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Pick up to 3 certifications and compare them side-by-side on cost, exam format, recertification, salary signal, quality, and domain coverage.

Cloud Security Alliance · professional
CSA CCSK
Cloud Security Alliance Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge

The CCSK from the Cloud Security Alliance is one of the most widespread vendor-neutral cloud security certifications worldwide. It is based on three core sources: the CSA Security Guidance v4, the ENISA Cloud Computing Risk Assessment, and the CSA Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM). The exam is fully online and open-book — this lowers the entry barrier but also means less practical proof than e.g. CCSP. No professional experience required, no expiration date. Good as an entry point into cloud security and as preparation for the CCSP, but not a strong career building block on its own.

Official page

Cost

Exam fee
CSA CCSK$295
Annual maintenance fee
CSA CCSK
3-year cost of ownership
CSA CCSK$295

Exam mechanics

Pass mark
CSA CCSK80% (60/75 questions correct)
Retake policy
CSA CCSK$0 fee · 0d wait
Study time
CSA CCSK40–100 hrs
Validity
CSA CCSK
CPE / yr
CSA CCSK
Delivery
CSA CCSK

Salary signal (US base)

Range
CSA CCSK$90K – $130K
Median
CSA CCSK$108,000
Premium %
CSA CCSK
Role context
CSA CCSKCloud security analyst / cloud generalist, US, 2–5 years.

Quality (4-axis rubric · 0–10)

Schema quality
CSA CCSK7.5
Practice evidence
CSA CCSK3.5
Maintenance
CSA CCSK8.0
Market recognition
CSA CCSK7.5
Average
CSA CCSK6.6

Recognition & lifecycle

Recognition
CSA CCSKGlobal
ISO 17024 accredited
CSA CCSK
DoD 8140 baseline
CSA CCSK
Holders worldwide
CSA CCSK
Current version
CSA CCSKv5 (2024-04)

Domain coverage

A5Cloud Security
CSA CCSK● core

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