You can see it againUnder pressure people bring back shapes and positions long after the wording has gone.
Picture superiority · Shepard 1967, Standing 1973
CROWDSTRIKECrowdStrike Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS)
The CrowdStrike Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS) certification validates the skills of cloud security engineers who manage the security of their organization's cloud infrastructure using the CrowdStrike Falcon platform. This role-based credential demonstrates your ability to secure cloud environments, identify risks, and respond to threats. Earning the CCCS distinguishes you as a trusted expert in cloud security operations.
DeliveryPearson VUE
Free questions595
Content last reviewed 4 August 2026 · Up to date
The certification
What CrowdStrike Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS) proves, and what it asks of you
What this certification covers, who it is written for, and what the exam itself looks like on the day.
7domains
30objectives
143concepts
What it is
What this certification is
What it validates, who it is written for, and the experience it assumes.
About this certification
The CrowdStrike Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS) certification is designed for cloud security engineers who are responsible for securing their organization's cloud infrastructure. This role-based certification validates your ability to use the CrowdStrike Falcon platform to protect cloud environments, identify misconfigurations, and respond to cloud-native threats. It confirms that you can effectively manage cloud security posture and leverage Falcon Cloud Security to safeguard workloads across major cloud providers.
Earning the CCCS demonstrates that you possess the hands-on skills and knowledge required to implement and operate cloud security controls, assess risks, and remediate vulnerabilities. The certification is part of the CrowdStrike Falcon Certification Program, which recognizes professionals who can maximize the value of the Falcon platform. By achieving this credential, you signal to employers and peers that you are proficient in securing modern cloud infrastructures against sophisticated cyberattacks.
Who it’s for
The CrowdStrike Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS) certification is ideal for cloud security engineers who manage the security of their organization's cloud infrastructure. This includes professionals responsible for securing cloud workloads, identifying and mitigating cloud risks, and ensuring compliance with security policies. If you work with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and you use CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security to protect your environment, this certification is designed for you. It is also suitable for security architects and analysts who want to deepen their expertise in cloud security operations.
Recommended experience
CrowdStrike recommends that candidates complete the training courses offered in CrowdStrike University that align with this certification and have at least 6 months of experience working in the Falcon platform. Completion of the recommended training courses in CrowdStrike University for the CCCS certification; At least 6 months of hands-on experience working with the CrowdStrike Falcon platform; Experience managing cloud security infrastructure and responding to cloud-based threats
The syllabus
What you’ll learn
Every domain and objective CrowdStrike measures, with the weight they carry on the exam.
The official CrowdStrike exam outline · checked 4 August 2026 · See the source
Falcon Cloud Security Features and Services
- 1.1 Explain the benefits of CrowdStrike's cloud security products and services — including cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud workload protection (CWP), application security posture management (ASPM), data security posture management (DSPM), and infrastructure as code (laC) security — and how they work together
- 1.2 Describe the purpose and use requirements of one-click sensor deployment
- 1.3 Describe the purpose and use requirements of the Kubernetes admission controller
Cloud Account Registration
- 2.1 Given a specific use case, determine the most efficient and secure registration method to use for your cloud environment
- 2.2 Determine which roles are required to perform actions with CrowdStrike Falcon® Cloud Security
- 2.3 Organize cloud resources into cloud groups to reduce noise and assign responsibility
- 2.4 Configure cloud security scan exclusion settings
- 2.5 Troubleshoot issues related to cloud account registrations
Cloud Security Policies and Rules
- 3.1 Given a use case, configure CSPM policies
- 3.2 Given a use case, recommend an image assessment policy and exclusions
- 3.3 Given a use case, recommend a Kubernetes admission controller policy configuration
- 3.4 Given a use case, recommend a runtime sensor policy configuration
Pre-Runtime Protection
- 4.1 Add, edit and delete registry connection details and settings
- 4.2 Given a use case, recommend an appropriate image assessment method for your environment
- 4.3 Identify potential security issues — such as malware presence, high-severity Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), detected leaked secrets and Docker file misconfigurations — from the image assessment report
- 4.4 Identify vulnerabilities and installed packages
Runtime Protection
- 5.1 Determine the best CrowdStrike Falcon® sensor to use when given a specific Kubernetes and container environment configuration
- 5.2 Troubleshoot issues related to Kubernetes and container sensor deployment
- 5.3 Identify deployment misconfigurations
- 5.4 Identify unassessed images used in production
- 5.5 Identify indicators of attack (IOAs), rogue containers and drift
- 5.6 Identify network connections
Findings and Detection Analysis
- 6.1 Evaluate cloud security controls and configurations to identify indicators of misconfiguration (IOMs), vulnerabilities and/or high-risk practices
- 6.2 Identify suspicious/malicious activity (IOAs) and associated persistence mechanisms
- 6.3 Audit user account activity and permissions to identify risks
- 6.4 Compare cloud, Docker and Kubernetes configurations to the latest industry benchmarks to determine compliance
- 6.5 Find unmanaged, public-facing cloud and container assets
Remediating and Reporting Issues
- 7.1 Identify recommended remediation steps for findings and detections
- 7.2 Describe the purpose and use requirements of scheduled reports for cloud security
- 7.3 Describe the purpose and use requirements of CrowdStrike Falcon® Fusion SOAR workflows to notify individuals about cloud-related policies, detections, incidents, infrastructure as code and image assessments
On the day
The exam itself
Everything CrowdStrike publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
No mandatory prerequisites — this certification has no required predecessor exam or credential.
CertificationCrowdStrike Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS)
DeliveryPearson VUE
LanguagesEnglish, Japanese
After you pass
Where this credential goes next
The path CrowdStrike lays out, how the credential is kept, and where to book.
Step-by-step path to CrowdStrike Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS)
Credential earnedCrowdStrike Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS) Certification Renewal and maintenance
CrowdStrike certifications are valid for 3 years. To maintain the CCCS credential, you must renew before the expiration date. Stay current with the latest technologies and maintain your certification.
Learn more about renewal requirements Lifecycle status
This certification is currently active and available. CrowdStrike maintains this certification to validate current skills and industry relevance.
Exam status: ActiveMaintained by CrowdStrike
Exam registration
Register for the exam through Pearson VUE, CrowdStrike’s authorized testing partner.
Schedule your examVisit the official CrowdStrike certification page for exam policies and requirements.
View the official pageYour coach
And when you are serious, your coach Pip takes over
Your coach in the app reads what you have answered with the book closed and tells you one thing to do tonight. It will not count an answer you gave with the page open, and it will tell you when you are not ready.
See how the coach worksBefore you book
Questions people ask
How does the CCCS certification relate to other CrowdStrike certifications?
The CCCS is a specialist certification within the CrowdStrike Falcon Certification Program, alongside the Identity Specialist (CCIS). It is designed for cloud security engineers, while other certifications target practitioners, administrators, responders, hunters, and SIEM analysts/engineers.
Do I need to earn a lower-level CrowdStrike certification before taking the CCCS exam?
No. CrowdStrike does not require any prerequisite certifications for the CCCS exam. However, it is strongly recommended that you complete the relevant training courses in CrowdStrike University and have at least 6 months of experience with the Falcon platform.
How do I schedule the CCCS exam?
You can schedule the CCCS exam by creating or logging in to your Pearson VUE account and selecting the CrowdStrike program. You can choose to take the exam online via OnVUE or at a Pearson VUE test center.
What are the identification requirements for the CCCS exam?
You must present a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your Pearson VUE account. For online proctoring, additional requirements may apply, such as a clean workspace and a webcam.
Is there a hands-on lab component in the CCCS exam?
The official exam guide does not specify a hands-on lab component. The exam focuses on validating knowledge and skills gained through hands-on experience with the Falcon platform.
What job roles does the CCCS certification map to?
The CCCS certification is directed at cloud security engineers who manage the security of their organization's cloud infrastructure. It is also relevant for security professionals responsible for securing cloud workloads and responding to cloud-based threats.
Can I recertify by passing a different CrowdStrike exam?
CrowdStrike certifications are valid for 3 years. The official materials do not specify whether passing a higher-level exam renews the CCCS credential. It is recommended to check the CrowdStrike University website for the most current renewal policies.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2026-08-04 Up to date
Practice free questions 595 questions, free, no account needed.
The curriculum
The whole exam, mapped and written
Every domain, every objective, and every concept CrowdStrike measures — each one written out.
7domains
30objectives
143concepts
132free pages
The domains, and what sits inside them
Every objective below is a page you can open and practise now, without an account.
The official CrowdStrike exam outline · checked 4 August 2026 · See the source
1Falcon Cloud Security Features and Services54 questions
1.1 Explain the benefits of CrowdStrike's cloud security products and services — including cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud workload protection (CWP), application security posture management (ASPM), data security posture management (DSPM), and infrastructure as code (laC) security — and how they work together7 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →1.2 Describe the purpose and use requirements of one-click sensor deployment4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →1.3 Describe the purpose and use requirements of the Kubernetes admission controller3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →
2Cloud Account Registration89 questions
2.1 Given a specific use case, determine the most efficient and secure registration method to use for your cloud environment5 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →2.2 Determine which roles are required to perform actions with CrowdStrike Falcon® Cloud Security3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →2.3 Organize cloud resources into cloud groups to reduce noise and assign responsibility3 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →2.4 Configure cloud security scan exclusion settings5 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →2.5 Troubleshoot issues related to cloud account registrations6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
3Cloud Security Policies and Rules63 questions
3.1 Given a use case, configure CSPM policies4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →3.2 Given a use case, recommend an image assessment policy and exclusions6 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →3.3 Given a use case, recommend a Kubernetes admission controller policy configuration7 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →3.4 Given a use case, recommend a runtime sensor policy configuration5 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →
4Pre-Runtime Protection96 questions
4.1 Add, edit and delete registry connection details and settings5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →4.2 Given a use case, recommend an appropriate image assessment method for your environment3 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →4.3 Identify potential security issues — such as malware presence, high-severity Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), detected leaked secrets and Docker file misconfigurations — from the image assessment report6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →4.4 Identify vulnerabilities and installed packages3 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
5Runtime Protection108 questions
5.1 Determine the best CrowdStrike Falcon® sensor to use when given a specific Kubernetes and container environment configuration3 concepts · 2 pagesOpen →5.2 Troubleshoot issues related to Kubernetes and container sensor deployment3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →5.3 Identify deployment misconfigurations3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →5.4 Identify unassessed images used in production4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →5.5 Identify indicators of attack (IOAs), rogue containers and drift7 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →5.6 Identify network connections4 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
6Findings and Detection Analysis130 questions
6.1 Evaluate cloud security controls and configurations to identify indicators of misconfiguration (IOMs), vulnerabilities and/or high-risk practices6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →6.2 Identify suspicious/malicious activity (IOAs) and associated persistence mechanisms10 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →6.3 Audit user account activity and permissions to identify risks4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →6.4 Compare cloud, Docker and Kubernetes configurations to the latest industry benchmarks to determine compliance4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →6.5 Find unmanaged, public-facing cloud and container assets7 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
7Remediating and Reporting Issues55 questions
7.1 Identify recommended remediation steps for findings and detections3 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →7.2 Describe the purpose and use requirements of scheduled reports for cloud security4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →7.3 Describe the purpose and use requirements of CrowdStrike Falcon® Fusion SOAR workflows to notify individuals about cloud-related policies, detections, incidents, infrastructure as code and image assessments6 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →
Not a table of contents
Every line on this map already opens
In front of every objective the practice pages are already there, free and without an account. This is one objective, opened.
1.1 Explain the benefits of CrowdStrike's cloud security products and services — including cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud workload protection (CWP), application security posture management (ASPM), data security posture management (DSPM), and infrastructure as code (laC) security — and how they work together5 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
24 questions on this objective, five to a page. Every range above is a real page, open now, with no account.
Reading the map is not the same as knowing the ground
The curriculum tells you what is on the exam. Proving you know it is a different job — and it is the one the closed-book run does.
Free questions
595 questions. No account, no card.
The whole bank is open. 5 questions to a page, every answer explained, and a discussion thread on each one.
595questions
132pages
30objectives
Freealways
Start anywhere1.1 Explain the benefits of CrowdStrike's cloud security products and services — including cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud workload protection (CWP), application security posture management (ASPM), data security posture management (DSPM), and infrastructure as code (laC) security — and how they work together 24 questions · 5 pages
Browse by domain
Every objective, and every page range, is a link — so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
1Falcon Cloud Security Features and Services54 questions
2Cloud Account Registration89 questions
3Cloud Security Policies and Rules63 questions
4Pre-Runtime Protection96 questions
5Runtime Protection108 questions
6Findings and Detection Analysis130 questions
What a practice page gives you
1Five to a page
Short enough to finish, long enough to matter.
2Every answer explained
Not only which one is right — why the others are wrong.
3A discussion on each
Ask, answer, and vote. Every question has its own thread.
A question, and the idea behind it
Every question comes from a concept
These are not trivia. Each one is written against a concept in the book, so when you get one wrong there is somewhere to go and find out why.
The visual book
See it once. Carry it into the exam.
The pages shown here come from our AI-900 book — an example of how each concept is written in plain language and, where the idea needs one, drawn as a full page you can take in at a glance.
143concepts
595free questions
Why a picture, and not another paragraph
Three reasons, and each one is a real finding rather than a slogan.
You can see it againThe whole idea at onceWhere it starts, what happens in the middle, what comes out, and the mistake to avoid.
Multimedia principle · MayerThe look-alikes sit togetherThe pairs the exam tests are drawn side by side, so the difference is seen, not told.
Dual coding · PaivioWhat one page is made of
You are never asked to read a poster here — only to see how one is built. After that, every other page is legible at a glance.
1A numbered strip on top
The idea as a sequence, followed with a finger before a word is read.
2Panels for the parts
What it is, how the machine learns it, when it is the right tool.
3The trap, framed
The distinction the exam tests, given its own box instead of buried in prose.
4One line at the bottom
The sentence to carry into the exam room.
Open book, on purpose
Answer it with the picture beside you
This is the part that teaches. The illustration and the written explanation stay where they are while you work, so a scenario stops being a memory test and becomes something you can simply look at.
It teaches · it does not count
A smartphone uses AI to unlock when the owner looks at the camera. Which AI capability is being used?
AImage classification
BFacial recognition
COptical character recognition
DObject detection
Look at the five steps. Detect finds a face, align straightens it, encode turns it into numbers, search compares it with a stored face, and decide answers one question: is this the same person? Classification would only say “a face”. Detection would only draw a box. Neither decides whose.
Then the page shuts, and it starts counting
The same questions come back with the book closed — that run is the one that counts. After it, your coach picks one thing for tonight, sized to the time you have, and brings pages back before you lose them.
Testing effect · Roediger & Karpicke 2006 · spacing effect · Cepeda et al. 2006
Official resources
Straight from CrowdStrike
Where the exam is defined, scheduled and scored.
4official links
143concepts mapped
The source
CrowdStrike’s own pages
We link to them rather than repeat them, so nothing here goes stale behind them.
Checked against the source
Every objective on the official CrowdStrike outline already has questions here
We build from the official skills outline, not from a summary of it — 30 objectives, 143 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When CrowdStrike changes the outline, this page changes with it.
30objectives on the outline→143concepts written→595free questions
An official page tells you what will be asked. It cannot tell you what you will get right.
That is the only question worth answering the night before, and no link answers it. You answer it by taking the questions with the book closed, and seeing what comes back.