant qualifications such as CISSP can be challenging in cloud and information security. However, the CCSP certification is primarily intended for professionals wishing to specialise in cloud security. Which certification is worth your time and money, and how does the CCSP Exam Cost compare to others? Let’s discuss and analyse the financial aspects of these CCSP and CISSP certifications to enable you to make the finest investment in your future.
Understanding CCSP and CISSP Certifications
Understanding what each certification stands for is crucial before starting the cost comparison:
CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
The CCSP is more specialised, focusing on cloud security. It addresses legal and compliance, risk management, cloud architecture, cloud data security, and governance. Professionals trying to expand their knowledge in safeguarding cloud environments would find the CCSP perfect.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Considered the gold standard in cybersecurity certifications, the CISSP addresses security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, and more. It’s meant for experts who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in all aspects of information security.
Comparing the Overall Cost for CCSP and CISSP
Let us analyse the overall cost of certification you need to consider when planning for CISSP or CCSP certifications.
Exam Fees
The examination fees is the first financial consideration you have to make.
- Registering for the CISSP examination costs about £585. Given its comprehensive nature, this cost is somewhat hefty compared to other certifications.
- Conversely, the CCSP exam costs about £468. Though less costly than the CISSP, it is still a significant outlay, especially for those who emphasise cloud security.
Study Materials and Training
Both certificates call for significant preparation, which often comes with extra expense.
- Given the range of subjects in the CISSP exam, applicants generally invest in several study materials—official (ISC)² guides, practice tests, and third-party resources. Whether you choose formal training or self-study, these resources could range from £78 to £1,560. Depending on the supplier and location, instructor-led training courses can run upwards of £2,340.
- Getting ready for the CCSP test calls for buying practice tests, study guides, and maybe joining training. These materials cost between £39 to £1,170. Usually ranging in the £1,170 to £2,340 range, instructor-led training for CCSP can be costly, much like with CISSP.
Maintenance Fees and Continuing Education
Passing the exam is just the beginning. Continuous CISSP and CCSP certification maintenance requires annual payments and the accumulation of Continuous Professional Education (CPE) credits.
- Maintaining the CISSP certification costs £97 annually. In addition, CISSP holders must accumulate at least 120 CPE credits every three years to keep their certification; depending on your credit earning method, additional expenses could arise.
- Additionally, CCSP holders pay a £97 maintenance fee annually. To keep their certification active, CCSP holders must accumulate 90 CPE credits over three years, the same as those of the CISSP.
Retake Fees
It is possible to fail the test; retaking it will cost extra for you.
- If you must retake the CISSP exam, you will be liable for the total exam cost once more, £585. This might be a significant financial load, so getting ready before your first try is crucial.
- The £468 complete exam fee is also the CCSP retake fee. Retaking the exam can increase the total cost, as with the CISSP; hence, careful preparation is essential.
To visually compare the financial commitment required for each certification, see the chart below.
Which Certification Offers Better ROI?
Your present job and career objectives will determine whether your qualification provides a higher return on investment (ROI).
Globally and across many sectors, the CISSP is acknowledged as a standard for top cybersecurity employment. The CISSP is probably the best return on investment if your professional goal is to control a security team, hold a leadership job, or manage the whole security role of an organisation. Various pay polls indicate that, on average, CISSP-certified professionals make about £97,000; some senior positions pay much more.
The CCSP is an excellent investment for everyone who wishes to be or is already a cloud security expert. Demand for experts in cloud security keeps rising as more companies migrate their activities to the cloud. In fields like technology companies, financial services, and healthcare, where cloud technology is used extensively, the CCSP is especially helpful. With an average annual salary of £91,000, CCSP-certified professionals also have competitive pay.
Conclusion
The CISSP and CCSP certifications will boost your earning potential and advance your career. You can decide which certification is the better investment depending on your job goals. If you want a comprehensive cybersecurity job—perhaps in a management or executive ability—where you must understand every aspect of information security, CISSP is the choice. If you emphasise cloud security and want to specialise in safeguarding cloud environments—a growing demand—choose CCSP. Choose your relevant certification and start cloud security specialisation with The Knowledge Academy.
