SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner
Why Security Operations Professionals Choose SSCP
SSCP validates operational capability through proven experience—not just institutional knowledge, but demonstrated ability to execute security operations effectively.
For professionals with 1+ year experience in security operations, SSCP proves you can implement controls, respond to incidents, and maintain security infrastructure under real-world conditions.
For Military and DoD Cybersecurity Professionals
Your operational experience counts. SSCP is specifically designed for hands-on security professionals—including military and DoD personnel.
Why SSCP + Security+ Together:
- Security+ validates foundational knowledge (no experience required)
- SSCP validates your operational capability (1+ year experience)
- Together = Complete DoD 8140 operational qualification
Your military cybersecurity work qualifies as hands-on operational experience. SSCP recognizes that expertise and positions you for:
- Advanced operational roles in DoD and defense contracting
- Civilian career transitions
- Leadership responsibilities in operational security
SSCP Quick Glance
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS
Demonstrates professionals have the knowledge and skills to implement, monitor and administer IT infrastructure using cybersecurity best practices.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE SSCP EXAM
Domain 1. Security Concepts and Practices
Domain 2. Access Controls
Domain 3. Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis
Domain 4. Incident Response and Recovery
Domain 5. Cryptography
Domain 6. Network and Communications Security
Domain 7. Systems and Application Security
SSCP Exam Outline
Required Work Experience
ISO/IEC Standard 17024
Approved by Department of Defense
Your Pathway to Certification
Who Earns the SSCP
The SSCP is ideal for IT administrators, managers, directors and network security professionals responsible for the hands-on operational security of their organization’s critical assets, including those in the following positions:
- Network Security Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Security Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- Security Consultant/Specialist
- Security Administrator
- Systems/Network Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Health Information Manager
- Practice Manager
Global Recognition for the SSCP
Review access durations for all ISC2 product purchases.
Quick Reference Summary
| Product | Training Access | eTextbook & Study Questions eBook | Exam Window | Exam Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Only | — | — | 365 days | 1 |
| Exam Only with Peace of Mind Protection | — | — | 180 days | 2 |
| Online Instructor-Led Training | 180 days (from first session) | 365 days | — | — |
| Online Instructor-Led Training + Exam | 180 days (from first session) | 365 days | 365 days | 1 |
| Online Instructor-Led Training + Exam with Peace of Mind Protection | 180 days (from first session) | 365 days | 180 days | 2 |
| Online Self-Paced Training (90-Day) | 90 days | 365 days | — | — |
| Online Self-Paced Training (180-Day) | 180 days | 365 days | — | — |
| 180-Day Online Self-Paced Training + Exam | 180 days | 365 days | 365 days | 1 |
| 180-Day Online Self-Paced Training + Exam with Peace of Mind Protection | 180 days | 365 days | 180 days | 2 |
| 90-Day Online Self-Paced Training + Exam | 90 days | 365 days | 365 days | 1 |
| 90-Day Online Self-Paced Training + Exam with Peace of Mind Protection | 90 days | 365 days | 180 days | 2 |
| Certificates, Courses, and Express Courses | 60 days | — | — | — |
Exam
Purchase of exam(s) only.
Access periods:
Exam code must be scheduled and administered with 365 days of purchase.
Exam with Peace of Mind Protection
Exam-only purchase with two attempts included in the purchase price.
- Peace of Mind Protection gives candidates two exam attempts at a lower cost than two single exams. Candidates have 180 days from purchase to sit both attempts, with a 30-day waiting period between attempts. Learn more
Online Instructor-Led Training
Applies to Online Instructor-Led Training purchases without an exam.
Access periods:
- Course materials / videos: 180-day access, starting from the date of your first live session. Materials are accessible up to one week before the first session.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
Online Instructor-Led Training + Exam
Applies to Online Instructor-Led Training + Exam bundles.
Access periods:
- Course materials / videos: 180-day access, starting from the date of your first live session. Materials are accessible up to one week before the first session.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
- Exam: 365 days from purchase date to sit your exam.
Online Instructor-Led Training + Exam with Peace of Mind Protection
Applies to Online Instructor-Led Training and Exam with Peace of Mind Protection bundles.
Access periods:
- Course materials / videos: 180-day access, starting from the date of your first live session. Materials are accessible up to one week before the first session.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
- Exam with Peace of Mind Protection: Two attempts included in the bundle price.
Peace of Mind Protection gives candidates two exam attempts at a lower cost than two single exams. Candidates have 180 days from purchase to sit both attempts, with a 30-day waiting period between attempts. Learn more
Online Self-Paced Training
Available in 90-day and 180-day access options. All access periods begin from the date of purchase.
Online Self-Paced Training (90-Day)
- Training access: 90 days from purchase date.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
Online Self-Paced Training (180-Day)
- Training access: 180 days from purchase date.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
180-Day Online Self-Paced Training + Exam
- Training access: 180 days from purchase date.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
- Exam: 365 days from purchase date to sit your exam.
180-Day Online Self-Paced Training + Exam with Peace of Mind Protection
- Training access: 180 days from purchase date.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
- Exam with Peace of Mind Protection: Two attempts included in the bundle price.
- Peace of Mind Protection gives candidates two exam attempts at a lower cost than two single exams. Candidates have 180 days from purchase to sit both attempts, with a 30-day waiting period between attempts. Learn more
90-Day Online Self-Paced Training + Exam
- Training access: 90 days from purchase date.
- Exam: 365 days from purchase date to sit your exam.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
90-Day Online Self-Paced Training + Exam with Peace of Mind Protection
- Training access: 90 days from purchase date.
- Digital eTextbook / Study Questions eBook: 365-day access from date of first access.
- Exam with Peace of Mind Protection: Two attempts included in the bundle price.
- Peace of Mind Protection gives candidates two exam attempts at a lower cost than two single exams. Candidates have 180 days from purchase to sit both attempts, with a 30-day waiting period between attempts. Learn more
Certificates, Courses, and Express Courses (Continuing Professional Development)
- Training access: 60 days from purchase date.