CISA vs. CISM: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between the Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA) and the Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM) is a huge career decision. You’re essentially deciding between wanting to be the specialist focused on information systems auditing, or the leader who drives the security management strategy.

While you can most certainly achieve both, you can build your credibility even without the technical audit foundation if you’re more keen to pursue the leadership route. On the other hand, establishing yourself as a go-to expert in IT audit doesn’t require all the strings that come with becoming a manager.

Pursue the wrong certification, and it’ll feel a lot like preparing for a marathon but ending up in a sprint race, where you find yourself neck-deep in responsibilities that don’t align that well with what you actually wanted to practice.
 
To help make the decision-making process much easier, this guide walks you through the strengths, requirements, and career payoffs of CISA vs. CISM so you can make the best choice.

What Is CISA?

CISA is among the most renowned credentials in the field of information technology audit and security. Offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), this certification shows an individual’s ability to not only evaluate and monitor business and IT systems, but also take a risk-based approach to every audit.
 
To earn and maintain this credential, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive exam, meet ISACA’s basic requirements for work experience, and commit to continuing education. The payoff is worth it, as 70% of CISA-certified professionals report a stronger performance on the job, with 22% of them even seeing a pay increase.

What Is CISM?

While CISA focuses on auditing and control, CISM is all about leadership and management in the context of information security. Another ISACA offering, this credential serves as proof of a person’s prowess in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise-level security programs. It demonstrates that you can assess risks, align security with business goals, and respond effectively to incidents like data breaches or ransomware attacks.
 
Similar to CISA, CISM also entails passing a rigorous exam, having proven work experience that ISACA deems substantial, and commit to ongoing education. 70% of those with CISM see improved performance at work, and a whopping 42% enjoy a pay boost.

Which Certification Aligns with Your Career Goals?

Your choice between CISA vs. CISM should start by reflecting on the kind of work you see yourself thriving in.
 
CISA fits professionals who want to master the details of systems auditing, from IT governance and systems development to risk management for information assets. If you enjoy evaluating systems, reviewing controls, and ensuring organizations meet regulatory standards, this certification validates your expertise.

On the contrary, CISM is designed for aspiring leaders in the field: those aiming for titles such as security manager, director of information security, or even chief information security officer. Instead of testing systems yourself, you’ll be directing teams, building security programs, and aligning risk strategies with business goals.
 
To put it simply, CISA prepares specialists, while CISM builds up leaders.

Should You Get CISA Before CISM?

Some professionals do choose to earn both certifications, but the sequence in which you take them should be planned based on where you currently are in your career and what you want to achieve next.

If you’re still building your foundation in auditing or compliance, it’s sensible to begin with CISA because it equips you with a process-oriented mindset and hands-on understanding of how IT risks are identified and controlled, which are skills that can later support a move into leadership.

CISM, however, doesn’t offer the same groundwork, since it focuses more on steering the bigger picture. If you’re already managing staff, reporting to executives, or designing governance frameworks, then you can take CISM straight away. 

CISA vs. CISM Pros and Cons

To help you finalize your decision, it’s important to understand what each one brings to the table.

CISA’s advantage lies in its technical depth. It builds your credibility as the expert who can assess IT systems and internal controls, maintain compliance, safeguard information assets, and strengthen an organization’s overall security posture. However, its scope can feel limited if your long-term goal is to move into executive or strategic leadership.

CISM, on the other hand, highlights strategic and managerial skills. It’s well-regarded for its focus on governance, risk management, and oversight of information security programs — skills that often translate into higher-level roles and better pay. The trade-off here is that it’s less hands-on, which may not appeal to those who prefer digging into technical detail.

Here’s a good metaphor that simplifies this comparison between CISA vs. CISM: Think of CISA as the microscope (great for analyzing and understanding details) and CISM as the telescope (ideal for seeing the broader organizational picture). The best choice depends on which lens you want to look through.

Exam Details and Requirements

Both CISA and CISM exams are designed to test not only your knowledge, but also how well you can apply it to real-world scenarios. Each consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and requires a deep understanding of ISACA’s job practice domains. Here’s a quick glance of the respective exams, broken down:

CISA

The CISA exam evaluates your skills in auditing and controlling information systems. It spans five domains:

1. Information Systems Auditing Process (comprising 18% of the entire coverage)
2. Governance & Management of IT (18%)
3. Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation (12%)
4. Information Systems Operations & Business Resilience (26%)
5. Protection of Information Assets (26%)

These domains, when taken together, prepare you to assess and curb IT risks, recommend controls, and ensure that systems remain secure and compliant.

To pass the exam, you’ll need a score of 450 or higher (on a scale of 200 to 800).

CISM

The CISM exam takes a broader, managerial view of security. It focuses on four domains:

1. Information Security Governance (making up 17% of the exam coverage)
2. Information Security Risk Management (20%)
3. Information Security Program Development and Management (33%)
4. Incident Management (30%)

These areas put emphasis on strategizing, managing risk, and leading teams through any form of incident. Unlike CISA, which tests practical expertise in systems auditing, CISM sees whether you can align security programs with your organization’s goals, communicate action steps with executives, and oversee enterprise-wide protection.

CISM requires the same passing score as CISA at 450 on a scale of 200 to 800. 

Do You Need Experience for CISA or CISM?

Yes, you do need work experience before pursuing either CISA or CISM. But how many years of experience depends on the certification.
 
For CISA, anyone can sit for the exam, even without prior experience. However, to earn the certification, you’ll need at least five years in information systems auditing, control, or security. The good news is that ISACA allows up to three years of waivers, and you have five years to fulfill the requirement.

CISM is more demanding right from the start. On top of passing the exam, candidates must also log five years of security experience, including at least three years in management across multiple domains like governance, risk, and program development. Some waivers are possible — for instance, you get a bit of wiggle room if you already have CISA or the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential. However, hands-on management experience is non-negotiable.

Job Opportunities for CISA vs. CISM

Earning a certification unlocks more opportunities for your career. With CISA, you can readily establish your credibility in auditing and compliance, making you a preferred candidate for roles like:

• IT auditor
• Audit manager
• Risk and assurance manager
• Compliance analyst
• Information systems consultant
• IT governance analyst

This credential is ideal for professionals who want to become trusted assessors of IT systems, spotting vulnerabilities and ensuring regulatory alignment.

CISM, on the other hand, places you on a management track. Typical roles include:

• Security operations manager
• Director of information security
• Chief information security officer
• Cybersecurity program manager
• Head of cybersecurity or security governance
• Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) manager

With its focus on governance and leadership, CISM prepares you to advise executives, oversee programs, and respond to enterprise-level threats.

Both certifications carry strong earning potential, but their real value is in how they define your place in the cybersecurity ecosystem: CISA as a technical specialist and CISM as a strategic leader.

CISA vs. CISM: Which One Pays More?

Now, let’s talk numbers. CISA-certified professionals typically earn between $86,000 and $118,000 annually, averaging at around $115,000. That’s a solid premium compared to non-certified IT auditors, making CISA a smart investment if you’re focused on compliance and risk roles.

On the other hand, those with CISM tend to command a much higher bracket. Current reports show salaries ranging from $150,000 to $248,000 annually, with average compensation often landing at around $191,000 once bonuses are included. Senior leaders, like CISOs, can even exceed $250,000.

Of course, the difference comes down to responsibility. CISA validates technical depth, while CISM qualifies you for executive-level leadership and the greater accountability attached to it. Both certifications are well compensated, but if maximizing income is your goal, CISM typically offers the higher salary.

Cost and Recertification

Both CISA and CISM are financial investments — and not just because of the exam fees. They both require long-term maintenance in the form of continuous education and annual fees.
 
Costs for keeping the two credentials valid are essentially identical. Here’s an overview of the costs you need to cover:

Initial costs

• Examination fee: $760 (or $575 for ISACA members)
• Application fee: $50 (to be settled once you pass)
• Annual maintenance fee: $85 (or $45 for ISACA members)

Study materials and training courses

ISACA offers official materials to prepare for the exam. One of the most reliable is the Question, Answer, and Explanation (QAE) database, which is patterned after the exam format. Textbooks are also available for purchase from ISACA, with the official review manuals for both CISA and CISM costing $139 each for non-members (or $109 each for members).

Most candidates, however, prefer supplementing ISACA’s materials with third-party resources or training courses. Prices vary depending on your material of choice.

Continuing Professional Education costs

To maintain either CISA or CISM, you also need 20 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) each year, with a grand total requirement of 120 throughout a three-year cycle. ISACA makes the process easier by offering free webinars and discounted training for members, all of which can be counted as valid CPE hours.

Signing up for CPE activities outside those provided by ISACA, however, entails extra costs, such as registration for conferences (which grants you up to 32 hours), paid webinars (up to 36 hours per year), and on-demand courses.

Making the Right Choice: Where to Start Based on Your Career Stage

Now that you know how these two certifications pave different career paths, the next step is figuring out which of them makes more sense for where you are today. Ultimately, your career trajectory and future goals should drive your decision.

For Audit and Compliance Professionals (3 to 5 Years Experience)

If you’re early in your career with a few years spent in IT auditing, compliance, or risk analysis, it’s advisable to pursue CISA. By validating your ability to evaluate IT systems, spot control weaknesses, and oversee standard compliance, CISA can position you for more advanced roles in the industry, such as senior IT auditor, compliance manager, or risk analyst.

For Security Management Track (5+ Years Experience)

CISM is a better fit if you already have proven experience in managing security functions or are aiming for executive leadership roles like director of information security or even CISO. This credential demonstrates your capabilities in designing, implementing, and overseeing organization-wide security programs while balancing risk and business objectives.

For Consulting and Advisory Roles

Both certifications add credibility if you aspire to become a consultant, but the best pick depends on what you’d like to specialize in. CISA is ideal for establishing your expertise in systems and controls assessment, which makes you a more attractive candidate for audit-heavy engagements. Meanwhile, CISM signals that you can advise executives on governance, risk, and security strategy, which is perfect for higher-level advisory work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still undecided between CISA vs. CISM? The following are some common questions we encounter that may help you get a better grasp of these two credentials before choosing which to pursue.

Conclusion

Deciding on either CISA vs. CISM sets the direction for your future in cybersecurity. While both certifications open doors, these doors lead to very different rooms, so make sure your choice fits your strengths and long-term goals.

If you’re ready to lead security teams toward success as a trusted manager or director, Destination Certification can make the journey much more worthwhile. Improve your chances at earning CISM by signing up for our intensive bootcamp designed by seasoned cybersecurity professionals to cover everything there is to know about security management, strategic leadership, program, risk, and incident management — all in just four days.

Joining the bootcamp gives you access to live expert-led sessions and interactive Q&As, high-quality video lessons, and comprehensive study materials. Once you’re done, you’ll leave the course not only prepared to pass the exam, but also ready to step confidently into your next leadership role.
 
Prefer learning at your own pace? We also offer strategic training for CISM readiness that automatically adjusts to your busy schedule and unique learning style.
Either way, your path to becoming a security leader begins here at Destination Certification.