What happens if I fail the SSCP exam?
If you fail the SSCP exam, you can retake it after a 30-day waiting period for your first retry. A second failed attempt requires a 90-day wait, and a third failure requires a 180-day wait. You must pay the full $249 exam fee for each retake attempt. There is no limit on the total number of attempts.
How long is the SSCP certification valid and what are the renewal requirements?
The SSCP certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. To maintain it, you must earn 60 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits during each three-year cycle, with a minimum of 20 credits per year. You must also pay the $65 annual maintenance fee to (ISC)2 before your anniversary date.
Can I take the SSCP exam without work experience?
Yes, you can take the SSCP exam without the required one year of cumulative work experience in at least one of the seven domains. If you pass, you earn the Associate of (ISC)2 designation and then have two years to accumulate the necessary experience. A relevant four-year degree can also satisfy the experience requirement.
Which SSCP exam domains carry the most weight?
Security Operations and Administration carries the highest weight at 16% of the exam. Access Controls and Network and Communications Security each account for 16% as well. Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis represents 15%, while Incident Response and Recovery covers 13%. Cryptography and Systems and Application Security each make up 12%.