Security+ vs SSCP
Security+ from CompTIA and SSCP from ISC2 both cover operational security fundamentals. Security+ has no experience requirement. SSCP needs one year of experience to certify, and a candidate who passes without it can become an Associate of ISC2.
Side by Side
| Security+ | SSCP | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | CompTIA Security+ | Systems Security Certified Practitioner |
| Issuer | CompTIA | ISC2 |
| Level | Entry | Intermediate |
| Exam type | Multiple choice and performance-based | Computerized adaptive |
| Questions | Maximum of 90 | 100-125 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 2 hours |
| Passing score | 750 on a scale of 100 to 900 | 700 out of 1000 points |
| Exam fee | $439 | $249 |
| Prerequisites | None required. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administrator job role. | One year of full-time experience in one or more of the seven SSCP domains. A relevant bachelor's or master's degree can satisfy that year. Candidates without it can pass the exam and hold Associate of ISC2 status for up to two years. |
| Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| Renewal | Earn 50 CEUs in the three-year cycle and pay a $150 CE fee, complete the CertMaster CE course, pass the latest Security+ exam, or earn a higher-level CompTIA certification such as CySA+, PenTest+, or SecurityX. | 60 CPE credits per three-year cycle (45 Group A, 15 Group A or B) and a U.S. $135 annual maintenance fee. |
| Exam domains | General security concepts; Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations; Security architecture; Security operations; Security program management and oversight | Security Concepts and Practices; Access Controls; Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis; Incident Response and Recovery; Cryptography; Network and Communications Security; Systems and Application Security |
Main Differences
- +Experience: none is required for Security+. SSCP requires one year in one of its seven domains.
- +Exam: Security+ has up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes, passed at 750 on a 100 to 900 scale. SSCP is an adaptive test with 100 to 125 questions in 2 hours, passed at 700 out of 1000.
- +Cost: the Security+ voucher is $439 and ISC2 lists the SSCP exam at U.S. $249 for standard registration in the Americas.
- +Renewal: Security+ needs 50 CEUs and a $150 fee per three-year cycle. SSCP needs 60 CPE credits per cycle and a $135 annual fee.
Certification Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Security+ or SSCP?→
SSCP. ISC2 lists the SSCP exam at $249, and CompTIA lists the Security+ voucher at $439.
Do Security+ and SSCP expire?→
Yes. Both are valid for three years and are renewed with continuing education credits and fees.
Sources
- CompTIA Security+ V7
- CompTIA Security+
- SSCP Certification Exam Outline
- Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Continuing Education Renewal Fees
- ISC2 Exam Pricing
- ISC2 Member Policies (CPE requirements)
- ISC2 Annual Maintenance Fees (AMF)
- Become an Associate of ISC2
- CompTIA Security+ V8
- CompTIA Help: Testing options for CompTIA certifications
- CompTIA CE: Earn a higher-level CompTIA certification
- CompTIA CE: Renew with a single activity
- SSCP - Systems Security Certified Practitioner
- CISSP Experience Requirements
- ISC2 Cybersecurity Certifications
- ISC2 Certification Maintenance Handbook
Exam details come from official issuer pages and are listed in the sources above. Fees and exam versions change; confirm with the issuer before registering.