What is SSCP? An Ultimate Guide for 2025

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification is something that you can consider as an Information Security Professional. This certification helps you validate your experience and knowledge in technical aspects of cybersecurity systems.    

According to a research report by Statista, in 2022, the global market of Security as a Service (SECaaS) was valued at 8.2 billion GBP approximately. It is further estimated to grow up to 27 billion GBP by 2033. Want to learn What is SSCP? Read this blog to learn more about this certification and how it can help advance your career in IT Security. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is SSCP? 

2) SSCP exam details  

    a) Weights of SSCP Examination 

    b) SSCP Renewal Process 

    c) Eligibility for the SSCP exam 

3) Tips to prepare for the SSCP exam  

4) Is SSCP certification suitable for you? 

5) SSCP-related Jobs 

6) Benefits of getting SSCP  

7) Conclusion 

What is SSCP? 

This certification is designed for cybersecurity professionals and is used to monitor information systems and respond to security events. Obtaining an SSCP certification can prove to your employers that you are capable enough to handle practical cybersecurity-related incidents efficiently. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² offers the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification.  

Acquiring an SSCP certification exhibits your ability to monitor, manage and implement IT infrastructure. It aids in utilising the best security policies, practises and procedures set by the cybersecurity experts at (ISC)².


 

SSCP exam details 

To obtain an SSCP certification and become a security professional, you must first clear the SSCP exam. Here is a list of a few crucial details listed in the below table. 

Weights of SSCP Examination 

Use the following table to learn about the various SSCP exam domains with their weights to prepare and pass the exam. 
 

SSCP Renewal Process 

Let us understand how to earn CPEs to maintain your SSCP certification here. The SSCP-certified members and Associates of (ISC)² must earn a certain number of CPE credits to maintain the certification active. Also, you must pay an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) along with the minimum credits gathered to maintain good standing.  

Certified members must meet CPE requirements no later than the certification expiry date (cycle end) within the three years of each certification cycle. Besides, for Associates of (ISC)², the CPE activities must be completed within their yearly cycle.    

An Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of £100 must be paid by certified members (whether single- or multi-certified), and it is due on the same day each year at the beginning of the certification cycle. The anniversary of a member's certification serves as the start date for their certification cycle.   

Further an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of £40 is to be paid by the members who possess the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification and Associates of (ISC)². The maintenance fee is due on the same date each year.  

Furthermore, the SSCP-certified members will be re-certified to a new three-year certification cycle as their tenure of the three-year certification cycle is completed by meeting the payment requirements, and minimum required CPE credit. The designation as an associate will be renewed yearly for one year if they can meet the required CPE credit score and pay the AMF amount. 

Eligibility for the SSCP exam 

The candidates should have at least one year's work experience in at least one of the seven SSCP CBK domains. Candidates with a degree in cybersecurity (Bachelor's or Master's) will be given a one-year prerequisite pathway.  

After passing the SSCP exam, a candidate who lacks the experience necessary to become an SSCP can instead become an Associate of (ISC)². After that, the Associate of (ISC)² will have two years to acquire the necessary one year of experience. Internships and part-time work can also be included in your experience.   

The (ISC)² also requires an approved cybersecurity degree to provide an SSCP certification. 

1) The cybersecurity degree should be able to address the information, information, cyber, infrastructure and software security-related topics in its requirements. 

Or  

2) The degree can be one of the following preapproved programs: 

a) Computer Engineering  

b) Computer Science 

c) Computer Systems Engineering 

d) Information Technology [IT]  

e) Management Information Systems (MIS) 

Ensure to recheck or confirm the list of preapproved degree programs with (ISC)² as they might get periodically updated. 

Further, let us understand how to calculate your work experience.
 

Are you interested in enhancing your skills in information security? Then, register with Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) training to upgrade your capabilities and build your career. 

Tips to prepare for the SSCP exam 

Your preparation for the SSCP exam might vary based on factors such as your knowledge, learning style, grasping power and subject-related experience. Following are some key points that may assist you in preparing for the exam. 

Selecting a training provider 

Multiple training institutes offer eye-catching opportunities. You must be careful to verify the promises stated in the offer and check if they are true or have any hidden conditions or charges that apply.  

Choosing a trainer or a training institute is not obligatory. For many candidates, it may be possible to learn independently. But finding a suitable training partner or institute is advantageous as it will help you prepare the complete course systematically. It might also save ample time in finding the latest resources to prepare for the exam.  

Several other options are available for self-study besides the (ISC)² SSCP training course, ranging from conventional textbooks and study guides to more modern resources like interactive flashcards and study applications, such as The Ultimate Guide to the SSCP. Moreover, suitable resources for (ISC)² self-study can be found online. 

Solving practice tests 

Practice exams can play a significant role in having a self-perspective of your knowledge gained. It helps you understand what type of questions you will get and how to manage your time completing the questions within the time limit. You can try appearing in various mock tests and practice exams online. Also, you can find many books (For example, a practice questions book provided by (ISC)²) that may help you in your additional study. 

Exam tips 

Now, let us come back to understand the additional exam tips necessary to prepare for the exam.   

a) Take enough time to get prepared for the exam confidently. Based on your current knowledge, the learning duration may vary by a few weeks or a few months.  

b) Create flashcards to memorise acronyms and port numbers.   

c) Read the exam questions clearly before your answer. You can spare a minute and a half for those questions you will respond to.   

d) Mark those questions for a review if you are unsure about an answer and need to put in more thought. You can use the "Flag for review" option to come back to them later.   

e) Ensure to answer all the questions, as there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.   

Is SSCP certification suitable for you? 

SSCP is one of the most sought-after certifications by several IT professionals. It can surely provide great offers and a lucrative package from varied industries.   

But ultimately, it depends on why you want this certification and your motivation to achieve your short-term or long-term career goals.  

Before picking up any certification, ensure that the certificate you select matches your career goals and consists of market value/recognition. 

SSCP-related Jobs 

An SSCP certification is ideal for all professionals related to an organisation's security system. The individuals responsible for securing an organisation's critical assets must upgrade their technical skills and techniques to stay ahead of the competition. The SSCP certification-related jobs include: 

a) Database Administrator 

b) Network Analyst  

c) Network Security Engineer 

d) Security Analyst  

e) Systems Administrator 

f) Systems Engineer 

g) Security Consultant 

h) Security Specialist 

I) Security Administrator 

j) Systems Analyst 

Benefits of getting SSCP 

Obtaining an SSCP certification can help you gain several potential benefits, which include: 

a) Gaining new knowledge, skills, and techniques that are relevant to your information security job 

b) Proving your worth and capability to your employers  

c) Increased chances of promotions and salary hikes 

d) Potential offers from multiple industries with a lucrative package 

e) Access to the cybersecurity community 

There are multiple other benefits to getting tagged as an SSCP-certified professional that can create possibilities for securing high-paying, in-demand cybersecurity positions. Obtaining an internationally recognised advanced security administration and operations certification such as the SSCP is a great strategy to develop your career and protect the vital assets of your organisation. Also, a network of cybersecurity professionals is available to support you at any stage of your career to demonstrate your abilities, improve your career and earn support. 

Conclusion 

We hope you now understand What is SSCP, the importance of getting SSCP certified, the eligibility criteria, the pathway to earning the certification, and many other elements relevant to SSCP certification with this blog. 

Are you interested in enhancing your knowledge or pursuing a career in information security? Register with SSCP Training today!