(ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner Online Training

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UPDATED: February 6, 2024

Intermediate

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This (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner training covers how to apply application security, network and communications security, cryptography, and access controls. Marketed as the premier systems administrator security certification, the SSCP demonstrates your control of advanced technical skills and knowledge. It shows you know what’s needed to implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure using best practices established by the (ISC)².

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What you'll learn

Access controls
Security operations and administration
Risk identification, monitoring and analysis
Incident response and recovery
Cryptography
Network and communications security
Systems and application security

FAQs

Is the (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner certification worth it?

Yes, depending on where you are in your career path, the SSCP is worth it by proving your foundational familiarity with the technical skills and practical knowledge necessary for implementing and monitoring IT security infrastructures. Whether you're trying to break into the cybersecurity career field or establish your credentials as a competent security practitioner, the (ISC)2 SSCP certification is a strong foundation.

Is the (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner an entry-level cert?

No, although the SSCP is a very early-career certification, its experience requirements and prerequisites prevent it from being accurately called an entry-level credential. One year of validated work experience in security operations and administration, cryptography, risk identification and monitoring, or one of three other categories of cybersecurity work is needed to qualify for the SSCP. That sort of experience can't be gotten anywhere but on the job, which is why the SSCP isn't quite an entry-level cert.

How much does the (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner exam cost?

The SSCP exam itself costs $249 to attempt. There are no mandatory prerequisites or courses that you must take before qualifying for the exam, so in most cases $249 will be the total cost of earning the SSCP. The SSCP exam is a 3-hour, multiple choice exam with 125 questions, and you'll want to be amply prepared for it, so you may want to add the cost of training to the $249 you'll pay for the exam.

Does the (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner certification expire?

Yes, the SSCP certification from (ISC)2 is good for three years from the date you earn it. All (ISC)2 certifications have a three-year shelf life, and if you want to maintain your SSCP beyond that, you'll need to earn and submit to (ISC)2 proof of 60 continuing professional education (CPE) credits. (ISC)2 publishes a CPE handbook that details what qualifies for CPE credit for the SSCP and how to submit them.

Why should I take (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner training?

You should take SSCP training for one of two reasons: either to help you prepare for the (ISC)2 certification, or to familiarize yourself with the basics of every aspect of cybersecurity. The (ISC)2 credential is a respected way to signal to employers your level of knowledge. This course covers all seven domains of cybersecurity knowledge which the SSCP cert is based on, which means after this course you'll be an experienced and practiced cybersecurity professional.

Who is this for?

This (ISC)² SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner training was designed for security professionals. This SSCP skills course is designed for security professionals with three to five years of experience with security.

What our learners say

Practice exams help you have an overview of your readiness. If you have failed a couple questions in one area, you can go back and work on them.
Harold M. | Network Administrator
Awesome, Top notch, I am super excited and thankful for CBT Nuggets. I am starting to get addicted to CBT Nuggets. I hope that there's no cure!!!
Mike M. | CBTN Learner
Very easy and fun way to learn. Keith Barker is my favorite, he'll throw in jokes here and there and it makes me remember certain study points. I highly recommend this app and purchasing subscriptions, it is truly worth the money.
Joshua E. | IT Systems Administrator

Study plan

Download the free (SSCP) study plan to complete this course in about 16 hours.

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