- 1.CISM is ISACA's management-focused cybersecurity certification designed for senior information security leaders
- 2.Requires 5 years of information security experience with 3 years in management roles
- 3.Average salary of $158,000 for CISM-certified professionals (Global Knowledge 2024)
- 4.Exam costs $850 for ISACA members ($1,105 for non-members) with 200 questions in 4 hours
5
Years Experience Required
3
Management Experience
200
Exam Questions
$158K
Average Salary
What is CISM?
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is ISACA's premier certification for information security management professionals. Unlike technical certifications that focus on hands-on skills, CISM emphasizes governance, risk management, and strategic security leadership.
CISM is designed for senior security professionals who manage, design, oversee and assess enterprise information security programs. It validates expertise in information security management principles that align IT security with business goals.
Source: ISACA CISM Certification
CISM Experience Requirements
CISM has strict experience requirements that distinguish it from entry-level certifications. You must have 5 years of information security work experience, with 3 years specifically in management roles.
| Requirement | Details | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Total Experience | 5 years information security | Must be within 10 years of application |
| Management Experience | 3 years in management | Team leadership, program oversight, or strategic planning |
| Education Substitution | Bachelor's degree = 1 year waiver | Master's degree = 2 year waiver |
| Certification Substitution | CISA, CISSP, or CGEIT = 1 year waiver | Maximum 2 years substitution total |
CISM Exam Format and Cost
The CISM exam is computer-based and available year-round at testing centers worldwide. The format emphasizes scenario-based questions that test management decision-making skills.
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 200 multiple choice |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 450 out of 800 points |
| Member Cost | $850 (ISACA member) |
| Non-Member Cost | $1,105 |
| Language Options | English, Japanese, Spanish |
| Delivery Method | Computer-based testing (CBT) |
| Availability | Year-round at testing centers |
CISM Knowledge Domains
The CISM exam covers four domains that reflect the responsibilities of senior information security managers. Each domain is weighted differently in the exam.
Establish and maintain an information security governance framework aligned with organizational goals.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • CISO
- • Security Director
- • Risk Manager
Manage information risk to an acceptable level through risk assessment and treatment processes.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Risk Manager
- • Security Manager
- • Compliance Manager
Develop, manage, and maintain an information security program that aligns with business objectives.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Security Manager
- • Program Manager
- • CISO
Plan, establish, manage, and maintain information security incident management capabilities.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Incident Response Manager
- • Security Operations Manager
- • Business Continuity Manager
CISM Study Resources
Successful CISM preparation requires understanding management frameworks and governance principles, not just technical security controls. Focus on scenario-based practice questions.
Recommended CISM Study Plan
Official ISACA Materials (Essential)
CISM Review Manual and Question Database ($200-400). These align exactly with exam content and question style.
Practice Exams (Critical)
Take multiple practice exams to understand question format. ISACA's official practice exam and third-party options from Sybex or Kaplan.
Governance Frameworks Study
Deep dive into COBIT, ISO 27001, and NIST frameworks. Understand how they apply to management decisions.
Real-World Experience Application
Relate study materials to your management experience. CISM questions test judgment, not memorization.
CISM Career Benefits
CISM opens doors to executive-level security positions and demonstrates readiness for strategic security leadership roles. It's particularly valuable for professionals transitioning from technical roles to management.
- Qualification for CISO and security director positions
- Recognition as a senior security management professional
- Enhanced credibility with business executives and board members
- Global recognition in government and enterprise organizations
- Complement to technical certifications for comprehensive credentials
Career Paths
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
SOC 15-1212Lead enterprise security strategy and oversee security programs organization-wide.
Information Security Manager
SOC 15-1212Manage security teams and programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
Security Risk Manager
SOC 13-1199Assess and manage information security risks across the organization.
Security Consultant
SOC 15-1212Provide strategic security advice to multiple organizations as external consultant.
CISM Salary Impact
CISM certification commands premium salaries due to its focus on management-level skills and strict experience requirements. The certification particularly benefits professionals in senior security roles.
Source: Global Knowledge 2024
| Role Level | Without CISM | With CISM | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Manager | $135,000 | $158,000 | +$23,000 |
| Senior Security Manager | $165,000 | $185,000 | +$20,000 |
| Security Director | $190,000 | $220,000 | +$30,000 |
| CISO | $220,000 | $250,000 | +$30,000 |
CISM vs Other Security Certifications
CISM complements rather than competes with technical security certifications. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right certification path.
| Certification | Focus | Experience Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISM | Management & Governance | 5 years (3 in mgmt) | Security managers and executives |
| CISSP | Broad security domains | 5 years | Security practitioners and architects |
| CISA | Audit & Risk | 5 years | Auditors and compliance professionals |
| Security+ | Entry-level technical | None | Entry-level security professionals |
Which Should You Choose?
- You manage security teams or programs
- You're transitioning from technical roles to management
- You aspire to CISO or security director positions
- You already have technical certifications and want management credentials
- You work in governance, risk, or compliance roles
- You prefer hands-on technical security work
- You have less than 5 years security experience
- You're looking for your first security certification
- You work primarily as an individual contributor
- You want broader technical security knowledge first
CISM Maintenance Requirements
CISM certification requires ongoing maintenance through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and annual maintenance fees.
- 120 CPE hours required over 3-year certification period
- Minimum 20 CPE hours per year
- Annual maintenance fee of $85 for ISACA members ($175 for non-members)
- CPE activities include training, conferences, teaching, and professional experience
Failure to meet maintenance requirements results in certification suspension. Suspended certifications can be reinstated within one year by completing requirements and paying penalties.
CISM FAQ
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Career Resources
Taylor Rupe
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Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.