Security+ vs. SSCP: Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certification

Breaking into cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing your first certification. With cyberattacks increasing by 38% year-over-year and organizations struggling to fill over 3.5 million cybersecurity positions globally, the right credential can fast-track your entry into this high-demand field.

Two certifications consistently rise to the top for beginners: CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP). Both serve as excellent entry points, but they cater to different career paths and learning styles.

Security+ has become the de facto standard for many government and contractor positions, while SSCP offers a more hands-on approach to security operations. Understanding their differences will help you make the right choice for your cybersecurity journey.

This comprehensive comparison examines everything from exam objectives to salary potential, giving you the insights needed to choose the certification that aligns with your career goals.

Understanding CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+, offered by the trusted Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), is one of the most recognized entry-level certifications in cybersecurity. This vendor-neutral credential covers essential security concepts applicable to all technology platforms and tools.

Designed for IT professionals with at least two years of experience in IT administration, Security+ is also achievable for beginners with focused study. It verifies your ability to handle core security tasks and sets the foundation for a career in IT security.

Security+ Core Topics

The Security+ 701 exam covers six primary domains:

General Security Concepts (12%)

Covers security measures like technical, preventive, and operational controls, plus concepts like CIA and zero trust. Includes cryptography (PKI, encryption) and change management processes.

Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)

Identifies threat actors and their motivations, along with attack methods like social engineering and software vulnerabilities. Covers malicious activities and mitigation strategies such as access control and patching.

Security Architecture (18%)

Covers models such as cloud, IoT, and virtualization, applying security principles to enterprise infrastructure and secure communication. Discusses data protection methods, classifications, resilience strategies (e.g., backups, high availability), and continuity of operations.

Security Operations (28%)

Covers secure computing practices, asset/vulnerability management, and tools like firewalls, IDS/IPS, and EDR/XDR. Includes incident response, threat hunting, automation, and identity management with SSO and MFA.

Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)

Covers governance, risk management, and compliance, including third-party risk, audits, and penetration testing. Focuses on raising security awareness through phishing training and user guidance.

Understanding SSCP Certification

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification, offered by ISC2, the same organization behind the prestigious CISSP credential, is an associate-level certification tailored for IT professionals with hands-on security responsibilities.

Unlike Security+, SSCP requires one year of cumulative work experience in one or more of the seven SSCP domains, though candidates can substitute education or approved training for up to one year of experience.

SSCP emphasizes the practical skills needed to implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure while adhering to security best practices and ensuring compliance with information security policies and procedures.

SSCP Domain Areas

The SSCP certification covers seven comprehensive domains:

Access Controls examines identification, authentication, authorization, and accountability mechanisms. This domain covers identity management systems, access control models, and privileged access management.

Security Operations and Administration focuses on security awareness training, incident handling, logging and monitoring, and resource protection.

Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis covers risk assessment methodologies, business impact analysis, and risk treatment options.

Incident Response and Recovery addresses incident response planning, forensics procedures, business continuity planning, and disaster recovery strategies.

Cryptography examines cryptographic concepts, public key infrastructure (PKI), and cryptographic implementations.

Malicious Code and Activity covers malware types, attack methods, and countermeasures for various security threats.

Systems and Application Security focuses on endpoint security, application security testing, and secure development practices.

SSCP vs Security+: Comparing Certification Objectives

When comparing these cybersecurity certifications, several key differences emerge in their approach and depth.

Breadth vs. Depth: Security+ covers a broader range of topics at a foundational level, while SSCP dives deeper into operational security aspects. Security+ touches on everything from basic networking to compliance frameworks, making it ideal for understanding the cybersecurity landscape. SSCP concentrates on hands-on security implementation and administration.

Practical Application: Both certifications emphasize practical knowledge, but SSCP leans more heavily toward operational tasks you’ll perform daily in security roles. Security+ provides the conceptual foundation that applies across various security positions.

Industry Focus: Security+ maintains vendor neutrality, covering concepts applicable to any technology environment. SSCP, while also vendor-neutral, focuses more specifically on enterprise security operations and administration tasks.

Knowledge Prerequisites: Security+ assumes basic IT knowledge but can be tackled by motivated beginners. SSCP expects familiarity with security operations, making it better suited for security professionals with some IT or security experience.

Target Audience for Each Certification

Understanding who benefits most from each credential helps determine the best fit for your situation.

Security+ Works Best For:

• Complete beginners entering cybersecurity
• Military personnel transitioning to civilian IT roles
• IT professionals seeking government or contractor positions
• Students pursuing cybersecurity degrees
• Anyone needing DoD 8570 compliance for federal work

SSCP Suits These Professionals:

• IT administrators expanding into security roles
• Network administrators seeking security specialization
• Help desk professionals advancing their careers
• Security analysts in need of formal validation of their skills
• Professionals in hands-on security operations roles

Career changers often find Security+ more accessible due to its foundational approach, while those already in IT roles may prefer SSCP’s operational focus.

Career Paths and Job Opportunities

Both certifications open doors to entry-level cybersecurity positions, but they align with different career trajectories.

Security+ Career Paths

Security+ certification commonly leads to these roles:

• Systems Administrator – Security+ provides the fundamental knowledge of secure network operations and risk management needed to work as a systems administrator.
• Security Analyst positions involve monitoring security events, investigating incidents, and maintaining security tools. Entry-level analysts typically earn $52,000-$85,000 annually.
• IT Specialist roles in government and contracting often require Security+ for DoD 8140 compliance. These positions offer stable employment with clear advancement paths.
• Network Security Specialist roles focus on securing network infrastructure, implementing firewalls, and managing VPNs. These positions typically pay $86,000-$144,000 for entry-level professionals.
• Compliance Officer positions leverage Security+ knowledge of regulations and frameworks. These roles often pay $63,000-$110,000 annually.

Other Top CompTIA Security+ job roles include Systems Administrator, Security Specialist, and Network Security Engineer.

SSCP Career Opportunities

SSCP certification aligns well with these positions:

• Security Administrator roles involve implementing security policies, managing access controls, and maintaining security systems. These positions typically offer $60,000-$100,000 starting salaries.
• Incident Response Specialist positions focus on investigating security incidents and coordinating response activities. Entry-level roles start around $62,000-$108,000.
• Security Consultant roles leverage SSCP’s practical focus to help organizations improve their security posture. Consultants can earn $60,000-$100,000 annually.
• Risk Analyst positions use SSCP’s risk management knowledge to assess organizational vulnerabilities. These roles typically pay $52,000-$78,000 for beginners.

Salary Expectations and Market Value

Compensation varies significantly based on location, experience, and employer type, but both certifications command respectable entry-level salaries.

Security+ Salary Data:

According to recent industry surveys, Security+ holders earn an average of $54,000 annually in entry-level positions. Government and contractor roles often start higher, with salaries ranging from $65,000 to $85,000. The certification’s DoD approval significantly increases earning potential in federal markets.

Geographic location heavily influences compensation, with major metropolitan areas offering 20-30% higher salaries than rural markets.

SSCP Compensation Trends:

SSCP professionals typically earn slightly more than Security+ holders, with average entry-level salaries around $58,000 annually. The hands-on nature of SSCP knowledge often translates to higher immediate value for employers.

Enterprise environments particularly value SSCP skills, often offering starting salaries in the $62,000-$82,000 range for qualified candidates.

Long-term Earning Potential:

Both certifications serve as stepping stones to higher-paying advanced credentials. Security+ holders often pursue CISSP, CISA, or specialized certifications like CEH. SSCP naturally progresses to CISSP, given that both come from ISC2.

Professionals with either certification can expect 15-25% salary increases within two years, provided they also have practical experience.

Prerequisites and Exam Requirements

Understanding exam logistics helps you plan your certification timeline and budget.

Security+ Exam Details

The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam is a 90-minute exam that consists of a maximum of 90 questions, including both multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs), which simulate real-world scenarios. 

The exam is scored on a scale of 100-900, and a passing score is 750. The exam covers five key domains: General Security Concepts; Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations; Security Architecture; Security Operations; and Security Program Management and Oversight. 

While there are no strict prerequisites, CompTIA recommends having two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus and having completed the CompTIA Network+ certification.

SSCP Exam Specifications

The SSCP exam features 125 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a three-hour timeframe. To pass, you’ll need a minimum score of 700 out of 1000. The exam costs USD 249.

While it’s possible to take the exam without prior work experience, earning the full certification requires at least one year of cumulative, full-time professional experience in one of the seven SSCP domains. If you pass the exam but don’t yet meet the experience requirement, you’ll earn the title of Associate of ISC2. From there, you’ll have two years to gain the necessary experience and achieve full certification.

Study Resources and Training Options

Both certifications offer abundant learning materials, though approaches differ based on your learning style and budget.

Security+ Study Materials and Training

Official Resources: CompTIA provides official study guides, practice tests, and training courses. The CompTIA CertMaster Learn platform offers interactive learning modules.

Recommended Training

ONLC offers a comprehensive range of training options to help candidates prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Our instructor-led classes are delivered in a live, virtual environment, providing real-time interaction with certified instructors. For added flexibility, we also offer self-study resources, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

Our course materials cover all exam domains, ensuring thorough preparation. Additionally, ONLC’s hands-on labs and practice exams help reinforce concepts and build confidence to tackle the certification exam successfully.

SSCP Training Resources

Official ISC2 Materials: The organization provides official study guides, practice questions, and instructor-led training courses.

Recommended Study Guides:

• ISC2 SSCP Official Study Guide covers all domains comprehensively
• Sybex SSCP Study Guide offers detailed explanations and practice questions
• All-in-One SSCP Exam Guide provides condensed coverage of key topics

Experience Requirements: SSCP’s experience requirement means practical exposure to security operations significantly aids exam preparation.

Certification Maintenance and Renewal

Both certifications require ongoing maintenance to remain valid, though their approaches differ.

Security+ Renewal Requirements

Security+ certifications remain valid for three years from the issue date. Renewal options include:

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Holders must earn 50 CEUs during the three-year period. Activities include training courses, conferences, higher certifications, and work experience.

Retaking the Exam: Candidates can retake the current Security+ exam to reset their certification period.

Higher Certifications: Earning advanced CompTIA certifications like CYSA+ or CASP+ automatically renews Security+.

CompTIA’s CE program costs $150 every three years, plus the cost of qualifying activities.

SSCP Maintenance Program

SSCP follows the ISC2 standard maintenance model with these requirements:

Annual Maintenance Fee: Holders pay $135 annually to maintain certification status.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Professionals must earn 60 CPE credits over three years, with at least 20 credits annually.

CPE Categories: Credits come from professional development, professional contributions, and volunteer activities related to information security.

Group Activities: Study groups, chapter meetings, and professional conferences provide accessible CPE opportunities.

Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages

Each certification brings distinct benefits and potential drawbacks depending on your career goals.

Security+ Advantages

• Government Recognition: Security+ meets DoD 8570 requirements for many federal positions, opening substantial job opportunities.
• Broad Foundation: The comprehensive curriculum provides excellent grounding in cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Vendor Neutrality: Knowledge applies across all security platforms and tools.
• High Demand: Employers recognize and value Security+ across industries.
• Beginner Friendly: No formal prerequisites make it accessible to career changers.

Security+ Potential Drawbacks

• Surface-Level Coverage: Broad scope means less depth in specific areas.
• Theory-Heavy: Some topics remain conceptual rather than hands-on.
• Oversaturation: High popularity means more competition among certified professionals.
• Limited Specialization: General knowledge may not align with specific role requirements.

SSCP Benefits

• Practical Focus: Emphasis on operational tasks directly applicable to security roles.
• Prestigious Organization: ISC2 credentials carry significant industry respect.
• Hands-On Knowledge: Deep coverage of security administration and operations.
• Career Progression: Natural pathway to CISSP and other advanced (ISC)² certifications.
• Employer Value: Practical skills translate immediately to workplace productivity.

SSCP Limitations

• Experience Barrier: A one-year requirement may exclude complete beginners.
• Limited Recognition: Less familiar to employers compared to Security+.
• Higher Maintenance Costs: Annual fees and CPE requirements increase long-term expenses.
• Narrower Scope: Operational focus may limit career flexibility.

Making Your Cybersecurity Certification Choice

Choosing between Security+ and SSCP depends on your current situation, career goals, and learning preferences.

Choose Security+ if you:

• Are new to cybersecurity or IT
• Want government or contractor opportunities
• Prefer broad foundational knowledge
• Need DoD 8570 compliance
• Want the most recognized entry-level certification

Select SSCP when you:

• Have IT or security experience
• Prefer hands-on operational knowledge
• Value ISC2 credentials
• Want advanced technical skills
• Plan to pursue CISSP eventually

Both beginner cybersecurity certifications provide excellent entry points into cybersecurity careers. Security+ offers broader recognition and accessibility, while SSCP provides deeper operational knowledge and connects you to the prestigious ISC2 certification family.

The “best” choice aligns with your individual circumstances, career timeline, and professional goals. Many successful cybersecurity professionals eventually earn both certifications as their careers progress.

Consider starting with the certification that matches your current experience level and immediate career targets. You can always add the other credential later as your expertise and career requirements evolve.