SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
The SSCP is a certification for implementing, monitoring and administering IT infrastructure in line with security policies and procedures. ISC2 aims it at hands-on practitioners in operational IT and security roles who monitor, administer and defend systems.
Exam Details
Computerized Adaptive Testing with multiple choice and advanced item types at Pearson VUE test centers, offered in English, Japanese and Spanish.
Standard registration in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. ISC2 also lists EUR 239.04 for EMEA and GBP 201.69 for the UK. Currency and taxes depend on the exam location.
Requirements and Renewal
Prerequisites
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.
Renewal
60 CPE credits per three-year cycle (45 Group A, 15 Group A or B) and a U.S. $135 annual maintenance fee.
Current Version
SSCP Exam Outline effective October 1, 2025, in effect since Oct 1, 2025.
Exam Domains
7 domains| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Security Concepts and Practices | 16% |
| Access Controls | 15% |
| Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis | 15% |
| Incident Response and Recovery | 14% |
| Cryptography | 9% |
| Network and Communications Security | 16% |
| Systems and Application Security | 15% |
DoD 8140 Work Roles
12 work rolesThe DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix V2.1 lists SSCP as a foundational qualification option for these DoD Cyber Workforce Framework work roles, up to the proficiency level shown. Lower levels of the same work role are also covered.
Comparisons
Certification Lists
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the SSCP exam cost?→
ISC2 lists the SSCP at U.S. $249 for standard registration in the Americas and Asia Pacific, EUR 239.04 in EMEA and GBP 201.69 in the UK.
What experience does the SSCP require?→
One year of full-time work in at least one SSCP domain, or a relevant degree in place of that year. Part-time work and internships can also count.
How long is the SSCP exam?→
Candidates have 2 hours for 100 to 125 adaptive items and need 700 out of 1000 points to pass.
Can SSCP holders move on to the CISSP?→
The SSCP is on the ISC2 approved list for the CISSP experience waiver, so it can reduce the five-year CISSP requirement by one year.
Sources
Exam details are checked against official ISC2 pages. Fees, exam versions, and renewal rules change; confirm with ISC2 before registering. SSCP is a trademark of its owner. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ISC2.