CISSP vs SSCP Certification
Compare ISC2's CISSP and SSCP certifications. Senior management vs technical practitioner.
CISSP
ISC2
SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
ISC2
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | CISSP | SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | ISC2 | ISC2 |
| Difficulty Level | Expert | Associate |
| Exam Duration | 4 hours | 3 hours |
| Exam Cost | $749 USD | $249 USD |
| Exam Format | 100-150 CAT questions | 125 questions |
| Prerequisites | 5 years experience | 1 year experience |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Security managers, CISOs, architects | Security administrators and analysts |
| Salary Range | $140,000 - $190,000 | $75,000 - $110,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
CISSP Focus Areas
- 8 Security Domains
- Management
- Architecture
- Strategy
SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) Focus Areas
- Access Controls
- Security Operations
- Risk
- Incident Response
Our Recommendation
SSCP is the stepping stone to CISSP. SSCP is hands-on; CISSP is strategic.
Choose CISSP
Start with SSCP if you have 1-3 years experience.
Choose SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
Progress to CISSP after 5+ years for leadership roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CISSP or SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)?
SSCP is the stepping stone to CISSP. SSCP is hands-on; CISSP is strategic.
What are the salary differences between CISSP?
CISSP typically offers salaries around $140,000 - $190,000, while SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) offers $75,000 - $110,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Start with SSCP if you have 1-3 years experience. Progress to CISSP after 5+ years for leadership roles.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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