SSCP Domain Breakdown

• Security Operations & Administration (15%) — Security policies, data handling, asset management, and change management procedures
• Access Controls (16%) — The highest-weighted domain: authentication, authorization, identity management, and access control models
• Risk Identification, Monitoring & Analysis (15%) — Risk assessment methodologies, security monitoring, log analysis, and threat intelligence
• Incident Response & Recovery (13%) — IR phases, forensic investigation fundamentals, backup and recovery procedures
• Cryptography (10%) — Symmetric and asymmetric encryption, PKI, digital signatures, and cryptographic protocols
• Network & Communications Security (16%) — Network protocols, secure communications, VPNs, firewalls, and wireless security
• Systems & Application Security (15%) — Endpoint protection, malware types, virtualization security, and secure software concepts

Exam Day Logistics

• Questions: 125
• Time: 3 hours
• Passing Score: 700/1000
• Cost: $299
• Experience Required: 1 year in one or more SSCP domains (or take the exam as an Associate of (ISC)² with 0 experience and fulfill the requirement within 2 years)

How to Study

SSCP covers seven domains, so breadth of preparation is essential — but Access Controls (16%) and Network & Communications Security (16%) are the two heaviest areas and deserve priority attention. Use the Cover6 Train Up method: start with 25-question domain-focused sets to identify exactly which of the seven areas need the most work, then build to 50 and 75-question mixed-domain sessions. Run full timed 125-question exams in the final phase of your prep until you’re consistently scoring 80% or above. The study guide included with the Cover6 SSCP practice exam explains the conceptual reasoning behind correct answers, not just definitions — which is critical for (ISC)² exams that test application over memorization. Budget 6–8 weeks of focused study for best results.