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Exam Information
Official specifications published by ISC
Exam Format
Associate/Professional
Registration
$249 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
SSCP Exam Topics and Domains
SSCP is organized into 7 weighted domains.
1
Security Concepts and Practices
16%
Understand Security Concepts
Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA)Security Governance
- Understand and apply fundamental security concepts
- Implement security governance principles
- Apply security controls appropriately
Asset Security
Asset ManagementData Security Controls
- Implement asset classification and handling
- Apply data security controls throughout lifecycle
- Ensure proper asset disposal
Security Operations
Logging and MonitoringConfiguration Management
- Implement logging and monitoring solutions
- Maintain secure configurations
- Execute change management processes
2
Access Controls
15%
Access Control Concepts
Access Control ModelsAccess Control Techniques
- Understand access control models and their applications
- Implement access control best practices
- Select appropriate access control mechanisms
Identity and Authentication
Authentication MethodsIdentity Management
- Implement strong authentication mechanisms
- Manage identity lifecycle
- Secure privileged accounts
Authorization and Accountability
Authorization MechanismsAccountability and Auditing
- Configure authorization controls
- Implement accountability measures
- Conduct access reviews
3
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis
15%
Risk Management Concepts
Risk AssessmentRisk Treatment
- Conduct risk assessments
- Apply risk treatment strategies
- Document risk decisions
Threat and Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability AssessmentThreat Intelligence
- Perform vulnerability assessments
- Utilize threat intelligence
- Prioritize remediation efforts
Security Monitoring
Continuous MonitoringSecurity Analytics
- Implement continuous monitoring
- Develop security metrics
- Analyze security data
4
Incident Response and Recovery
14%
Incident Response Planning
Incident Response ProgramIncident Classification
- Develop incident response plans
- Establish incident response teams
- Create incident classification schemes
Incident Handling
Incident Response PhasesDigital Forensics
- Execute incident response procedures
- Perform basic forensic analysis
- Preserve digital evidence
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Business Continuity PlanningDisaster Recovery
- Develop business continuity plans
- Implement disaster recovery strategies
- Conduct BC/DR testing
5
Cryptography
9%
Cryptographic Concepts
Encryption FundamentalsCryptographic Algorithms
- Understand cryptographic principles
- Select appropriate algorithms
- Recognize cryptographic vulnerabilities
Public Key Infrastructure
PKI ComponentsDigital Certificates
- Implement PKI solutions
- Manage digital certificates
- Troubleshoot certificate issues
Cryptographic Applications
Secure ProtocolsKey Management
- Configure secure protocols
- Implement key management practices
- Apply cryptography to protect data
6
Network and Communications Security
16%
Network Architecture
Network SegmentationNetwork Protocols
- Design secure network architectures
- Implement network segmentation
- Secure network protocols
Network Security Controls
Firewalls and IDS/IPSNetwork Access Control
- Configure network security devices
- Implement access controls
- Monitor network traffic
Secure Communications
VPN TechnologiesWireless Security
- Configure VPN solutions
- Secure wireless networks
- Implement secure remote access
7
Systems and Application Security
15%
Systems Security
Operating System SecurityEndpoint Protection
- Harden operating systems
- Implement endpoint protection
- Manage system patches
Application Security
Secure Software DevelopmentWeb Application Security
- Implement secure coding practices
- Identify application vulnerabilities
- Apply application security controls
Database and Cloud Security
Database SecurityCloud Security
- Secure database systems
- Implement cloud security controls
- Understand shared responsibility
How do I earn this certification?
Passing SSCP earns the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification. It sits in the Information Security track.
Current Level Exams
- CC - Certified in CybersecurityFree entry-level certification
- CompTIA CySA+ - CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Similar level, more analyst-focused
Next Level Options
- CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalMost recognized advanced security certification
- CCSP - Certified Cloud Security ProfessionalCloud security specialization
- CGRC - Certified in Governance, Risk and ComplianceGRC specialization
Alternative Paths
- GSEC - GIAC Security Essentials More technical, hands-on focus
- Security+ - CompTIA Security+Entry-level alternative, vendor-neutral
- CySA+ - CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Analyst-focused alternative
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for SSCP is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-09-15
Updates
- Zero Trust Architecture Increased emphasis in Domain 6 (Network Security)
- Cloud Security Expanded coverage in Domain 7
- AI/ML Security Emerging topic in risk assessment
- Container Security Added to systems security topics
Who should take this exam?
- Understanding of basic security concepts
- Familiarity with IT infrastructure
- Basic knowledge of networking
- Understanding of risk management principles