SSCP
ISC2 SSCP
The ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification for IT security practitioners responsible for implementing, monitoring, and administering security controls in organizations. It covers access controls, security operations, risk management, incident response, cryptography, network security, and systems security — positioned between the entry-level CC and the advanced CISSP in the ISC2 certification pathway.
SSCP Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | ISC2 SSCP |
| Governing Body | ISC2 |
| Number of Questions | 125 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 |
| Exam Fee | $249 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | ISC2 official website ↗ |
SSCP Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Security Operations and Administration | 16% |
| Access Controls | 15% |
| Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis | 15% |
| Incident Response and Recovery | 13% |
| Cryptography | 10% |
| Network and Communications Security | 16% |
| Systems and Application Security | 15% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the ISC2 content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Access Controls — access control models (DAC, MAC, RBAC, ABAC), identity lifecycle, authentication mechanisms
- ✓ Security Operations & Administration — security policies, configuration management, data handling, physical security
- ✓ Risk Identification, Monitoring & Analysis — risk management concepts, security monitoring tools, anomaly detection
- ✓ Incident Response & Recovery — incident lifecycle, forensics, chain of custody, BCDR basics
- ✓ Cryptography — symmetric/asymmetric algorithms, hashing, digital signatures, PKI basics
- ✓ Network & Communications Security — network protocols, firewalls, VPNs, network attacks and defenses
- ✓ Systems & Application Security — virtualization security, endpoint security, database security, malware countermeasures
How C3RT Helps You Pass the SSCP
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the SSCP is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real SSCP format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
SSCP Frequently Asked Questions
What does SSCP stand for?
SSCP stands for ISC2 SSCP. It is administered by ISC2.
Who administers the SSCP?
The ISC2 SSCP (SSCP) is administered by ISC2. For official information, visit the ISC2 website.
How many questions is the SSCP?
The SSCP consists of 125 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the SSCP?
The passing score for the SSCP is 700/1000, as set by ISC2. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the SSCP exam cost?
The SSCP exam fee is $249 USD. This fee is set by ISC2 and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How does SSCP compare to CompTIA Security+?
Both are intermediate cybersecurity credentials. Security+ is broader, covers a wider range of topics at a slightly shallower depth, and has significantly more employer recognition in job postings. SSCP goes deeper in some technical areas and is from ISC2 (the CISSP organization), making it a natural stepping stone toward CISSP. Many security professionals hold both.
What experience does SSCP require?
SSCP requires 1 year of paid work experience in at least 1 of the 7 SSCP domains. A related 4-year degree can substitute for this experience requirement. Candidates without experience can pass the exam and become an Associate of ISC2 (waiting up to 2 years to fulfill the experience requirement). SSCP is ISC2's entry point into the professional certification path toward CISSP.
Is SSCP approved for DoD 8140?
Yes — SSCP is approved under DoD 8140/8570 for IAT Level II roles (the same level as Security+). For organizations using both, SSCP and Security+ are equivalent in meeting DoD baseline requirements. SSCP may be preferred in ISC2-heavy organizations or for candidates who plan to pursue CISSP as their next credential.
What comes after SSCP in the ISC2 path?
The natural progression is SSCP → CISSP. SSCP provides 1 year of ISC2-recognized security experience, which counts toward CISSP's 5-year requirement. After building additional experience in the 8 CISSP CBK domains, SSCP holders can pursue CISSP. ISC2 also offers specializations after CISSP: CCSP (cloud), CSSLP (software security), and CGRC (governance/compliance).
How difficult is the ISC2 SSCP exam?
The ISC2 SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) is considered intermediate in difficulty — harder than CompTIA Security+ but more accessible than CISSP. It covers access controls, cryptography, network/communications security, incident response, and risk identification across seven domains. Most prepared candidates with 1–2 years of security experience pass with 2–3 months of study.
What are the eligibility requirements for the ISC2 SSCP?
You must have one year of paid, full-time work experience in one or more of the seven SSCP domains. If you pass without the required experience, you earn Associate of ISC2 status and have up to two years to fulfill the experience requirement. A relevant bachelor's degree may substitute for the work experience requirement.
How long should I study for the ISC2 SSCP?
Most candidates need 2–3 months of focused study using the Official ISC2 SSCP Study Guide, practice exams, and supplementary video content. Those transitioning from general IT into security find this a well-positioned stepping stone toward CISSP.
What career value does the ISC2 SSCP provide?
SSCP is valued for security administrator, network security engineer, and systems analyst roles. Holders typically earn $65,000–$95,000. The credential positions candidates well for advancement toward CISSP and signals meaningful security domain knowledge to employers.
What is the ISC2 SSCP retake policy?
Standard ISC2 retake policies apply: 30-day wait after first failure, 60-day wait after second, 90-day wait after third, with a maximum of three attempts per year.
How long is the ISC2 SSCP credential valid?
The SSCP is valid for three years. Renewal requires 60 CPE credits over three years and payment of the ISC2 Annual Maintenance Fee.
What continuing education is required for ISC2 SSCP renewal?
Renewal requires 60 CPE credits over three years. ISC2 provides free and affordable training resources for SSCP domain topics that qualify for CPE credit.
How does ISC2 SSCP compare to CompTIA Security+ as a mid-level security credential?
Both are mid-level security credentials appropriate for security analysts and administrators, but they serve slightly different purposes. CompTIA Security+ is vendor-neutral, DoD 8570-approved, and more widely required in job postings. ISC2 SSCP is backed by the ISC2 brand and serves as a recognized bridge credential on the path to CISSP. Security+ requires no work experience; SSCP requires one year. Both are worth holding for serious security career development.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the ISC2 SSCP (SSCP), a IT Certifications certification, administered by ISC2. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by ISC2. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the ISC2 official website ↗ .