CCC level certificate is a certification that validates an individual’s foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. It demonstrates an understanding of core cybersecurity concepts and best practices. The CCC level certificate can help build a career in fields like information security, network administration, and IT auditing.
What does CCC stand for?
CCC stands for Certified Cybersecurity Craftsman. It is an entry-level cybersecurity certification offered by EC-Council, a leading information security certification body. CCC was previously known as Certified Cybersecurity Associate but was rebranded in 2020.
Why should you get CCC certification?
There are several benefits of obtaining the CCC level cybersecurity certification:
- Validates your core knowledge in cybersecurity fundamentals
- Helps launch your career in information security and related fields
- Demonstrates your commitment to building cybersecurity skills
- Distinguishes you from non-certified professionals
- Acts as a stepping stone to higher level certifications like CEH and CHFI
- Improves job prospects and salary potential
What are the eligibility criteria for CCC certification?
To be eligible for the CCC certification, a candidate must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have no criminal record
- Agree to the EC-Council code of ethics
There are no specific education or experience requirements for the CCC credential. Anyone meeting the above criteria can attempt the exam after going through the official course material or self-study.
What is the exam format for CCC certification?
The CCC exam has the following format:
- 100 multiple choice questions
- 90 minutes duration
- No negative marking for incorrect answers
- Proctored online exam
- Minimum passing score is 70% (70 out of 100)
The exam tests knowledge across six cybersecurity domains. These include:
- Network fundamentals
- System security
- Information security
- Cryptography
- Governance frameworks
- Security controls
Candidates need to thoroughly prepare across all domains to clear the certification exam.
What is the CCC exam fee?
The CCC exam fee is $100 when you register directly through EC-Council. Some authorized training partners may include the exam voucher in their training packages. The $100 fee only covers your first exam attempt. You will need to pay $50 for each retake attempt if you fail in the first try.
What is the CCC course material?
EC-Council provides the following official courseware for the CCC certification:
- CCC online instructor-led training – $550
- CCC online self-paced training – $350
- CCC exam preparation guide – $49
The training course provides comprehensive coverage of all exam domains through video lectures, labs, exercises and review questions. The self-study guide is more concise but still covers all key concepts tested in the exam.
What skills are validated by CCC certification?
The CCC certification validates skills across the following domains:
- Network security basics – firewalls, VPN, IDS/IPS, etc.
- Securing systems – OS hardening, patching, anti-malware tools
- Access controls and identity management
- Risk management, disaster recovery, and incident response
- Cryptography concepts including encryption and PKI
- Understanding security frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, and PCI DSS
- Comprehension of security controls like CIA triad
What cybersecurity jobs can you get with CCC certification?
The CCC certification can help grab the following entry-level cybersecurity jobs:
- Information security analyst
- Network security administrator
- Security operations center analyst
- IT auditor
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Junior penetration tester
- Compliance officer
- Security associate
While CCC alone may not land you the job, it provides a great foundation to start your cybersecurity career.
How long is the CCC certification valid?
The CCC certification is valid for 3 years from the date you clear the exam. You will need to renew your certification before the expiry date to maintain your credential.
How to renew expired CCC certification?
To renew an expired CCC certification, you will need to retake the exam. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a higher level certification like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) to renew your CCC credential.
What is the CCC certification cost?
The total CCC certification cost includes:
- Exam fee: $100
- Training course (optional): $350-$550
- CCC exam prep guide (optional): $49
- Renewal fee every 3 years: $100
Budget around $500 to $700 depending on whether you take the training and self-study materials. The renewal fee is $100 charged every 3 years.
Conclusion
The CCC certification provides a solid understanding of cybersecurity essentials including network security, cryptography, risk management and security controls. It is a great entry point for starting a career in cybersecurity and helps open up roles like security analyst, auditor, administrator and associate positions. The credential needs to be renewed every 3 years through re-certification to stay current.
With cyber threats on the rise, organizations need trained cybersecurity talent. The CCC certification helps validate your core skills and knowledge which can augur well for your security career.
Here is a summary of the key points about the CCC certification:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | Certified Cybersecurity Craftsman |
| Administered by | EC-Council |
| Exam format | 100 multiple choice questions, 90 min duration |
| Cost | $100 exam fee. Training $350-$550 additional. |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Renewal | Retake exam or get higher certification |
| Skills covered | Network security, access controls, risk mgmt, cryptography, frameworks, controls |
| Entry level jobs | Security analyst, administrator, auditor, associate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CCC certification worth it?
Yes, the CCC certification is worth it as an entry-level cybersecurity credential. It validates core knowledge which can help grab associate level jobs and build a career in information security.
What is the passing score for CCC exam?
You need to score at least 70% (70 out of 100) to pass the CCC certification exam.
How difficult is the CCC exam?
The CCC exam has a moderate difficulty level. With proper preparation on the course material and some hands-on practice, it is achievable within 2-3 weeks of dedicated study.
Does CCC certification expire?
Yes, the CCC certification expires after 3 years. You need to renew it before expiry by retaking the exam or getting a higher credential like CEH or CHFI.
What are the CCC exam topics?
The CCC exam covers the following domains – network fundamentals, system security, information security, cryptography, governance frameworks, and security controls.
Is CCC better than Network+?
CCC is more targeted to cybersecurity while Network+ covers broader IT networking concepts. CCC is more valued in security domain while Network+ has wider recognition across IT.
Can you take CCC exam online?
Yes, the CCC exam can be taken online through EC-Council’s proctored testing platform. You can schedule and take the exam remotely.
What is the syllabus for CCC certification?
The CCC syllabus broadly covers network security, access controls, risk management, cryptography, security frameworks, governance, and various cybersecurity controls.
Is CCC worth doing after CCNA?
Yes, CCC is a good certification to pursue after CCNA as it builds focused cybersecurity skills on top of networking knowledge. The 2 together provide a solid foundation for an IT security career.