Both certifications validate foundational security knowledge, but they come from different organizations and carry different weight. Security+ is vendor-neutral and widely recognized in government and DoD roles, while SSCP is an (ISC)² credential that serves as a stepping stone toward CISSP.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CompTIA Security+ | (ISC)² SSCP | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | (ISC)² |
| Exam Code | SY0-701 | SSCP |
| Level | Entry-level | Entry-level to Intermediate |
| Cost | $404 | $249 |
| Duration | 90 min | 180 min |
| Questions | Up to 90 | 125 |
| Passing Score | 750/900 | 700/1000 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | None required; CompTIA Network+ and two years of IT administration experience recommended | One year of cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the seven SSCP domains, or a relevant degree |
| Avg Salary Range | $65,000–$95,000 | $65,000–$95,000 |
Focus Areas
CompTIA Security+
General security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, security operations, and security program management and oversight
(ISC)² SSCP
Access controls, security operations, risk identification, incident response, cryptography, network and communications security, and systems and application security
Who Should Get Which?
Get CompTIA Security+ if...
IT professionals targeting government or DoD positions, career changers entering cybersecurity, or anyone who wants the most widely recognized entry-level security certification with no experience prerequisites
Get (ISC)² SSCP if...
Security practitioners with at least one year of experience who plan to eventually pursue CISSP, or those who prefer (ISC)²'s body of knowledge and want to join the (ISC)² community early
Recommended Order
Get Security+ first in most cases. It has no experience requirement, broader industry recognition, and satisfies more compliance frameworks. Pursue SSCP afterward if you plan to follow the (ISC)² certification path toward CISSP.
Study Tips
There is significant overlap between Security+ and SSCP in areas like access controls, cryptography, and network security. If studying for both, focus on the differences: SSCP goes deeper into operational security procedures, while Security+ emphasizes governance and compliance frameworks more heavily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CompTIA Security+ and (ISC)² SSCP?
Both certifications validate foundational security knowledge, but they come from different organizations and carry different weight. Security+ is vendor-neutral and widely recognized in government and DoD roles, while SSCP is an (ISC)² credential that serves as a stepping stone toward CISSP.
Should I get CompTIA Security+ or (ISC)² SSCP first?
Get Security+ first in most cases. It has no experience requirement, broader industry recognition, and satisfies more compliance frameworks. Pursue SSCP afterward if you plan to follow the (ISC)² certification path toward CISSP.
Who should get CompTIA Security+?
IT professionals targeting government or DoD positions, career changers entering cybersecurity, or anyone who wants the most widely recognized entry-level security certification with no experience prerequisites
Who should get (ISC)² SSCP?
Security practitioners with at least one year of experience who plan to eventually pursue CISSP, or those who prefer (ISC)²'s body of knowledge and want to join the (ISC)² community early
Test Your Knowledge
Already studying? Try our free tools:
- Security+ Practice Quiz — 300 questions mapped to SY0-701 domains
- CVSS Calculator — Practice scoring vulnerabilities
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