Organizations often need cybersecurity-certified IT professionals who can design, develop, implement, and manage information security programs at an enterprise level. ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is worth pursuing for individuals who are interested in managing these kinds of company cybersecurity goals. Learn more about the CISM certification and how to earn it here.
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What Is the CISM Certification?
Certified Information Security Manager, or CISM, is a certification that helps individuals build expertise in risk and incident management, information security programs, and other more general applications of information security.
CISM-certified professionals can design and manage an organization’s entire security infrastructure, including identifying vulnerabilities and reducing the impact of security breaches when they happen.
CISM is an ISACA-run certification program. The Information Systems Audit and Control Association, or ISACA, is an international association of IT professionals with a focus on IT governance.
What Are the Requirements for the CISM Certification?
To get certified with CISM, candidates should possess five years of proven work experience in information security with a minimum of three years of experience in information security management. Apart from this, individuals should complete 20 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) that ensures their competency.
What Is the Exam Format for the CISM Certification?
The CISM exam includes 150 multiple choice questions and needs to be completed within four hours. Candidates must get a score of at least 450 out of 800 to pass the examination. They can either take the exam online under the supervision of a remote proctor or in-person at a nearby testing center.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Certified?
The CISM exam is much more costly than any other certification exam for information security. The exam costs $760 USD for non-ISACA members and $575 USD for ISACA members. ISACA memberships are available for professionals, recent grads, and students for those who want to take the exam under member rates. After payment, candidates have 12 months to complete the exam.
What Are the Benefits of Earning the CISM Certification?
The CISM certification offers professionals the following benefits for their information security careers:
- Advanced knowledge in information security: The CISM certification helps individuals test and craft skills in security and risk management.
- Career advancement: CISM-certified professionals are more likely to obtain competitive job titles and positions in the IT industry.
- Global recognition: Being a globally recognized certification, CISM offers individuals the opportunity to apply for positions around the world.
Top Careers for a CISM Certification
The CISM certification helps IT professionals grow into important security roles. Here are a few positions that may await CISM certification holders:
Security system engineers
Security system engineers are responsible for designing and implementing security measures to protect systems and networks. They are also responsible for identifying the security requirements of organizations.
Security auditors
Security auditors analyze the performance of systems against vulnerabilities. They also conduct comprehensive assessments of organizations’ information systems.
Chief information security officers (CISOs)
CISOs are the executives responsible for all technology initiatives and strategies in IT departments.
Other opportunities
Other positions for CISM certification holders include IT managers, security architects, risk officers, security consultants, and information risk compliance specialists.
Read next: Top Cybersecurity Certifications
