A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof. The CBCM includes a casing defining an actuator cavity, a actuation piston disposed outside the casing so as to define an actuation piston cavity between the casing and the actuation piston, and a check valve provided between the actuation piston cavity and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The actuation piston reciprocates relative to the casing. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the actuation piston cavity and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the actuation piston cavity.