CISSP or SSCP – Which One Is Right For Me?

When evaluating certification courses to advance their careers, cyber security professionals (or aspiring cybersecurity professionals) frequently consider both the SSCP and the CISSP. Both are a means to develop skills and expand knowledge. On first look, these two certifications seem to be similar. We are often asked to clarify what the differences are between the two, to assist candidates with selecting the one that is best placed to suit their goals. Read on to find the answer to the question – CISSP or SSCP – Which One Is Right For Me?

Although both certifications address information security, they approach it from very different places. When deciding between the two, it is important to consider how the knowledge is to be applied by the candidate. SSCP focuses on the technical application of the concepts, while  the CISSP on  aligning the business to cybersecurity best practices. 

ISC2 Official Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is a more introductory and more technical IT security certification. It is oriented towards technical practitioners and shows they have the skills to design, build, monitor,administer and apply security to IT infrastructure using information security policies and procedures. 

• For certification purposes, candidates must have a minimum of 1-year cumulative work experience in 1 or more of the 7 domains of the SSCP.

Visit our SSCP page for additional information on this certification

ISC2 Official Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is the most globally recognized certification in the information security market. It is more oriented towards those in or aiming for  a leadership role. The CISSP covers a broad spectrum of topics to ensure its relevance across all disciplines in the field of cyberecurity. It develops the skills needed to design, build, and maintain a secure business environment. 

• To certify as CISSP, candidates must have a minimum of 5 years cumulative paid full-time work experience in 2 or more of the 8 domains of the CISSP. If the candidate doesn't have sufficient experience, but still aims for a CISSP they can go for Associate status first by successfully passing the CISSP examination. The Associate of ISC2 will then have 6 years to earn the 5 years required experience.

Visit our CISSP page for additional information on this certification  

Domains

SSCP Domains   CISSP DomainsSecurity Operations and Administration Security and Risk ManagementAccess ControlsAsset SecurityRisk Identification, Monitoring and AnalysisSecurity EngineeringIncident Response and RecoveryCommunication and Network SecurityCryptographyIdentity and Access ManagementNetwork and Communications SecuritySecurity Assessment and TestingSystems and Application SecuritySecurity OperationsSoftware Development Security

Exam Comparison

Certification  SSCPCISSPNumber of Items150100-150Maximum Time Allowed4 hours3 hoursPassing Score (out of 1000)700700Available FormatsEnglish, Japanese and SpanishChinese, English, German, Japanese, Spanish