Wondering what a CISM certification is and if it鈥檚 right for you? This information security credential requires a combination of experience and expertise in safeguarding networks and systems from cybercrime. Learn more with our guide.
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is designed for information security professionals with some existing experience and expertise. The certification is geared toward proving your skills in one or more of the following four areas:听
Information security incident management
Information security risk management
Information security governance
Information security program development and management
More than 100,000 professionals worldwide have become CISM-certified since it was introduced in 2002, according to ISACA, the global association that offers the credential []. Indeed, meanwhile, notes that CISM is one of the most in-demand certifications within the information security world []. While it takes some time and effort to earn, gaining the CISM credential could be an effective way to move your career forward, particularly if you鈥檇 like to pursue a leadership role in cybersecurity.听
Let鈥檚 take a closer look at the CISM certification and its benefits to help you decide.
CISM certification is a professional certification offered by ISACA that validates an IT security manager鈥檚 ability to resolve common concerns like data breaches. Earning a CISM certification may help demonstrate your proficiency in information security and your advanced skills and knowledge of how security fits into business goals. As a CISM-certified professional, you鈥檒l be able to design, implement, and manage an organization鈥檚 security network. You鈥檒l also be tasked with identifying possible threats and reducing damage in case of security breaches.
CISM certification is offered by ISACA, an association with 185,000 members in 188 countries []. For more than 50 years, ISACA has been helping information security and information technology professionals stay on top of all the latest changes in this fast-paced, ever-evolving technological landscape.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is another in-demand certification offered by ISC2, which provides registry and information management services for public records and data.听
While both certifications are geared toward information security professionals, CISM also requires you to demonstrate that you grasp information security from a business standpoint rather than just a technical point of view. If you鈥檙e looking to work with leadership or advance your career to work in management, the CISM certification could be a good option.听
CISSP certification requires you to demonstrate a technical understanding across a large list of security domains with some managerial responsibilities, too. You can pursue both certifications since they complement each other, but if you鈥檙e looking to advance to a management position, CISM is the one to earn first.
When you鈥檙e weighing your options, it helps to keep your eyes on the future and the potential benefits that this certification offers. One of the biggest benefits is that it puts you among a community of elite information security professionals.听
Because this certification may be challenging to get, it shows your commitment to both your career and information security. Two additional benefits include potentially increased job opportunities and higher potential earning power.听
Cybercrime is projected to cost an estimated $10.5 trillion in damages worldwide in 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures []. The skyrocketing costs of cybercrime may drive steady demand for knowledgeable and skilled information security professionals. Additionally, the cybersecurity market will grow by 7.8 percent through 2029, with increased cybersecurity spending from small businesses to huge enterprises to governments shoring up their defenses against security breaches [].
The job outlook varies depending on the role you鈥檙e in or interested in pursuing. Indeed notes that becoming CISM certified can help give you a competitive edge for IT positions at every level [闭.听
According to ISACA, the average salary of CISM holders in the United States is more than $149,000 []. InfoSec, meanwhile, puts the average salary range for CISM-certified professionals at around $150,040 [].
If you have a combination of information security experience and expertise, and you want to shift from working on a team to leading one, CISM may be a good match. It鈥檚 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited, which ensures that it meets international consistency and integrity standards. ISACA estimates that CISM holders see the following:
听
70 percent increase in on-the-job performance
90 percent more effective teams
70 percent efficiency and expertise increase
This suggests that gaining this credential may boost your credibility, performance, and confidence. Before deciding if CISM is the right option, consider the benefits and drawbacks, which go beyond the increased job and earning potential.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Your skills and expertise will be recognized around the world because CISM certification is ANSI-approved under ISO/IEC 17024. | It requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience to qualify, unless you meet qualified substitution requirements. |
You鈥檒l have increased networking chances as you join a group of CISM-certified professionals. | There are up-front and ongoing costs. In addition to an application and exam registration fee, you鈥檒l also pay an annual maintenance fee []. |
CISM merges IT auditing with information security as an independent function. |
To get certified, you鈥檒l need to meet five criteria, starting with passing the CISM certification exam. This test covers four topics:
Information security incident management
Information security program development and management
Information risk management
Information security governance
The test is multiple-choice with 150 questions that you鈥檒l have four hours to complete. If you don鈥檛 meet the following four requirements, your score will be voided. Additionally, you need to apply for certification within five years of passing the exam. Other criteria include:
Complying with ISACA鈥檚 Code of Professional Ethics, which requires you to maintain strict standards and your information systems proficiency
Completing 20 hours or more of continuing professional education (CPE) every year and 120 hours or more within a three-year period []
Verification of your work experience from your employer. You need at least five years in the information security field, including three or more years in information security management, within 10 years of your application date.
Submitting your CISM application and paying the application fee. ISACA will confirm all of your information before awarding you the certification.
You need to have five or more years of work experience in information security. At least three of those years need to be in a minimum of three job practice areas, with one year or more in each. These areas include:
Information security management
Information security risk management
Information security program development
Information security governance
There are several qualifying factors that may reduce the amount of work experience required. For example, holding CISA certification reduces it by two years. Each skill-based security certification, such as CBCP or GIAC, reduces it by one year.
There鈥檚 a reason CISM-certified professionals are highly regarded鈥攖hey hold themselves to a stringent standard. You鈥檒l have to adhere to proper conduct and also keep up with the latest issues, techniques, and information security threats.听
You鈥檒l have many opportunities to meet the requirements by attending corporate training, vendor sales presentations, and university classes. ISACA also hosts professional education meetings and activities that can go toward the continuing education requirement. Additionally, you can take self-study courses that provide a completion certificate with the number of CPE hours earned for each course.听
ISACA doesn鈥檛 require certification exam takers to have a degree, but having work experience in information security is a must. Many information security employers look for candidates with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, information security, computer science, or a related subject.听
However, because of the demand for information security professionals, you can break into the field without a degree. Some popular alternatives include attending an information security boot camp or earning another certification, such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential, which is also issued by ISACA. This certification also requires a minimum of five years of work experience, passing an exam, and completing continuing education.
If you鈥檙e ready to get started in a cybersecurity career, consider enrolling in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on 糖心vlog官网观看. Learn how to use job-essential tools like Splunk, Linux, and more. This program is designed 鈥嬧媡o help individuals with no previous experience find their first job in the cybersecurity field, all at their own pace.听
ISACA. 鈥, https://www.isaca.org/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/2025/isacas-cism-named-best-professional-certification-program-in-2025-sc-awards.鈥 Accessed July 10, 2025.
Indeed. 鈥, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/cism-certification.鈥 Accessed July 10, 2025.
ISACA. 鈥, https://www.isaca.org/about-us.鈥 Accessed July 10, 2025.
Cybercrime Magazine. 鈥, https://cybersecurityventures.com/official-cybercrime-report-2025/.鈥 Accessed July 10, 2025.
Statista. 鈥, https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/cybersecurity/worldwide.鈥 Accessed July 10, 2025.
ISACA. 鈥, https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism#certify.鈥 Accessed July 10, 2025.
InfoSec. 鈥, https://www.infosecinstitute.com/resources/cism/average-cism-salary/.鈥 Accessed July 10, 2025.
ISACA. 鈥, https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism/maintain-cism-certification.鈥 Accessed July 10, 2025.
Editorial Team
糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.