Cloud Security Engineer Program. Build it on AWS, then secure any cloud.
Expert-led instruction
Why this path
Design first, then defend
You can't secure an AWS account you don't understand. So the path starts with how AWS workloads are built, moves into the AWS security services that protect them, and finishes with CCSP, the vendor-neutral cloud security cert from ISC2.
Hands on AWS
Solutions Architect Associate teaches VPCs, IAM, storage and resilient design, the pieces every security review touches.
Security depth
Security Specialty covers detection, incident response, data protection and identity across AWS accounts.
Any cloud
CCSP proves you can apply cloud security across providers, from architecture and data to legal and compliance.
Sources: AWS certification pages and the ISC2 CCSP page, checked October 2026. Accumentum is an AWS Training Partner.
Pathway map
Your three steps to Cloud Security Engineer
Take the full program or start at the step that fits what you already know. Each course also stands on its own.
Step 1: Learn how AWS is built
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03)
You can design secure, resilient and cost aware workloads on AWS. Networking with VPCs, IAM, compute, storage and databases, and how they fit together.
Roles it opensCloud engineer, solutions architect, cloud support engineer, systems administrator
The exam65 questions, 130 minutes
Passing score720 of 1,000
Step 2: Secure the AWS environment
AWS Certified Security Specialty (SCS-C03)
You can protect workloads and data on AWS. Threat detection, logging and monitoring, incident response, infrastructure security, identity and data protection.
Roles it opensCloud security engineer, AWS security specialist, security operations engineer
The exam65 questions, 170 minutes
Passing score750 of 1,000
Step 3: Own cloud security anywhere
ISC2 CCSP (CCSP (CAT))
You understand cloud security as a discipline. Architecture and design, data security, platform and application security, operations, and the legal, risk and compliance side.
Roles it opensCloud security architect, senior cloud security engineer, cloud security manager
The exam100 to 150 questions, 180 minutes
Passing score700 of 1,000
Exam facts
The three exams at a glance
| Cert | Exam code | Questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solutions Architect Associate | SAA-C03 | 65 | 130 minutes | 720 of 1,000 |
| Security Specialty | SCS-C03 | 65 | 170 minutes | 750 of 1,000 |
| CCSP | CCSP (CAT) | 100 to 150 | 180 minutes | 700 of 1,000 |
Figures from AWS and ISC2 exam pages, October 2026. AWS moved to Security Specialty SCS-C03 on December 2, 2025. ISC2 uses an updated CCSP outline as of August 1, 2026. Vendors set exam rules and fees, so confirm on their sites before you schedule.
DoD 8140
Work roles this pathway supports
ISC2 lists CCSP among its certifications approved under DoDM 8140.03.
Cloud and security work roles
ISC2 CCSP is listed in the DoD 8140 Foundational Qualification Matrix. Ask us to check the exact work role and level for your billet.
Sources: ISC2 DoD 8140 announcements and the DoD 8140 Foundational Qualification Matrix V2.1 (effective September 19, 2025), checked October 2026.
Funding
Using military education benefits?
Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll show you what applies to each step.
Tell us where you are and we'll map out your pathway
Where to start, how long it should take you and whether funding applies. You'll hear back from a real person, usually within one business day. Prefer email? info@accumentum.net
Thanks, it's in.
We'll reach out shortly with your Cloud Security Engineer plan. Want to skip ahead? You can register now.
Go to RegistrationFAQ
Questions people ask before they start
Do I need AWS experience before I start?
Some IT or networking background helps. Solutions Architect Associate is the first step because the security work later assumes you know how AWS services connect. If you're new to cloud, talk to us and we'll tell you if a fundamentals course should come first.
Can I skip Solutions Architect Associate?
If you already hold it or build on AWS every day, you can start at Security Specialty. Each course also stands on its own.
Is there an experience requirement for CCSP?
ISC2 asks for five years of paid IT work, including three in information security and one in at least one CCSP domain. You can still pass the exam without it and become an Associate of ISC2 while you earn the experience.
Why add CCSP if I already have two AWS certs?
The AWS certs show you can work in AWS. CCSP is vendor neutral and covers governance, risk and compliance in the cloud, which hiring managers ask for in senior and government roles.
Can I use military education benefits?
Yes. Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll walk you through what applies to each course in the pathway.
How long does the whole pathway take?
It depends on your background and test dates. An advisor will map each step to your schedule and work hours.
Ready to secure the cloud?
Tell us where you're starting and we'll build the schedule with you.
AWS and Amazon Web Services are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. CCSP is a registered mark of ISC2, Inc.