Passed CCSP at first attempt
Glad to share that I have passed the CCSP exam today.
Before CCSP, I have just recently taken and passed the CISSP exam in May. I decided to push forward and try the CCSP exam afterwards, as they have several domain overlaps and wanted to take advantage of the CISSP concepts that are still fresh in my mind.
I spent the weekends of June in studying and reviewing particularly for CCSP. I also decided to take the CCSP exam sooner than later to avoid the upcoming CCSP exam version update in August 1, 2026.
The exam process is pretty much the same with CISSP. But what surprised me is the level of difficulty of the CCSP exam compared to CISSP, at least for me. Maybe because all the cloud concepts and options have overlaps that appear the BEST/MOST appropriate answer for me during the exam. 😄
Coming to the exam, I was initially preparing to end at question #100. When it did not happen, I was thinking it would end anywhere before question #125. When it still did not happen, I started to get anxious with how the exam will turn out. When it hit question #130 with 45 minutes remaining, I was already preparing myself to fail the exam. I think I have never read yet of someone who went as far as this question number in the CCSP forums that I have visited. With already a near-failed resolve, I still went through question #131, #132, and then pooof! the magical survey screen appeared. 😂
As I went out of the test room, I was already consoling myself that I still have the peace of mind voucher for the second try. At least, I won't have to pay 599 USD again to retake it. 😂
After I went to the front desk and claimed the test result, I exclaimed a big sigh of relief after seeing that CONGRATULATIONS! on the first line of the paper. 😄
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So these are the study materials I used for my self-study (did not attend classroom or on-demand training), in case this will help others too:
- CCSP Official Study Guide 3rd edition: Read the entire book and answered the chapter practice tests
- CCSP Official Practice Tests 3rd edition: Answered all the practice tests online using the Wiley app.
- Destination Certification: Read all the six free domain summaries in the website and answered all the domain quizzes in the DestCert mobile app