SSCP
(ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner
Created per CertMap methodology · Updated 12 May 2026 · About the editorial team →
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Overview
What is SSCP?
The SSCP is ISC2's entry-level certification below the CISSP and targets technically active security professionals with initial work experience. Since October 2025, the exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), which customizes the exam experience individually and increases integrity. The SSCP covers seven technical domains, from access control through cryptography to network security, and positions itself as practical proof of operational security competence. It is less well-known than Security+ or GSEC, but benefits from ISC2's strong brand and serves well as an intermediate step toward the CISSP. The effort for annual certification maintenance (AMF + CPEs) is moderate.
Quick facts
Key details
Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal
Cost over 5 years
Prerequisites
1 year experience in at least 1 of the 7 SSCP domains. Without experience: Associate of ISC2.
Exam format
CAT-based, 100–150 questions, 3 hours, proctored via Pearson VUE. Passing score: 700/1000.
Renewal & maintenance
Valid for 3 years. 20 CPE credits/year + annual AMF (125 USD, shared with all ISC2 certs).
Classification
CertMap score and matching roles
Rating
Matching NICE roles
Mapping from NIST NICE Framework SP 800-181, status 2025. NIST source ↗
More certifications
More certifications
From ISC2
CCISC2 Certified in CybersecurityCCSP(ISC)2 Certified Cloud Security ProfessionalCISSP(ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalHCISPPHealthCare Information Security and Privacy PractitionerISSAPInformation Systems Security Architecture ProfessionalISSEPInformation Systems Security Engineering ProfessionalISSMPInformation Systems Security Management ProfessionalThis page follows CertMap methodology: editorial content is curated by hand. Score, costs and NICE mapping are aggregated from official provider documents. Score methodology → · TCO methodology →
Transparency: CertMap is operated by Daniel Thomas Heessel, who is also managing director of Threat‑Informed, a company specialising in Threat‑Informed Defense. He additionally offers consulting services on CertMap. CertMap currently receives no commissions from certification providers, no affiliate links, no sponsored placements. Podcast and interview guests are not paid for appearances and receive no affiliate commissions.
From the knowledge base
View all articles →About the CertMap editorial team
CertMap is an independent platform for comparing cybersecurity certifications, built on data-journalism standards that combine editorial curation with mechanical aggregation.
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