Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) Training
Applied Technology Academy delivers the Cloud Security Alliance's Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) — the industry benchmark for vendor-neutral cloud security expertise. This program is fully updated to CCSK v5, aligned to the CSA Security Guidance v5 and Cloud Controls Matrix, and now covers AI and generative-AI security, Zero Trust strategy, and modern data protection across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and hybrid environments.
Course Overview
The CCSK proves a comprehensive, unbiased understanding of how to secure data in the cloud. Because it is vendor-neutral, the knowledge applies across every major platform rather than a single provider. Version 5 refreshes the entire body of knowledge for today's cloud — adding artificial intelligence and generative-AI security, Zero Trust architecture, data-lake protection, and updated guidance on cloud workload and application security.
Course Outline
CCSK v5 covers the twelve domains of the CSA Security Guidance:
- Cloud Computing Concepts & Architectures
- Cloud Governance
- Risk, Audit & Compliance
- Organization Management
- Identity & Access Management
- Security Monitoring
- Infrastructure & Networking
- Cloud Workload Security
- Data Security
- Application Security
- Incident Response & Resilience
- Related Technologies & Strategies (including AI / GenAI and Zero Trust)
Exam & Certification
The CCSK v5 exam is open-book and online: 60 multiple-choice questions selected at random, 120 minutes, with an 80% passing score. Registration ($445, paid to CSA) includes two attempts valid for two years. The certificate does not expire.
Intended Audience
The CCSK is designed for IT and security professionals moving into or working in cloud computing — security analysts and engineers, developers, IT operations, cloud architects, and audit, compliance and solution-engineering professionals who need a credible, vendor-neutral foundation in cloud security.
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisite or prior certification is required. Candidates should have a basic understanding of core security concepts — firewalls, encryption, secure development, and identity and access management.
Follow-On Courses
Related training topics
Justify your training
Use this sample request letter — copy it into an email to your manager and personalize the bracketed details to make the case for the time and budget.
Sample training request letter
Subject: Request for Cloud Computing training from Applied Technology Academy
[Decision Maker Name],
I'm writing to request time and budget approval to complete Applied Technology Academy's course, Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) Training. The information below outlines how this training benefits our organization, the tasks I'll be able to perform after completing it, and relevant cost and funding details.
Course Description
Applied Technology Academy delivers the Cloud Security Alliance's Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) — the industry benchmark for vendor-neutral cloud security expertise. This program is fully updated to CCSK v5, aligned to the CSA Security Guidance v5 and Cloud Controls Matrix, and now covers AI and generative-AI security, Zero Trust strategy, and modern data protection across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and hybrid environments. Applied Technology Academy is an award-winning, SBA-certified woman-owned training provider (est. 2008) whose instructors are active practitioners; the course is hands-on with virtual labs and a learn-by-doing methodology.
Course Objectives
Once I've completed the course, I'll have hands-on, job-ready skills in cloud computing that I can apply immediately to our work.
Expected Organizational Benefits
After completing this course, I will be better equipped to apply these skills directly to our projects, reduce our reliance on outside expertise, strengthen our team's capabilities, and share what I learn with colleagues.
Expected Cost & Funding
Course fee: [request an itemized quote at the link below]. Applied Technology Academy supports multiple funding paths that may reduce or cover this cost: GSA MAS purchasing and government purchase orders, military credentialing funding (Army CA, AF COOL, CG COOL), VA GI Bill and VR&E, ATA Flexible Spending, and student financing. Private team cohorts are available if colleagues should attend with me.
Conclusion
This training provides practical, hands-on experience I can apply immediately to strengthen our work in cloud computing. Additional course information is available at https://appliedtechnologyacademy.com/certificate-of-cloud-security-knowledge-ccsk-training/.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
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