Security+ vs SSCP
CompTIA Security+ and Systems Security Certified Practitioner compared with live job-market data: demand, salary, difficulty, and cost — updated weekly.
The short answer
Security+ leads on market demand (6,171 vs 60 US job postings), while SSCPleads on average salary ($105,000). Security+ is the more accessible starting point at 2/5 difficulty versus 3/5 for SSCP.
Side-by-Side Data
| Security+ | SSCP | |
|---|---|---|
| Job Postings | 6,171leads | 60 |
| Market Share | 0.10% | 0.00% |
| Demand Trend | Declining | Declining |
| Avg Salary | $92,000 | $105,000leads |
| Difficulty (1-5) | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Exam Cost | $425 | $249 |
| Study Time | 30-50 hours | 40-60 hours |
Job counts and market share from live US job postings, updated weekly. Want a different matchup? Use theinteractive comparison tool.
Security+
CompTIA Security+
Vendor-neutral entry-level security certification covering threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, and security operations. The 90-minute SY0-701 exam has up to 90 questions and requires 750/900 to pass. DoD 8570 approved for IAT Level II positions.
SSCP
Systems Security Certified Practitioner
ISC2's hands-on security certification for IT administrators covering access controls, cryptography, and incident response. The 3-hour exam has 125 questions requiring 700/1000 to pass. Requires 1 year of security experience (education can substitute).
Security+ vs SSCP: FAQ
Which pays more, Security+ or SSCP?+
SSCP is associated with the higher average salary: about $105,000 vs $92,000 for Security+, based on current US job market data.
Which is more in demand, Security+ or SSCP?+
Security+ currently appears in 6,171 US job postings versus 60 for SSCP — roughly 102.8× the demand. Data updates weekly from live job listings.
Is SSCP harder than Security+?+
Generally yes: we rate SSCP 3/5 difficulty versus 2/5 for Security+, reflecting exam depth and experience requirements.
Should I get both Security+ and SSCP?+
Many professionals eventually hold both, but sequencing matters. A common path is starting with Security+ (2/5 difficulty) and progressing to SSCP. Compare requirements on each certification's detail page before committing.