CompTIA Security+ vs ISC2 SSCP

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By Certalyze Research Desk Automated Research & Source Audit
Reviewed by Certalyze Source Audit Updated 2026-05-15
Updated: 2026-05-15 Methodology

A detailed comparison between CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) and ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) — two popular entry-to-intermediate level cybersecurity certifications targeting different career profiles and employer types.

$95K
CompTIA Security+
$90K
ISC2 SSCP

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature CompTIA Security+ISC2 SSCP
Provider CompTIAISC2
Level Entry-levelIntermediate
Exam Cost $404$249 ✓
Avg Salary $95,000 ✓$90,000
Pass Rate 82% ✓70%
Study Hours 80h ✓100h
Difficulty 5/10 ✓6/10
Job Listings 38.0K ✓12.0K

For a deeper look at each certification, read our full CompTIA Security+ guide and ISC2 SSCP guide. Also compare: GIAC GSEC vs CompTIA Security+: Which Security Certification?, CompTIA Network+ vs Security+: Which to Get First?.

Our Verdict

Security+ is the clear winner for job market breadth with roughly 3x more active listings in the data set (38K vs 12K). It's the de facto standard entry-level security certification, especially for US government and DoD roles. SSCP is cheaper to take and slightly more technical, but has fewer job postings and lower name recognition. For most professionals starting in cybersecurity, Security+ is the better first choice. SSCP shines as a stepping stone toward CISSP within the ISC2 ecosystem.

Choose CompTIA Security+ if you...

  • Want higher earning potential ($95K vs $90K avg)
  • Prefer a more accessible exam (82% pass rate)
  • Want broader job market demand (38.0K listings)
  • Prefer a less challenging exam path (5/10 difficulty)
Read full CompTIA Security+ guide →

Choose ISC2 SSCP if you...

  • Want a lower exam cost ($249 vs $404)
  • Focus on ISC2 ecosystem and intermediate-level roles
Read full ISC2 SSCP guide →

Can You Get Both?

Yes — and many professionals do. Since both CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 SSCP are in the security space, they complement each other well. Start with the ISC2 SSCP (lower barrier to entry) and add the other after 1-2 years of hands-on experience.

Combined study commitment: approximately 180h and $653 in exam fees.

These certs feature in career paths like Application Security Engineer and Cybersecurity Analyst.

Deep Dive Into Each Certification

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA · Entry-level · $95K avg

ISC2 SSCP

ISC2 · Intermediate · $90K avg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SSCP replace Security+ for DoD 8570?
Both meet DoD 8570 IAT Level II requirements. However, Security+ is far more commonly requested by government contractors. If your goal is government/defense work, Security+ is the safer choice.
Which is harder — Security+ or SSCP?
SSCP is slightly more challenging. It covers seven domains with deeper technical content and requires 1 year of professional experience (or a relevant degree). Security+ has no experience requirement and is designed as a true entry-level exam.
Can I get both CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 SSCP?
Yes, many professionals pursue both certifications as they complement each other. Consider starting with the one that best aligns with your immediate career goals, then adding the other to broaden your expertise. Having both can significantly strengthen your resume.

Related Career Paths

Application Security Engineer

Application security engineers protect software from vulnerabilities by integrating security practic...

$85K – $165K

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring systems, analyzing vul...

$65K – $140K

GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) Specialist

GRC specialists ensure organizations meet regulatory requirements, manage information security risks...

$70K – $160K

Data Sources & Transparency

  • Salary data — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and job posting aggregates (US median)
  • Job listings — LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice active postings (sampled quarterly)
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates from Reddit, TechExams, and certification forums
Last reviewed: 2026-05-15 Our Methodology Editorial Standards