CCSP

What does the CCSP exam cover, on one page?

3 October 2026Credential Press2 min read

The CCSP exam outline effective 1 August 2026 on one page: six domains, their weights and what each covers, including the new AI and machine learning topics. The mnemonic gives you the six in order.

What does the CCSP exam cover, on one page?

CCSP exam outline, effective 1 August 2026

1 Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design (17%)

Concepts and reference architecture
Security and design principles
Evaluating cloud providers
AI and machine learning

2 Cloud Data Security (20%)

Storage and data security technology
Discovery, classification, rights management
Retention, deletion, archiving
Audit trails; AI and ML data

3 Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security (17%)

Infrastructure components
Secure data center design
Risks and controls
BC and DR

4 Cloud Application Security (16%)

Awareness and the secure SDLC
Assurance and verified software
Cloud app architecture
Identity and access management

5 Cloud Security Operations (17%)

Build and run the infrastructure
Operational controls and standards
Digital forensics
Communications and security operations

6 Legal, Risk and Compliance (13%)

Legal requirements and privacy
Audit in the cloud
Enterprise risk
Outsourcing and contracts

Careful Data People Always Obey Laws

C Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design
D Cloud Data Security
P Platform and Infrastructure Security
A Application Security
O Security Operations
L Legal, Risk and Compliance

CCSP mind map

Embed it on your site, wiki or study group page:

<a href="https://credentialpress.com/guides/ccsp-mind-map"><img src="https://credentialpress.com/img/mindmaps/ccsp.png" alt="CCSP mind map" width="1600" height="1131"></a>

How do you use the mind map?

Print the PDF and pin it where you study, or open the Markdown in Obsidian (a mind map plugin draws it from the headings). Say the mnemonic until you can list the domains in order, then add one item from memory under each branch. The quiz tells you which branch to revisit.

Where next?

Also free: the CCSP interview questions and the CCSP 10-question quiz, plus every other credential on our study tools page. For the full syllabus, the CCSP Exam Guide and the CCSP Practice Questions go domain by domain.

Frequently asked questions

What are the CCSP exam domains?

1 Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design (17%); 2 Cloud Data Security (20%); 3 Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security (17%); 4 Cloud Application Security (16%); 5 Cloud Security Operations (17%); 6 Legal, Risk and Compliance (13%).

Is there a mnemonic for the CCSP domains?

Careful Data People Always Obey Laws: C for Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design, D for Cloud Data Security, P for Platform and Infrastructure Security, A for Application Security, O for Security Operations, L for Legal, Risk and Compliance.

Can I use the CCSP mind map in Obsidian?

Yes. Download the Markdown file and open it in Obsidian; a mind map plugin draws it from the headings. A printable PDF and a PNG are free too.