International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)²
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Credential: Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Credentialing Agency: International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)²
Renewal Period: 3 years
The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)², Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is an intermediate skill level certification for individuals involved in network and systems security administration responsible for developing the information security policies, standards, and procedures. Candidates manage implementation across various hardware and software programs in their organization. The SSCP is targeted toward those working towards positions such as Network Security Engineers, Security Systems Analysts, or Security Administrators. It is also appropriate for personnel in other non-security disciplines that require an understanding of security but do not have information security as a primary part of their job description, including information systems auditors; application programmers; system, network and database administrators; business unit representatives, and systems analysts. Candidates must meet work experienve requirements to be eligible for the SSCP exam. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Attainability: 
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 1 year
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.
To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
Renewal Period: 3 years
- Continuing Education
- Exam
- Continuing Education OR Exam
- Fee
- Other
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)²
311 Park Place Blvd
Suite 400
Clearwater, FL 33759
Phone: (866) 331-4722
Fax: (703) 356-7977
Email: communications@isc2.org
Candidate must have a minimum of one year of cumulative paid full-time work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the SSCP.
A one year prerequisite pathway will be granted for a candidate who received a degree (bachelors or masters) in a cybersecurity program.
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) credential has the following other requirements:
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Candidate must subscribe to the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)2 Code of Ethics.
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Individuals who pass a SSCP exam must have their qualifications endorsed by another (ISC2) credential holder.
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Access Controls (16%)
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Implement and maintain authentication methods
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Support internetwork trust architectures
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Participate in the identity management lifecycle
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Implement access controls
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Security Operations and Administration (15%)
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Comply with codes of ethics
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Understand security concepts
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Document, implement, and maintain functional security controls
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Participate in asset management
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Implement security controls and assess compliance
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Participate in change management
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Participate in security awareness and training
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Participate in physical security operations (e.g., data center assessment, badging)
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Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis (15%)
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Understand the risk management process
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Perform security assessment activities
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Operate and maintain monitoring systems (e.g., continuous monitoring)
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Analyze monitoring results
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Incident Response and Recovery (13%)
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Support incident lifecycle
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Understand and support forensic investigations
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Understand and support Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) activities
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Cryptography (10%)
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Understand fundamental concepts of cryptography
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Understand reasons and requirements for cryptography
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Understand and support secure protocols
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Understand Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems
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Network and Communications Security (16%)
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Understand and apply fundamental concepts of networking
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Understand network attacks and countermeasures (e.g., DDoS, man-in-the-middle, DNS poisoning)
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Manage network access controls
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Manage network security
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Operate and configure network-based security devices
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Operate and configure wireless technologies (e.g., bluetooth, NFC, WiFi)
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Systems and Application Security (15%)
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Identify and analyze malicious code and activity
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Implement and operate endpoint device security
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Operate and configure cloud security
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Operate and secure virtual environments
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) examination:
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the
Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
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Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
Pearson VUE
The test centers are located in the U.S.
They also have some test centers on military bases.
To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Renewal Period: 3 years
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) credential has the following recertification information:
- A candidate who does not have the required experience to become an SSCP may become an Associate of (ISC)² by successfully passing the SSCP examination. The Associate of (ISC)² will then have two years to earn the one year required experience.
MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
This is an official U.S. Army website
Updated: March 31, 2021
Army Table Legend
Related As
The military occupations shown in this table are related to this credential in one of four ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
This credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
SOME
This credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
OTHER
This credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience.
CA Eligible
This column indicates that the credential is eligible for CA.
Promotion Points
This credential has been approved for promotion points for this MOS towards promotion to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant. Clicking the Promotion Points icon will open a link to the promotion points fact sheet.
Skill Level Designation
Skill Level I
This skill level consists of all Soldiers in the ranks of Private (pay grade E-1) up to Specialist (pay grade E-4). Time in Service (TIS) is generally between initial entry and four Years of Service (YOS). This skill level is Entry-level positions requiring performance of tasks under direct supervision.
Institutional training:
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level I
- Basic Leader Course (BLC)
Skill Level II
This skill level is obtained when promoted to Sergeant (paygrade E-5). TIS is generally between 4-8 YOS. Positions requiring performance of more difficult tasks under general supervision; and in some instances, involving supervision of Soldiers in SL1.
Institutional training:
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level II
- Advance Leader Course (ALC)
Skill Level III
This skill level is obtained when promoted to Staff Sergeant (paygrade E-6). TIS is generally between 8-12 YOS. Positions requiring performance of still more difficult tasks and involving first line supervision of Soldiers in SL1 & SL2.
Institutional training:
- Senior Leader Course (SLC)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level III
Skill Level IV
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class (paygrade E-7). TIS is generally between 12-18 YOS. Positions requiring relatively detailed knowledge of all tasks specified for a given MOS, normally involving first-line supervision of Soldiers in SLs 1, 2, and 3, and involving managerial duties.
Institutional training:
- Master Leader Course (MLC)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level IV
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (SEJPME) I Course
Skill Level V
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant (paygrade E-8). TIS is generally between 18-22 YOS. Positions requiring direct and indirect leadership roles with expertise in company and battalion-level operations and competency across a given CMF, serving as members of a staff at every level in the Army, with a full understanding of the allocation of resources and their utilization in order to accomplish Army functions and missions.
Institutional training:
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level V
Skill Level VI
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Sergeants Major (paygrade E-9). TIS is generally between 22-30 YOS. Positions requiring organizational leadership roles with multi-dimensional expertise in units and teams on division, corps, and Army staffs, integrated with Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) partners with a full understanding of the Force Generation process, operations at all echelons, and how the Army runs.
Star Credential
Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improve the MOS technical proficiency.
Proponent Funded
This icon indicates that the credential may be funded through a Soldier's MOS proponent. Some proponents offer credentialing opportunities in conjunction with military training and/or as part of MOS development beyond the training base.
Gap Analysis
A detailed analysis comparing the credential requirements to the military occupation has been completed. Click on the gap analysis icon to view the analysis page.
Federal Occupations Table Legend
Related As
The federal occupations shown in this table are related to this credential in one of three ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
This credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the federal occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
SOME
This credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the federal occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
OTHER
This credential is related to this federal occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will most likely require additional education, training, or experience.
Civilian Occupations Table Legend
Bright Outlook
The Bright Outlook icon indicates that new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job. Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move For Veterans State Map.
Registered Apprenticeship
The Registered Apprenticeship icon indicates that this job has an apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Click the links in this column to go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities
Local Salary Information
Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move for Veterans web site to view salary and employment information for the job.
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