SSCP vs Security+: Which One Should You Get?

Choosing the right entry-level cybersecurity certification can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. You know you need credentials to break into the field or advance your career, but with so many options available, how do you pick the one that'll actually open doors? Here's the reality: the wrong certification choice could cost you months of wasted study time and thousands in lost earning potential.

Think of cybersecurity certifications like different keys to the same building – some open more doors than others, and some are accepted more widely across the industry. Today, we're comparing two popular entry-level options: SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) and Security+. This guide will help you understand which certification aligns with your career goals, budget, and timeline, so you can make an informed decision that accelerates your cybersecurity journey.

What Is SSCP?

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is an entry to mid-level cybersecurity certification offered by (ISC)² – the same organization behind the prestigious CISSP certification. Designed for IT professionals with at least one year of hands-on security experience, SSCP focuses on practical implementation of security controls rather than high-level management concepts.

The certification covers seven domains: Security Concepts and Practices, Access Controls, Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis, Incident Response and Recovery, Cryptography, Network and Communications Security, and Systems and Application Security. Unlike some entry-level certifications, SSCP requires candidates to have at least one year of cumulative work experience in security-related domains, though education can substitute for this requirement. The certification is valid for three years and requires continuing professional education (CPE) credits for renewal. What sets SSCP apart is its emphasis on the technical implementation side of cybersecurity, making it valuable for hands-on security roles.

What Is Security+?

CompTIA Security+ is widely recognized as the gold standard for entry-level cybersecurity certifications. Unlike SSCP, Security+ requires no prior experience, making it truly accessible to career changers and newcomers to the field. This vendor-neutral certification covers fundamental cybersecurity concepts across six domains focusing on security concepts, threats, architecture, operations, and program management.

What makes Security+ particularly valuable is its DoD 8140 approval, making it required for many government contractor positions and military roles. The certification is also ANSI-accredited to ISO 17024 standards, giving it international recognition. With over 700,000 professionals certified globally, Security+ has established itself as a trusted entry point into cybersecurity careers with both theoretical knowledge and practical application through performance-based questions.

Which Certification Aligns with Your Cybersecurity Goals?

Your career goals should be the primary factor in choosing between SSCP and Security+. If you're targeting government contractor roles, federal positions, or military cybersecurity careers, Security+ is often the clear winner due to its DoD 8140 approval.
 
For those focusing on private sector roles or looking for a more technically-focused certification, SSCP might be more aligned with your goals. SSCP's practical approach to security implementation makes it valuable for roles like security analyst, security administrator, or systems security specialist. The (ISC)² brand recognition also carries significant weight in enterprise environments. If you're planning to eventually pursue advanced certifications like CISSP, starting with SSCP creates a natural progression within the (ISC)² certification family, potentially making your future preparation more manageable.

Should You Get Security+ Before SSCP?

For most cybersecurity newcomers, starting with Security+ makes strategic sense. Since Security+ requires no prior experience and covers foundational concepts comprehensively, it provides an excellent baseline for understanding cybersecurity principles. This foundation can actually make SSCP preparation easier, as you'll already understand core concepts like the CIA triad, risk management frameworks, and basic security controls.

The experience requirement for SSCP can be a barrier for newcomers. While education can substitute for some experience, having Security+ on your resume can help you land entry-level positions where you'll gain the practical experience SSCP requires. Many professionals use this pathway: earn Security+ to break into the field, gain experience in security roles, then pursue SSCP or other advanced certifications. From a financial perspective, Security+ often provides faster return on investment due to its widespread recognition and DoD 8140 approval, allowing you to quickly qualify for positions that require the certification.

SSCP vs. Security+ Pros and Cons

Exam Details and Requirements

The SSCP exam consists of 125 questions completed within 3 hours, though starting October 1, 2025, it will transition to a computer adaptive test format with 100-125 questions in 2 hours. Candidates need a scaled score of 700 out of 1000 points to pass. The exam costs $249 and requires a minimum of one year of cumulative work experience in security-related domains, though education can substitute. After passing, candidates must complete an endorsement process verified by an (ISC)² certified professional.

The CompTIA Security+ exam (SY0-701) contains 90 questions completed within 90 minutes, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions. Candidates need a scaled score of 750 out of 900 to pass, and the exam costs $425. Unlike SSCP, Security+ has no experience requirements, making it accessible to career changers and newcomers. Once you pass, you receive certification immediately with no waiting period or endorsement process required.

Do You Need Experience for SSCP or Security+?

The experience requirements create a significant difference between these certifications. SSCP explicitly requires one year of cumulative work experience in security-related domains, though education can substitute for this requirement. This means recent graduates with relevant degrees can pursue SSCP, but career changers from unrelated fields face barriers.

Security+ requires no prior experience whatsoever, making it ideal for military personnel transitioning to civilian roles, IT professionals moving into security, and complete newcomers to the field. If you're currently in IT roles like system administration or network management, you might already have relevant experience for SSCP, but remember that SSCP experience must be specifically security-focused. Security+ allows you to start building that security experience immediately after certification, which is why it's become the preferred entry point for most cybersecurity careers.

Exam Difficulty

SSCP exam difficulty is generally considered moderate, falling between entry-level and advanced certifications. The technical focus means you need practical understanding of security implementations, not just theoretical knowledge. (ISC)² exam questions are known for their scenario-based approach, requiring you to apply security principles to realistic situations. There is no required study time" and it depends on existing knowledge, although some report it took them "3 months of study" but doesn't specify hours per week.

Security+ is challenging but achievable for dedicated students. The 90-minute time limit creates pressure, especially with performance-based questions requiring hands-on simulation of security tasks. The broad scope means you're tested on everything from basic security principles to advanced threat analysis, though concepts are explained at a foundational level. Most successful candidates report 80-120 hours of study time, with IT professionals needing 40-60 hours while career changers often require 150+ hours of preparation.

Salary and Job Opportunities

SSCP salary data shows an average of $84,000 with a range of $51,000-$113,000. Job opportunities exist primarily in private sector organizations, particularly those valuing (ISC)² certifications like enterprise environments, financial services, and healthcare.

Security+ professionals earn an average of $88,000 annually, with entry-level professionals starting around $71,697 annually. The job market is significantly larger due to DoD 8140 requirements, creating numerous opportunities across government contracting, federal roles, military cybersecurity careers, and private sector positions. This broad acceptance provides flexibility to move in multiple directions within cybersecurity as your career progresses.

SSCP vs. Security+: Which One Pays More?

Based on available salary data, Security+ generally offers higher earning potential, particularly for entry-level professionals. The $88,000 average Security+ salary exceeds most reported SSCP figures. Several factors contribute to Security+'s salary advantage, primarily DoD 8140 compliance creating premium demand for Security+ professionals in government contracting, where salaries often exceed private sector equivalents.

Geographic location significantly impacts salary potential for both certifications. Glassdoor data shows cybersecurity professionals in Washington D.C. earning substantially more than the national average, with Information Security Engineers averaging $177,235 annually compared to the national average of $107,446. For SSCP holders, ZipRecruiter reports geographic variations with cities like San Francisco and San Mateo offering salaries 15-20% above the national average.

The key insight: Security+ typically provides better entry-level earning potential due to its broader market recognition, while both certifications benefit from location-based salary premiums in major technology and government centers.

Cost and Recertification

SSCP examination costs $249, making it one of the more affordable professional cybersecurity certifications. Training costs vary from $200-500 for self-study materials to $1,500-3,000 for instructor-led training. Recertification requires 60 CPE credits over three years with an annual maintenance fee of $135, totaling approximately $405 in fees plus time and costs for earning CPE credits.

Security+ exam costs $425, though preparation can be more affordable due to abundant study materials and community support. CompTIA offers bundle discounts and student discounts (40% off vouchers, 65% off learning products). Recertification requires 50 CEUs over three years or retaking the exam, with no annual maintenance fees. The flexible approach allows professionals to choose between ongoing learning activities or demonstrating current knowledge through re-examination.

How SSCP and Security+ Shape Your Cybersecurity Career

Both certifications can significantly accelerate your cybersecurity career, but they create different trajectories. Security+ provides the broadest foundation, opening doors to various specializations including incident response, security analysis, compliance, and risk management. The DoD 8140 approval creates a clear pathway into government cybersecurity roles, which often provide excellent benefits, job security, and advancement opportunities.

SSCP's technical focus naturally leads toward implementation-heavy roles like security engineering, systems hardening, and technical security consulting. The (ISC)² association creates networking opportunities and potential pathways toward advanced certifications like CISSP, which can lead to management and executive positions. The cybersecurity field rewards continuous learning, so your first certification likely won't be your last. Choose the option that gets you started on the right path, knowing you can always add complementary certifications as your career develops.

Making the Right Choice: Where to Start Based on Your Career Stage

If you're completely new to cybersecurity or have minimal experience, Security+ is typically the better starting point. Its comprehensive foundation covers essential concepts you'll encounter regardless of your eventual specialization, and the lack of experience requirements means you can begin immediately. The DoD 8140 approval makes Security+ valuable for newcomers, as government contracting offers stable entry points with structured training and mentorship.

For IT professionals with 2-3 years of experience, both certifications become viable options. If you've worked with access controls, network security, or incident response, SSCP might provide better recognition of existing skills. However, Security+ still offers advantages through its vendor-neutral approach and broader job market. For anyone targeting government, military, or contractor roles, Security+ is essential – the DoD 8140 approval isn't just preferred, it's often mandatory for cybersecurity positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Level Up Your Cybersecurity Career?

The choice between SSCP and Security+ doesn't have to define your entire career – it's simply your first step into cybersecurity. Based on our analysis, Security+ offers the broadest opportunities and most accessible entry point for most professionals, while SSCP provides valuable technical depth for those ready to implement security controls.Whether you choose Security+ for its universal recognition and government approval, or SSCP for its technical focus and (ISC)² pathway, you're making a smart investment in your cybersecurity future.
Ready to accelerate your certification journey? Consider our Security+ BootCamp for intensive, expert-led preparation that sets you up for first-attempt success. With our proven methodology and comprehensive support, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to launch your cybersecurity career with the right certification for your goals.