The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) has established a user certification program for IT professionals dealing with cloud computing.

According to the CSA, the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) is meant to ensure people with responsibilities related to cloud computing are aware of security threats and best practices for securing the cloud.

"Cloud represents the shift to compute as a utility and is ushering in a new generation of information technology," said Jim Reavis, CSA executive director, in a statement. "Critical services are now being provided via the cloud, which is creating a mandate for cloud security skills across the spectrum of IT-related professions. ...When combined with existing professional certifications, the CCSK helps provide necessary assurance of user competency in this important time of transition."

The CSA has released guidance on a number of best practices in the Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing, V2.1. In addition, the group cited the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) whitepaper "Cloud Computing: Benefits, Risks and Recommendations for Information Security" as an important contribution to the body of knowledge on cloud security.

According to the alliance, the CCSK program will provide evidence that an individual has successfully completed a test covering the key concepts in both the CSA guidance and ENISA whitepaper.

Among the companies endorsing the certification are eBay, Lockheed Martin and Sallie Mae. Online testing will be available starting Sept. 1, with the CSA offering discount pricing of $195 through Dec. 31. Regular pricing at $295 begins Jan. 1.