(ISC)2 was formed in 1989 as an association between the Special Interest Group for Computer Security (SIG-CS) and many other organizations whose aim was to standardize a vendor-neutral security certification program. The core of each (ISC)2 certification program is its Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), which is a framework for establishing industry standards and security principles.
The (ISC)2 SSCP certification is designed for professionals who are developing their foundation in Information Security or are already working in hands-on IT jobs. This certification has satisfied the specifications of ANSI/ISO/IEC Standard 17024 and is now also classified as one of the basic certifications that allow professionals to satisfy the requirements of US Department of Defense Directive 8140 and DoD 8570.01-Manual. As cybersecurity gets more complicated, the U.S. federal government, and not only, require a qualified workforce and have determined the requirements to confirm minimum knowledge requirements for their means when employed in various security-related jobs. SSCP certification meets requirements for IA Technical (IAT) functions at levels I, II, and CSSP Infrastructure Support.
What is the SSCP Certification?
The (ISC)² SSCP certification is usually equaled to Security+, which is entry-level IT security certification from CompTIA, but this certification allows a comprehensive, real-world practice that can be easily implemented in a professional’s everyday work activities and is usually perceived as an excellent way to prepare for CISSP. (ISC)² SSCP certification is vendor-neutral and gives professionals a means to stay advanced on rising security threats as well as present them with a comprehensive overview not only of technical topics related to information security career but also to significant subjects like planning risk management and business continuity.
By earning the SSCP certification, professionals can perceive themselves with a globally acknowledged certification that can confirm their computer-related security knowledge, proficiency, and competencies. Not only aspiring Information Security or cyber security professionals motivated in entering the field that seeks to advance their career might find this certification worth pursuing. IT security practitioners already in the field can avail from obtaining this certification. There are analysts, consultants, system administrators, and engineers as well as network security engineers and database administrators, for example, whom all pursued this cert to receive the recognition they deserve.
To qualify for the SSCP credential, you must meet the required experience:
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SSCP is targeted at security practitioners with minimum one year of experience in one or more of the areas of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) that (ISC)² thinks are most important for aspiring IT security professionals understand.
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At least 34 hours/week for four weeks is required to get one month of work experience or 2080 hours of part-time work. The experience requirement can also be satisfied by applicants who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an approved institution in a cybersecurity program to be considered and approved.
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Pre-approved degrees incorporate Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Management Information Systems (MIS) and Information Technology (IT). Qualifications are randomly inspected.
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Paid or unpaid internship is also admissible to apply for the SSCP but does expect the company/organization confirming the position.
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Those that do not have the expected work experience yet can still take the SSCP certification exam and, if passed, they can gain an Associate of (ISC)2 designation; this is an option to normal certification means and allows someone to have up to two years to complete the endorsement process and become SSCP certified.
How to Prepare for SSCP Certification?
The first step for applicants is to collect as much information as possible on the exam by acquiring the free material available on the official certification website. Test demonstration demos are also accessible on the Pearson VUE website. It is essential to be familiar not only with the exact content of the test and its domains that features topics but also with all the administrative requirements to block any problems or grounds not to be successful passing the SSCP examination in getting certified.
Applicants will then require to sign in to their Pearson VUE account, select their preferable test center and schedule date as well as pay the expected fees. Pearson VUE will then transfer the information to (ISC)². A phone registration option is also possible.
All certifications presented are focused on the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) designed and maintained by (ISC)² and based on global industry norms and best practices in information security. A Job Task Analysis (JTA) is administered periodically to make sure the exam persists aligned with the existent duties and competencies of professionals in the field.
(ISC)2 SSCP Certification exam includes seven key areas of knowledge:
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Access Controls
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Security Operations and Administration
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Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis
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Incident Response and Recovery
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Cryptography
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Network and Communications Security
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Systems and Application Security
Best Way to Prepare for ISC2 SSCP Certification Exam:
The best way to passing SSCP Certification exam is understanding the concepts thoroughly and give SSCP practice tests as much as possible. When you solve SSCP practice questions from all topics, you ultimately end up including almost all the relevant areas of the syllabus. Solving practice tests sincerely will help you in master in all subjects in a real way. Also, by examining the results, you can determine yourself which areas need more attention and which ones you can leave.
Benefits of (ISC)2 SSCP Certification
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The most noticeable benefit to the SSCP certification is the increased earning potential. The average SCCP certified professional has between one to four years of experience in the IT field and makes between $40,000 and $88,000 per year. The highest paid employees with the SCCP certification on their resume are those who also holds a master’s degree in a related field.
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The SSCP certification satisfies the Department of Defense requirements for security certifications for individuals working in information security, whether for the DoD itself or a subcontractor. Many private sector organizations are following the DoD’s point and expecting applicants to have IT certifications before they even apply for a job.
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Also, the continuing education requirements help assure that you stay informed of the contemporary developments within the security industry and stay ahead of the curve regarding new challenges and solutions.
Earning the SSCP allows you to feel more convinced in your everyday work and confident in the knowledge that you know what needs to be done and how. As you move ahead in your career, you’re also already on the path to earning more advanced certifications, like the CISSP and reaching your career goals.