Are you interested in learning about information security? Then earning a CISM (certified information security manager) certification is a great idea.
To get a CISM certification, you need to complete a few steps including: Finding a course and registering, taking an exam, and maintaining your award through training. This article will guide you towards the goal as well as teach you all about what being a CISM entails.
What Is CISM?
CISM is a certification of advanced level. It is designed for Information Technology professionals which specialise in information security management.
In other words, the CISM certification will prove that you are ready to jump into information security, develop the best policies and practices, and understand the relationship between information security and a business’s objectives.
This certification is offered by the ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), a nonprofit, independent association.
What Are the Benefits of Being a CISM?
Having a CISM certification will provide you many benefits all around the world. A few of them are mentioned below.
- Recognition: It helps to get recognized worldwide as a professional with the advanced job skills required to be an information security manager.
- Accessibility: This award provides access to valuable resources such as peer networking and ideas exchanges.
- Earning potential unleashed: CISM certification will unlock some of the highest-paying IT jobs available.
- Boost your career: A CISM certification can provide you with new job opportunities around the world.
CISM vs CISSP
The CISM and CISSP (certified information systems security professional) certificates are the two most popular for information technology professionals.
Keep reading to learn the similarities and differences between these two certificates.
- Similarities:
- Both of the issuing nonprofit organizations are independent.
- Both CISM and CISSP certifications prove a candidate’s skills as an information security manager.
- A minimum of five years of experience is required by both the certification programs.
- Both organizations require CPE (continuing professional education) credits for continued certification.
- Disparities:
- A CISM certificate is offered by the ISACA, while a CISSP award is offered by (ISC)2.
- The CISM programs have its main emphasis on strategy and management. while The CISSP programs have to focus on the threat responses and the operation of it.
Earning Your CISM Certificate
Earning your CISM certification can be a difficult yet rewarding task. It all depends on your knowledge and experience in information security management. Here we have compiled a complete guide to help you earn your certification.
How Long Does It Take to Become CISM Certified?
The CISM certification demands a minimum of five years of experience as a professional information security manager.
And your work experience must have been completed within 10 years of applying for certification. Also, submitting an application for certification must be submitted within five years of qualifying for the certification exam.
How Much Does the CISM Certificate Cost?
A CISM certification varies between $415 to $595 depending on if you catch early registration and are already a member of the ISACA. .
CISM Requirements
There are two requirements for earning your CISM certification:
- Firstly, you need to qualify for the CISM exam, which is held by the ISACA.
- Next, you need to have a minimum of five years of experience as a professional information security manager, with at least three years of information security management experience in three or more of the CISM domains.
Remember, you don’t need to fulfill the entire job experience requirement in getting your CISM certification. After you qualify, you can apply for the certification once you obtain the needed experience, as long as it’s within five years of taking the test.
What Is the Syllabus for the CISM Certification Exam?
The CISM exam has a total of 150 questions in their test. The method of marking is on a scoring scale of 200-800. The qualification marks required is 450.
The 4 major domains of CISM certification examination are:
- The development and management of Information security
- Risk management
- Governance of Information Security
- Incident management
How to Become a CISM: Step-by-Step
In the process of becoming a CISM you must perform five basic steps. Let’s see what they are below.
- Experience: To apply for the CISM certification, a minimum of five years experience is required in the Information security sector, in which, a three years experience is required as a Information Security Manager.
- Prepare for the exam: Next, you’ll need to prepare. Below we have listed some of the best courses available for studying.
- Take the exam: After you have registered on the ISACA website, you can take the exam online or in person.
- Apply for certification: If you passed the CISM exam, and you have at least five years of experience, then you can apply for certification online.
- Maintaining the certification: After getting a CISM certificate, you must renew it at the end of every calendar year and earn a minimum of 120 CPE (continuing professional education) hours every three years, with at least 20 hours earned annually.
The Best CISM Training Programs
In your journey to become CISM certified, choosing the right training course is one of your most important decisions.
But don’t worry, we have found the best CISM certification classes out there. Check them out below.
Best CISM Certificate Practice Exams
Practice exams are one of the most useful and important parts of your preparation. Take one of these options below and you’ll enter the real thing with confidence.
Udemy
- Course: TOTAL: CISM (Info. Security Mgr) Practice Tests – 400 Q’s
- Content: 4 question papers, 100 questions each
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $87
Udemy is one of the top education sites in the world. In this course, Udemy provides four question papers of 100 questions each as well as lifetime access. This course has a rating of 3.9 out of 5.
Testprep Training
- Course: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification Exam
- Content: 200 multiple choice questions
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $11
Testprep training provides cheap but effective sample papers. This is a great option for practice.
Edusum
- Course: ISACA CISM Certification Sample Questions
- Content: Sample questions
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: FREE
Edusum is a free website where you can find sample questions with answers related to the CISM certificate exam.
Best CISM Training Programs
Training is also one of the most important aspects of preparation. Following are some top-rated programs for information security.
Certified Information Security
- Course: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Length: 590 narrated screens
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: $666
This is the one of the most top-rate CISM training programs and has a 4.9 out of 5 rating. It includes 52 practise exams, 600 practice questions, and 40 CPEs. After enrolling you will have access for 180 days.
Simplilearn
- Course: CISM certification training
- Length: 16 hours of content
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge and experience in information security
- Cost: $176
The CISM certification provided by Simplilearn, you can acquire the skills to deploy, design and manage architecture for your organisation. ISACA’s best practices align with this course.
CybraryCourse: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Length: 12 hrs 25 min
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: FREE
Cybrary’s CISM training is a great fit for information technology professionals looking to move up in their organization and advance their careers.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
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The course consists of several modules that can help you learn the required syllabus for a CISM certificate easily. This is a free program with a rating of 4.3 out of 5.
Best CISM Online Courses
In the process of your preparation, you may have doubts about the CISM certificate topics and need guidance. In that case an online course will be of great help.
There are many online platforms with experts who can teach you everything about information security management. Some of the best online courses are mentioned below.
Pluralsight
- Course: CISM® (Certified Information Security Manager®)
- Prerequisites: None
- Length: 12 hours
- Cost: You will need to buy the premium version. Also there are some monthly and annual packs available.
This course helps to align information security strategy with organizational goals and also teaches you to develop an information security governance framework.
Udemy
- Course: ISACA CISM Certified information security manager
- Length: 8.5 hours
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge and experience in information security
- Cost: $17
This training is a comprehensive reference guide designed to assist individuals in preparing for the ISACA’s CISM exam. It is a current, comprehensive, peer-reviewed information security management resource.
CyberVista
- Course: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | Training Course
- Length: 24 hours
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge and experience in Information security
- Cost: $2,795
CyberVista provides one of the top online training courses for the CISM exam, with a rating of 4 out of 5. This course includes a practice exam, 1,225 practice questions and 12 months of online access.
Best Online CISM Resources and Study Guides
During your studying you may also want resources, study guides, and books. We have listed below some of the best resources to help you in your preparation.
ISACA.org
The CISM certification is held by the ISACA. At their official website you will find many resources including review courses, practice papers, and a helpful community. The print and e-book section contains ample study material. The site is regularly updated according to the latest exam syllabus.
CISMclass.com
CISMclass.com has everything you need related to the CISM certificate exam including books, videos, and practice tests. And it’s all available with a user-friendly interface. You can build your own study plan according to your schedule and budget.
Why Should I Become CISM Certified?
There are several perks of earning a CISM certification. First, you will be recognized as a professional information security manager globally. This will increase your earning potential and give you access to several peer networks.
CISM Job Opportunities
Having a CISM certification will open the door to many job opportunities. The job growth for CISM professionals has increased by 6 percent per year since 2016 and is expected to rise to 8 percent by the year 2026.
A CISM certification adds considerable weight to your resume and can give you an edge over other candidates. You’ll find jobs in management, information security risk assessment, systems auditing, and even systems development.
CISM Salary
According to Globalknowledge, the national average salary of a CISM in the U.S. is $137,058 per year.
If you are aspiring to be an information security professional or if you are interested in information technology, then earning a CISM certificate can prove highly beneficial in securing a better job and future.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
