Currently, cloud services and security are in high demand. Most companies are seeking specialists to migrate and store their data in the cloud, as these services provide them with security and speed when performing tasks, saving them time and money.
The CCSK certification provides you with knowledge about cloud security, covering key areas such as data encryption and how to address potential issues that may arise.
In the following blog, we will delve into this certification, its format and structure, the benefits it offers, the resources you can use to prepare for the exam, and some additional tips.
Benefits of CCSK Certification
Domains and Topics Covered in CCSK Exam
- 1
Cloud computing architecture 10.00%
Knowledge in the different types of cloud service models, logical model, reference model, critical focus areas in the cloud, and basic concepts and definitions of cloud computing.
- 2
Governance and risk management 3.33%
Knowledge of cloud risk, implementation of tools for risk management, cloud governance tools, the use of various models, and the effects they have.
- 3
Legal and compliance issues 5.00%
Contracts, selection of reliable providers, legal frameworks for data management and privacy, audits, data custody, cloud compliance.
- 4
Data security 10.00%
Data protection, cloud data management, types of data storage.
- 5
Identity and access management 5.00%
Knowledge in authentication and credentials, user management, IAM standards.
- 6
Virtualization 8.33%
Types of storage, container usage, different network types, as well as key virtualization categories will be assessed.
- 7
Encryption 10.00%
Knowledge in data migration to the cloud, data security, data security controls.
- 8
Security-as-a-Service 3.33%
Benefits of services, security offerings, potential benefits, SecaaS concerns.
CCSK Exam Overview
a. Format and Structure of CCSK Exam
The CCSK exam is an open book exam that you present online, consists of 60 multiple choice or true and false questions, you will have 90 minutes to present it, it is available in English, Japanese and Spanish. The cost is $395.
b. Passing Criteria and Scoring System
This exam has a passing level of approximately 65% so it is considered a high difficulty exam. The minimum passing score is 80% so make sure you are properly prepared for this exam.
c. Tips for Effective Exam Preparation
Preparing for CCSK Certification
a. Creating a Study Plan
Creating your study plan will help you stay consistent with your preparation, and it will be the key to success in your exam.
b. Time Management Strategies
You must have a strategy or plan to allocate time properly for each question. You can distribute the 90 minutes of the exam among the 60 questions, which means having a limit of 1 minute and 50 seconds per question.
c. Mock Exams and Practice Questions
Take practice exams, as this will help you become familiar with the questions and the exam format. They are highly useful for assessing your knowledge and practicing time management.
CCSK Practical Scenarios and Labs
a. Hands-On Exercises for CCSK Concepts
One of the best techniques you can apply while preparing for your exam is to perform practical exercises, real life simulations to assess your knowledge levels, key points, strengths and weaknesses, and to give you experience.
Whizlabs | Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge V.4
This course provides you with 5 practice exams, over 200 questions that cover everything you need for your real exam preparation. Additionally, you'll have 2 years of access upon purchasing the course.
b. Simulated Cloud Security Scenarios
Set up scenarios where you can put your knowledge into practice, problems that you can attack, scenarios with difficulties so that you can really analyze what your strengths and weaknesses are.
As failures in the methodology, data loss, security problems, migration problems to the cloud. You can ask yourself these problems and look for a professional solution.
c. Applying Theoretical Knowledge to Practical Situations
Put into practice all the knowledge acquired during the training process for the exam, only this way you will be able to evaluate if you are really acquiring the necessary knowledge.
Study Materials and Resources
In order to succeed in your exam, you need to prepare thoroughly and have various types of study resources. Below, I provide you with a list of courses, guides, and practice exams to acquire the necessary knowledge.
1. Online courses
Udemy | Understand the CCSK Cloud Security Certification (INTRODUCT)
This course comprises 38 lessons divided into 4 sections, 1.5 hours of video content, 12 articles, downloadable resources, and a completion certification.
You will learn the fundamentals of the cloud, as well as the principles of the CCSK certification, its benefits, sample questions, and more.
Pluralsight | Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK & CCSK Plus)
You will learn cloud security specifics, data encryption, exploring security as a service, detailed compliance, and cloud audit management. This course has a duration of 7 hours and is divided into 6 sections.
2. Practice exams
ExamTopics | CSA CCSK Exam
This practice exam consists of 233 questions, with a duration of 2 hours. It features an updated version as of 4/8/23. Taking practice exams will help you assess your knowledge.
IT Exams | Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) Exam - ITExams
This exam comprises 228 questions covering essential cloud security information. Moreover, you can view the answers and explanations for these questions completely free.
3. Books and study guides
CCSK | Preparation Kit
This preparation kit offered by CSA is a comprehensive package covering exam topics, basic concepts, sample questions, summary of covered points, and more.
Amazon | CCSK Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge All-in-One Exam Guide
This Amazon book contains all the information about the covered exam topics, along with 120 practice questions and customizable quizzes for each subject.
Test-Taking Strategies
a. Study Cards
Create study cards where you jot down key points and fundamental aspects of each section and domain of the exam.
b. Answer Elimination
When taking the exam and unsure of the correct answer, you can employ the elimination technique. Think about how you would solve the problem in real life and select the answer you would apply.
c. Keywords
Compile a glossary of keywords that help you quickly recall a concept during the exam.
d. Time Management
Organize your time through practice exams. Evaluate in which topics and sections of the exam you might take a little longer. Distribute your time evenly or allocate more time to weaker areas you may have.
Exam Day Preparation
a. Resting the Day Before
You should rest properly the day before the exam to have a calm and stress-free mind.
b. Breathing Exercises
Perform breathing exercises before and during the exam. This will help you manage anxiety.
c. Helpful Notes
Create small notes with keywords for aspects you consider most important.
d. Meditation
Engaging in guided meditation will provide you with tranquility to manage your time and stress during the exam. The key is to achieve control over your emotions and mind. You can find a variety of guided meditation videos on YouTube that can assist you.
Post-Exam Steps
a. Continuing to Acquire Knowledge
Keep studying and preparing for the future. It's never too much to keep acquiring new knowledge and staying updated.
b. Exam Evaluation
If you don't pass the exam, review the sections where you made mistakes so you can study and reinforce that area for your second exam attempt.
c. Job Opportunities
If you pass the exam, start looking for new or better job opportunities. This certification is of great help and enhances your credibility in your resume.
d. Real-Life Situations
Apply your knowledge in real-life situations. This way, you can refine your skills and continue to grow professionally.
Conclusion
The CCSK certification is undoubtedly a great opportunity if you want to acquire new knowledge and recognition as a cloud security professional in the IT world.
In addition to being a recognized certification, companies are increasingly adopting the cloud model, making it a profession that currently and in the future will have high demand for professionals.
Start preparing now to obtain your CCSK certification, by following the advice and utilizing the provided resources, you can achieve success.
