SSCP vs Security+: A Detailed Comparison

Several certifications are available in the market, each with limitations and brighter sides. If you want to understand about System Security Certified Practioner (SSCP) certification offered by (ISC)² and the Security+ certification by CompTIA in detail, you are in the right place. Further reading this blog, you can expect a simple comparison between different aspects of SSCP vs Security+ certifications.   

You can expect career advancement in the security platform due to the rising need for qualified security specialists. The average annual pay for a SSCP professional is around £35,000, and £34,000 for a Security+ certified professional, according to PayScale. Read this blog for a detailed comparison between the SSCP vs Security+ certifications.   

Table of Contents

1) Overview of Security+ 

2) Understanding SSCP 

3) SSCP vs Security+ 

    a) Exam details: SSCP vs Security+ 

    b) Domains: SSCP vs Security+ 

    c) Certification renewal: SSCP vs Security+ 

    d) Salary comparison: SSCP vs Security+ 

    e) Job opportunities/roles 

4) Conclusion 

Overview of Security+ 

First, let us understand what a Security+ certificate is!  

Security+ is one of the best cybersecurity certifications provided by the world's most trusted certifying body, Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). It offers various certifications apart from Security+ that are relevant to IT professionals. However, first, let us understand the certification details about CompTIA Security+ in the following.   

CompTIA Security+ develops the fundamental knowledge needed in the industry and serves as a launching pad for positions in cybersecurity at the intermediate level. Best practices for practical troubleshooting are incorporated into Security+, guaranteeing that you can analyse, monitor and manage security systems.    

The CompTIA Security+ certification test will validate the applicant's capability in possessing the knowledge and abilities necessary to evaluate the security environment of an enterprise and implement appropriate security solutions. It will help the candidates to monitor, secure, and operate applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance with awareness. The certified candidate will be able to identify, analyse, and respond to security events in hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile and IoT.
 


 

Understanding SSCP 

Now coming to SSCP, this certification is intended for professionals who are laying the foundation for a career in information security or are already employed in practical IT positions. This certification now qualifies as one of the fundamental qualifications that enable professionals to meet the standards and requirements of the organisation. Organisations need a skilled workforce thus, they have established minimal knowledge standards for their employees relevant to various security-related positions. Technical functions and Infrastructure Support are satisfied by SSCP certification.  

The SSCP certification strengthens the security posture of an individual by validating their technical proficiency in carrying out daily tasks that will reinforce data confidentiality, availability, and integrity. The SSCP certification offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² demonstrates your ability to handle security practitioners' operational demands and responsibilities, including authentication, security testing, intrusion detection/prevention, attacks and countermeasures, cryptography, malicious code countermeasures, and more.   

The SSCP is specially designed for professionals who regularly supervise information systems to safeguard against security risks and those who can implement security principles, methods, and tools to resolve security incidents. The primary focus of the SSCP is on technical information security issues and the implementation, design, and management of information systems in compliance with established policies. 

SSCP vs Security+ 

Following are a few parameters and critical concepts of SSCP vs Security+ discussed that will help you compare the differences and analyse which certification to choose, SSCP or Security+. 

Exam details: SSCP vs Security+ 

Let us discuss the Exam details for CompTIA Security+ vs SSCP.
 

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Domains: SSCP vs Security+ 

Further, let us look at the domains of SSCP and Security+
 

Certification renewal: SSCP vs Security+ 

Below, we will discuss the difference in the renewal process of SSCP and Security+ certification. 

CompTIA Security+  

Renewing your CompTIA Security+ certification is quite easy.  

From your test date, your CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for three years. CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) programme enables you to renew your certification at three-year intervals through training and activities related to the certification's subject matter.   

Your CompTIA Security+ certification can be renewed by participating in various activities and training courses. Complete the online self-paced CertMaster CE course or acquire at least 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years. Finally, you can upload them to your certification account, and the Security+ certification will renew on its own.  

SSCP  

To keep their certifications active, the SSCP-certified members and Associates of (ISC)2 must accrue a certain number of CPE credits. You must earn the necessary credits and pay an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) to keep your standing.   

Within the three years of each certification cycle, certified members are required to meet the CPE requirements within the certification expiry date (cycle end). Additionally, CPE activities for Associates of (ISC)2 must be finished within the yearly cycle.     

Certified members (whether single-certified or multi-certified) must pay an Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of £100, payable on the same day each year at the start of the certification cycle.  

Additionally, the members who hold the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification and Associates of (ISC)² must pay £40 towards the Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF). The maintenance charge must be paid annually by the same day.   

The SSCP-certified members will also be re-certified to a new three-year certification cycle as the payment requirements and the minimum CPE credit criteria are met. Besides, the associates can attain the necessary CPE credit score and pay the AMF amount to extend their status for one year. 

Salary comparison: SSCP vs Security+ 

Both SSCP and Security+ certificates hold the potential to upgrade your skills and improve your career in the best possible way. Nevertheless, both certifications have their ups and downs, and one certification might not suit everyone as their perspective and requirement differ. Hence, the final say is left to the candidates as they must consider all aspects of the certification they select.  

Now, let's return to the salary structure of both these certifications. The salaries in the table below are based on the certifications or the skills acquired through those certifications.
 

                                                                                                             Source: PayScale  

The salary figures discussed/quoted in the above table are fetched from the report generated by PayScale salary analysis. 

However, the salary of a particular certification is bound to vary based on multiple factors. It includes the experience gained, location, organisation, the level of your roles, and more. 

Job opportunities/roles 

After understanding the major differences between SSCP vs Security+, now let us move on to understand the type of jobs you can land with these two certifications.
 

Conclusion 

In this blog, we have discussed SSCP vs Security+ certifications in detail. We have covered almost all the significant aspects related to these two certifications. Now, you can personally decide or take the help of an experienced consultant to finalise which of these two certifications must be selected. 

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