How Many CCSP Certified in the World? Learn More About the Numbers and Growth Trends

You’ve probably seen the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) mentioned in job listings, peer posts, or team chats, but it’s hard to tell how crowded the field really is. Is strong competition already in place, or is this still an emerging trend? That’s where understanding how many CCSP certified in the world becomes useful.
 
Aside from certification stats, the numbers reveal demand signals and growth trends. They tell you where you might stand in the cloud security job market. Since its launch, the CCSP has seen rapid growth. But not everyone realizes just how quickly it's catching up to more established certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
 
If you're unsure whether the CCSP is still worth pursuing or if it's already tough to break into, this breakdown gives you a clearer picture. We’ll cover how the certification has grown, where professionals are getting certified, and what that means for your next move in cybersecurity.

Current CCSP Certification Statistics Worldwide

To get a better sense of how many professionals already hold the CCSP certification and where they’re based, you need to look at the numbers. These figures reveal both the opportunities and the level of competition in the market.

Global Number of CCSP-Certified Professionals

More than 20,000 professionals worldwide held the CCSP certification by the end of 2024. That’s up from just over 10,000 in 2021, reflecting how quickly the field is evolving. While CISSP remains larger, with over 165,000 holders globally, CCSP is gaining traction as cloud environments become more complex and more central to business operations.

The pace of growth suggests that cloud-specific security skills are no longer optional. Many working professionals have turned to focused training formats, such as a 5-day CCSP BootCamp, to build that expertise efficiently while staying on top of their day jobs.

Geographical Distribution of CCSP Holders

While the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) doesn’t publish detailed regional counts, broader trends offer a good picture. Most CCSP-certified professionals are based in North America, where cybersecurity roles and cloud maturity are well established. Europe follows closely, and Asia-Pacific is catching up fast. ISC2 reported over 20,000 certified members across Asia-Pacific as early as 2020.

In contrast, fewer CCSP holders are found across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. These regional differences often align with the kinds of CCSP salary expectations seen across industries and locations, offering useful insight into how demand for cloud security expertise plays out globally.

CCSP Certification Growth Trends

CCSP certification numbers have doubled in just a few years. If you’re wondering whether this cert is still gaining traction or already saturated, the data offers a clear answer.

Historical Growth Since 2015 Launch

The CCSP credential launched in 2015. At the start, adoption was slow. But by 2021, it had gained traction worldwide, and the figure doubled by 2024. Hitting 20,000 certified holders in less than a decade shows the CCSP has scaled.

This growth closely reflects how cloud adoption has transformed security roles. Over 90% of organizations now use cloud services in some form, creating an urgent need for professionals who know how to secure data in environments beyond their direct control. For many, the CCSP filled that gap, and the doubling in numbers shows the industry has responded.

Year-over-Year Increase in Certified Professionals

Even without annual ISC2 updates, we can map the pattern. Growing from 10,000 in 2021 to 20,000 in 2024 means the CCSP has been adding thousands of new certified professionals each year. That’s a rough 25% annual growth rate, higher than most other cybersecurity certifications during the same period.

This trend reflects what’s happening on the ground. Cloud spending has been increasing year over year, and companies are asking more from their existing teams. Getting certified has become a practical step to stay relevant. Training providers have reported growing demand for CCSP-aligned courses, particularly among professionals preparing for advanced roles in cloud security.

Projected Growth and Future Outlook

And the upward trend is far from over. Forecasts show strong demand ahead in both cloud computing and information security. Global cloud spending is projected to rise by around 20% each year. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33% increase in information security roles through 2030, well above the national average for job growth.

The challenge is supply. Surveys show that cloud security is one of the biggest skill gaps in cybersecurity today. Around 39% of professionals say it’s the most understaffed area in their teams. This mismatch between need and available talent suggests the CCSP certification will remain in demand as companies work to close that shortage.

Comparing CCSP to Other Cybersecurity Certifications

If you’re deciding between certifications or looking to complement an existing one, comparing CCSP to other popular options can help you figure out what fits your goals best.

CCSP vs. CISSP: Specialization

CISSP is one of the most widely recognized certifications in cybersecurity. Compared to CCSP, it has a much larger certified base, reflecting its broader focus and longer track record. That doesn’t make it more relevant, only different in purpose.

CISSP covers eight domains across general security, while CCSP focuses on six cloud-specific areas like architecture, compliance, and operations. Many professionals pursue both, using CISSP as a foundation and CCSP to deepen cloud expertise.
 
ISC2 itself recognizes the connection. If you already hold a CISSP, it counts toward the CCSP’s experience requirement. Together, they strengthen your profile for roles that demand both broad and specialized skills.

Cloud-Specific Certifications Landscape

There’s no single roadmap for cloud security roles, and certifications are just as flexible. Some professionals start with platform-specific credentials like AWS Certified Security that includes Specialty, Microsoft Azure Security Engineer, or Google Cloud Security Engineer. Others prefer vendor-neutral certifications like CCSP or CCSK, especially if their organization uses multiple providers.

CCSP and CCSK both offer a broad view, but they serve slightly different purposes. While CCSK is concept-driven and more often used as a stepping stone, CCSP builds on that foundation with a more in-depth look at cloud architecture, risk, and operations.

Market Demand and Salary Comparisons

Cloud security roles continue to grow, but many remain hard to fill. Nearly four in ten cybersecurity professionals say cloud is where the biggest skills gap lies. That gap translates into stronger demand and higher salaries.

According to ISC2, the global average salary for a CCSP-certified professional is around $114,000, with U.S. averages near $148,000. That’s on par with CISSP, which reports global averages around $119,000. In Europe and Asia-Pacific, CCSP salaries even edge slightly higher in some cases.
 
So if you're working toward a CCSP certification, what does this mean for you? If your work involves cloud systems, or soon will, having the CCSP shows you’re ready to handle the responsibility and committed to growing in the field.

The Value of CCSP in the Current Job Market

If you’re weighing up the CCSP, it helps to understand how it holds up in today’s job market. From employer expectations to long-term career growth, the demand for certified cloud security professionals continues to grow.

Industry Recognition and Employer Preferences

CCSP has become a trusted credential among employers hiring for cloud security roles. You’ll find it listed in job posts across industries, not just from cloud-native companies, but also from highly regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and government.
 
That trust has made CCSP a common ask for roles tied to infrastructure security, cloud risk, and architecture. The certification signals that you’ve mastered practical skills, not just theory, and that you’re familiar with the evolving challenges of shared responsibility in the cloud. 

Career Advancement Opportunities for CCSP Holders

The value of CCSP goes beyond a job title. Many certified professionals report faster promotion cycles, better project ownership, and more access to strategic roles within their organizations. It’s not unusual to see CCSP holders step into positions, such as:

• Cloud Security Architect
• Information Security Manager (Cloud-focused)
• Cloud Security Consultant
• CISO in cloud-first environments

More than just technical skill, these roles often require judgment, context, and the ability to align cloud controls with business needs. The CCSP helps build that credibility. Even if you’re not in a dedicated cloud role today, the certification can still raise your profile, especially when your company relies on hybrid or multi-cloud setups.

Is CCSP Still Worth It? The Numbers Say Yes

The rising number of CCSP-certified professionals shows how fast cloud security has become essential to modern IT teams. As cloud adoption accelerates, companies are prioritizing professionals who can secure complex environments with confidence and precision.

If your current role involves cloud systems or you're looking to step into a more specialized security position, the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification helps you build the expertise to stand out. The CCSP MasterClass is built for busy professionals, offering in-depth instruction and flexible pacing so you can prepare effectively, even alongside a full-time job.

For those just starting a cybersecurity career, our Security+ training offers a solid foundation and a direct route to earning an industry-recognized certification. Training now means stepping into a workforce that urgently needs your skills. Invest in the right certification and put yourself in a position to lead as demand continues to grow across every sector.