The cybersecurity industry is continually evolving, and professionals in the field need to constantly seek ways to distinguish themselves and advance their careers. Among the most prestigious and sought-after credentials are the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certifications.
Both credentials are highly regarded in the industry, but they cater to different professional paths. Choosing between CISSP and CISM often depends on your career goals, areas of interest, and the specific roles you aspire to within the cybersecurity field.
In this guide, we will discuss CISSP vs. CISM, their key differences, and their pros and cons to help you decide which certification aligns best with your career aspirations.
What is the CISSP?
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification in the field of information security offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed for IT and cybersecurity professionals who wish to demonstrate their expertise in developing and managing a robust cybersecurity program.
The CISSP certification validates an individual's ability to effectively design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. With a focus on technical and managerial knowledge and proficiency, it covers critical aspects of security in eight domains, including risk management, security architecture, and identity and access management.
The CISSP is aimed at experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives interested in proving their knowledge across various security practices and principles.
What is CISM?
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a prestigious certification offered by ISACA that focuses on the development and management side of information security. It is tailored for IT professionals responsible for managing, designing, overseeing, and assessing an organization's information security.
Unlike certifications that focus on technical skills, CISM is aimed at individuals looking to advance their careers in information security management and governance. The certification emphasizes the importance of aligning information security programs with broader business goals, a critical aspect for modern organizations.
CISM validates expertise in risk management, incident management, and the development and management of information security programs, making it ideal for those aspiring to hold senior management roles in the field of information security.
CISSP vs. CISM Pros and Cons
Feature | CISSP | CISM |
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Focus | Technical and managerial aspects of information security. | Management and governance of information security. |
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CISSP vs. CISM: How Do They Differ?
Even though both CISSP and CISM certifications boost and enrich a professional's expertise across a broad spectrum of information security, they also have their distinct differences. Let's examine what sets them apart:
Eligibility Requirements
To take any of these certification exams, you need to meet certain requirements. These criteria ensure that you, as a potential certified professional, possess the necessary experience and knowledge within the cybersecurity domain.
CISSP Exam Requirements
To qualify for the CISSP certification, candidates must have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP CBK (Common Body of Knowledge). Part-time and internship experiences are also accepted as work experience. However, they are calculated differently from full-time work.
Relevant educational degrees or credentials approved by the ISC2 can satisfy up to one year of the required experience. If you don't have any of those, don't worry. ISC2 allows you to still take the CISSP exam. The only caveat is that you won't get CISSP-certified right away. Instead, you'll become an Associate of ISC2 and be given six years to complete the necessary experience.
CISM Exam requirements
For the CISM certification, candidates need to have five years of work experience in information security, with at least three years in information security management across three or more job practice analysis areas.
Unlike CISSP, CISM allows candidates to waive two years of the five required, depending on their education or certifications. But, it doesn't allow new professionals to take the exam. It targets those who already have a footing in information management. This makes CISM less accessible for those just starting in the field.
Exam Details
Both the CISSP and CISM certifications require you to sit down and answer a closed-book exam, testing your knowledge and skills in the cybersecurity domain.
For the CISSP, you'll need to take your exam in person, administered exclusively at Pearson VUE Testing Centers. Conversely, CISM offers more flexibility, allowing you to take the exam at an in-person testing center or remotely via remote proctoring.
CISSP Exam Details
The CISSP exam is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese, catering to a global audience. If you plan on taking it in English, it will be in a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) format. It contains 125 to 175 items if you're taking the exam before April 15, 2024, and 100 to 150 items if you take it after that.
The CISSP exam is divided into eight domains, following the CISSP CBK. They're weighted as follows:
CISM Exam Details
This CISM exam is available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese, ensuring accessibility for a diverse, global audience. Unlike the CISSP exam, the format for this certification is consistent, comprising 150 multiple-choice questions that candidates must complete within four hours.
It is also divided into four domains, unlike CISSP, which is divided into eight. Here are them:
- Information Security Governance (24%)
- Information Risk Management (30%)
- Information Security Program Development and Management (27%)
- Information Security Incident Management (19%)
Exam Difficulty
Another key difference between the CISSP and CISM certifications lies in the difficulty of their exams. The CISSP certification covers a wide range of information security topics, including both technical and managerial aspects. This broad scope makes CISSP a complementary certification to CISM, which focuses primarily on managerial skills within the information security domain.
This distinction affects how you might decide which certification best fits your career goals. Although they emphasize different skill sets, it's worth noting that neither exam is inherently easier than the other. Each exam has its unique challenges and requires a tailored preparation strategy based on the depth and breadth of knowledge required.
CISSP Exam Difficulty
The CISSP exam is often described as "a mile wide and an inch deep," reflecting its comprehensive scope across various topics within its eight domains. This characterization highlights the exam's challenge: it requires a broad understanding of information security concepts without delving too deeply into any subject area.
The adaptive nature of the English version of the exam further intensifies this challenge, as it tailors the difficulty of questions based on your responses. Candidates typically need to dedicate months of study to cover the extensive material adequately and develop a solid grasp of each domain. However, you can pass the test on your first try with the right tools and resources.
Given the comprehensive nature of CISSP, many professionals find it beneficial to pursue it first. The knowledge and skills gained from CISSP can provide a strong foundation for the managerial focus of the CISM certification.
CISM Exam Difficulty
On the flip side, the CISM exam zeroes in on the strategic and managerial aspects of information security. It assesses your ability to govern and manage information security programs, demanding an in-depth understanding of information security management principles.
The challenge here is less about the technical details and more about applying managerial concepts to real-world scenarios, making it incredibly challenging for those without experience in these areas. Like the CISSP, preparing for the CISM requires a deep dive into its four domains, focusing on governance, risk management, program development, and incident management.
Salary and Job Opportunities
Both CISSP and CISM certifications can significantly enhance your professional value and marketability, leading to better job prospects and higher salaries. The choice between them should align with your career goals: whether you're looking to affirm your expertise across the full spectrum of information security with CISSP or specialize in its governance with CISM.
In either path, these certifications serve as a key differentiator in the competitive IT security job market, potentially unlocking opportunities for advancement and higher compensation.
CISSP Salary and Job Opportunities
The CISSP certification is renowned for its ability to open doors to many high-level information security roles. On average, professionals holding a CISSP certification can earn about US $120,552. This average is significantly higher compared to those without any certification.
Positions often requiring or benefiting from the CISSP include, but are not limited to:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Director of Security
- IT Director or IT Manager
- Security Consultant
- Security Analyst
- Security Systems Engineer
- Security Architect
- Network Architect
- Security Manage
The certification is valued across industries for its comprehensive coverage of information security topics, making CISSP-certified professionals highly sought after for their expertise and versatility in addressing complex security challenges.
CISM Salary and Job Opportunities
Similarly, the CISM certification is associated with strategic roles within the information security management and governance framework. CISM-certified professionals are often considered for leadership positions, given the certification's focus on governance, risk management, and program development. The average salary for CISM holders is also competitive, ranging from US $70,000 to $100,000, depending on the location and experience.
Typical roles for CISM-certified individuals include the following:
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Information Security Manager
- IT Auditor
- Risk Manager
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance Lead
- Security Operations Administrator
Cost and Recertification
Both certifications not only demand an initial investment for the exam and preparation materials but also require a commitment to continuing education to keep the certifications active.
CISSP Cost and Recertification
The cost to take the CISSP exam is US $749, varying slightly by location. Beyond the exam fee, candidates often invest in study materials, boot camps, or online courses, which can significantly increase the total cost.
Once certified, CISSP holders must recertify every three years by earning 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits over the recertification cycle. This process ensures that certified professionals stay up-to-date with the latest in information security. There's also an annual maintenance fee of US $125 required to keep the certification active.
CISM Cost and Recertification
For the CISM exam, candidates can expect to pay a fee of around US $575 for ISACA members and US $760 for non-members. Similar to CISSP, additional costs for study materials and preparatory courses can add to the overall investment.
CISM certification requires recertification every three years, during which holders must accumulate at least 120 CPE credits to demonstrate their ongoing engagement with the field. ISACA also charges an annual maintenance fee of US $45 for members and US $85 for non-members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether CISM is better than CISSP depends on your career goals. CISM is focused on information security management, making it ideal for roles in governance and strategy. CISSP covers a broader spectrum of information security topics. While CISM suits those looking into specific management aspects, CISSP is also highly regarded for management roles, including directors, CIOs, CSOs, CISOs, and CEOs, due to its comprehensive approach.
The difficulty of CISM compared to CISSP varies based on the individual's background and expertise. CISM is focused on security management, whereas CISSP is broader, covering technical and managerial aspects of information security.
Whether CISM is better than CISSP depends on career focus. CISM is targeted towards information security management and strategy, making it ideal for professionals looking to move into security leadership roles. It emphasizes governance, risk management, and compliance more than the CISSP.
Both CISM and CISSP are challenging, with CISSP often perceived as broader and more technical. CISM's focus on management can be equally demanding, especially for professionals less experienced in governance and policy.
The better choice between CISM and CISSP depends on your career path. If you aim to focus on information security management within an organization, CISM might be more suitable. CISSP is broader, ideal for those seeking comprehensive knowledge across various information security domains, including technical and managerial aspects.
CISSP vs. CISM: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between CISSP and CISM depends largely on your current expertise, professional aspirations, and the skills you aim to acquire. The CISSP's extensive coverage of both the technical and managerial aspects of information security makes it an ideal starting point for many professionals. This certification lays a comprehensive foundation, equipping you with a diverse skill set applicable across various roles and industries.
If your career objectives are more aligned with the management and governance aspects of information security, beginning with the CISSP certification is still beneficial. The comprehensive knowledge base established through CISSP can serve as a strong foundation for developing the focused managerial skills emphasized by the CISM certification.
Ready to start your CISSP journey? If so, Destination Certification is here to support you on this significant journey. Our CISSP MasterClass is designed to be flexible and dynamic, adjusting to your current schedule and knowledge level. This approach allows you to start this certification path without sacrificing your current lifestyle or professional commitments.
With Destination Certification, you gain access to comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help you effectively prepare for the CISSP exam, making your certification journey as smooth and successful as possible.
Rob Witcher
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
