- A
ClientHello, then ServerHello, then EncryptedExtensions, then Finished from server, then Finished from client
This is the correct order for a TLS 1.3 handshake, which reduces round trips by combining key exchange and authentication messages.
- B
ClientHello, then ServerHello, then Finished from client, then EncryptedExtensions, then Finished from server
Why wrong: This is incorrect because Finished from client cannot occur before EncryptedExtensions and Finished from server; the client must wait for server's Finished to compute its own.
- C
ClientHello, then EncryptedExtensions, then ServerHello, then Finished from server, then Finished from client
Why wrong: This is incorrect because EncryptedExtensions is sent after ServerHello, not before; the server must first send its Hello to negotiate parameters.
- D
ServerHello, then ClientHello, then EncryptedExtensions, then Finished from server, then Finished from client
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the handshake always begins with ClientHello; the server cannot send its Hello first.
SSCP Practice Question: Drag and drop the steps for a typical TLS 1.3…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Drag and drop the steps for a typical TLS 1.3 handshake into the correct order.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ClientHello, then ServerHello, then EncryptedExtensions, then Finished from server, then Finished from client
TLS 1.3 reduces round trips: ClientHello, ServerHello, EncryptedExtensions, Finished from server, Finished from client.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
ClientHello, then ServerHello, then EncryptedExtensions, then Finished from server, then Finished from client
Why this is correct
This is the correct order for a TLS 1.3 handshake, which reduces round trips by combining key exchange and authentication messages.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
ClientHello, then ServerHello, then Finished from client, then EncryptedExtensions, then Finished from server
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because Finished from client cannot occur before EncryptedExtensions and Finished from server; the client must wait for server's Finished to compute its own.
- ✗
ClientHello, then EncryptedExtensions, then ServerHello, then Finished from server, then Finished from client
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because EncryptedExtensions is sent after ServerHello, not before; the server must first send its Hello to negotiate parameters.
- ✗
ServerHello, then ClientHello, then EncryptedExtensions, then Finished from server, then Finished from client
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the handshake always begins with ClientHello; the server cannot send its Hello first.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ClientHello, then ServerHello, then EncryptedExtensions, then Finished from server, then Finished from client — TLS 1.3 reduces round trips: ClientHello, ServerHello, EncryptedExtensions, Finished from server, Finished from client.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSCP exam.
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