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Exam Information
Official specifications published by ISACA
Exam Format
240 min
140
Not publicly disclosed (scaled scoring)
Operations Analyst
Registration
$399 USD
PSI or online proctoring
English
Validity
3 years
Earn and report 120 CPE hours during 3-year reporting period (minimum 20 CPE hours per year); Adhere to ISACA Code of Professional Ethics; Pay annual maintenance fee
CCOA Exam Topics and Domains
CCOA is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Firewalls, EDR platforms, Endpoint protection, Threat intelligence platforms, and more.
1
Technology Essentials
25%
Computer and Cloud Networking
Cloud Networking FundamentalsComputer Networking BasicsDevices, Ports, and Protocols
- Identify the key components of computer and cloud networking
- Understand how networking protocols and services function
- Analyze network traffic and identify anomalies
Systems and Endpoints
DatabasesOperating SystemsVirtualization and Containerization
- Understand how databases, operating systems, and virtualization technologies are leveraged
- Identify security considerations for endpoints and systems
- Analyze system configurations for security weaknesses
Applications and Programming
Command-Line InterfacesProgramming and Scripting
- Become familiar with command-line interfaces and scripting languages
- Understand how programming and scripting support cybersecurity operations
- Analyze code for security implications
2
Cybersecurity Principles and Risk
20%
Governance and Compliance
Cybersecurity GovernanceRegulatory Compliance
- Understand cybersecurity governance and alignment with business drivers
- Define cybersecurity strategy based on enterprise objectives
- Establish effective cross-organizational communication for cybersecurity
Risk Management
Application RiskCloud Technology RiskData RiskNetwork RiskSupply Chain Risk
- Identify and assess various types of cybersecurity risks
- Understand risk management methodologies
- Apply risk mitigation strategies across different technology domains
3
Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
10%
Threat Landscape
Attack VectorsThreat Actors and AgentsAttack Types
- Understand common adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
- Identify different threat actor types and their motivations
- Recognize various attack vectors and methods
Cyber Attack Stages and Methodologies
Cyber Kill ChainMITRE ATT&CK FrameworkPenetration Testing
- Understand cyber attack stages and progression
- Apply attack frameworks like Cyber Kill Chain and MITRE ATT&CK
- Comprehend penetration testing methodologies and their role in security
4
Incident Detection and Response
34%
Detection Capabilities
Data Analytics for SecurityDetection Use CasesIndicators of Compromise and AttackLogs and Alerts
- Understand data analytics and its application to security operations
- Develop and implement detection use cases
- Identify and utilize indicators of compromise and attack
- Effectively manage logs and security alerts
Incident Analysis
Forensic AnalysisMalware AnalysisThreat Assessment
- Conduct forensic analysis of security incidents
- Analyze malware and understand its behavior
- Assess and prioritize threats effectively
Incident Response
Incident Response LifecycleContainment and EradicationRecovery and Post-Incident Activities
- Execute effective incident response procedures
- Contain and eradicate security threats
- Recover from incidents and improve processes
SOC Operations
SOC Tools and TechnologiesThreat HuntingCommunication and Reporting
- Utilize SOC tools and technologies effectively
- Conduct proactive threat hunting activities
- Communicate security information to various stakeholders
5
Securing Assets
11%
Security Controls and Techniques
Preventive ControlsDetective ControlsCorrective Controls
- Implement various types of security controls
- Apply security techniques to protect assets
- Understand control selection and implementation
Identity and Access Management
Authentication and AuthorizationPrivileged Access Management
- Implement identity and access management solutions
- Manage privileged access effectively
- Understand authentication and authorization mechanisms
Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability AssessmentVulnerability IdentificationRemediation Strategies
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and identify security weaknesses
- Understand vulnerability lifecycle and management
- Implement effective remediation strategies
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CCOA earns the CCOA certification. It sits in the Cybersecurity Operations track.
Next Level Options
- CISM - Certified Information Security ManagerAdvances to strategic security management (CCOA passers receive 1-year educational waiver toward CISM exam)
- CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems ControlFocuses on enterprise IT risk management
- CISA - Certified Information Systems AuditorTransition to audit and assurance roles
Alternative Paths
- CySA+ - CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Comparable security analyst certification with vendor-neutral approach
- Security+ - CompTIA Security+Foundational security certification (may prepare for CCOA)
- GCIH - GIAC Certified Incident Handler Specialized incident handling certification
- GCIA - GIAC Certified Intrusion AnalystAdvanced intrusion detection and analysis
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for CCOA.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-01
- Announcement date: 2025-01-29
Updates
- MITRE ATT&CK Framework Current Core component of Domain 3 - candidates must understand ATT&CK tactics, techniques, and procedures • Release date: Ongoing
- Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, GCP) Current Domain 1 covers cloud networking; Domain 2 covers cloud technology risk and shared responsibility model • Release date: Ongoing
- SIEM Platforms (Splunk, QRadar, etc.) Current Critical for Domain 4 - log analysis, alert management, and detection use cases are heavily tested • Release date: Ongoing
- EDR and SOAR Tools Current Domain 4 SOC operations - understanding EDR capabilities and SOAR automation • Release date: Ongoing
Who should take this exam?
- 2-3 years of cybersecurity experience
- SOC analyst or equivalent role experience
- Understanding of networking and operating systems
- Familiarity with security tools (SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS)