Elevate Your Cybersecurity Career with CISM Certification: A Complete Guide

The cybersecurity and IT field are ever-shifting. And with such changes, experts can benefit from gaining additional certifications and credentials. If you wish to know about the CISM certification and wonder if it is the right option, you have come to the right place.

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) is a certification for information security and asks for individuals to have the proficiency and experience in protecting systems and networks against cybercrime. Professionals with existing knowledge and skills in information security can apply for this certification.

The information regarding IT security and incident management comprises the credential. To check if this credential fits your needs, IT specialists and aspirants can dive deeper into the knowledge of CISM. The article will discuss CISM certification in detail, its benefits, who can apply, and more.

An Introduction To CISM Certification

The global association ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), existing for over 50 years, comprises 160K members, over 180 countries, and 200 chapters. It aids IT and information security experts in staying informed about the new evolutions in the technological field.

It offers a global credential known as CISM (Certified Information Security Manager). The certification helps gain a higher degree of mastery in information technology security. Possessing the credential is an indication of advanced knowledge and skills in security supporting business goals.

It also displays you have an understanding of risk management, incident management, program development, and security governance. The CISM credential on your resume will increase your credibility in front of your potential employers, regulators, and stakeholders.

Professionals who possess a CISM certification can develop, execute, and monitor the security network of an establishment. The job also involves determining potential threats and minimizing the damages caused by security breaches.

CISM Examination

A CISM examination happens twice annually, the first examination in June and the other in December. It comprises 150 MCQs or multiple-choice questions. Candidates get a total of 4 hours to complete the entire exam.

The examination tests the appearing candidates on four information security operational domains. The calculation of scores falls between 200-800 marks. You must achieve a minimum of 450 points out of 800 to qualify for CISM certification.
Also Check: Frequently Asked ISACA’s CISM Questions

Syllabus Of CISM Examination

To pass the examination, individuals must have an idea of what will come in the exam. The topics covered by the exam include the following:

• 33% covers information risk management and compliance

• 25% is on information security program development and management

• 24% of the test is on information security governance

• 18% of the syllabus is on information security incident management

Go through our blog CISM Certification and CISM Exam Preparation Tips.

CISM Requirements

Individuals must fulfill a range of criteria to qualify for the CISM certification. These requirements are as follows:

• You must satisfy the “Code of Professional Ethics” of ISACA. It demands the maintenance of rigorous standards and the proficiency of concerned information systems.

• It is essential to get your employer to verify your work experience. A minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of information security is necessary. Additionally, after you pass the exam, in the next 5 years you must have 3 or more years of experience in the management field of information security.

• Another criterion involves a 20-hour or more continuous professional development annually and a 120-hour or over in the period of 3 years.

• Of course, it is essential to pass the CISM exam to receive the credential. However, the score is invalid if you fail to fulfill the other requirements.

• You must apply and pay the related fee. You will only receive the certification after ISACA confirms every piece of information.

Degree Requirements

ISACA does not ask for a degree. However, it is a must to have working experience in the field of information security. Employers for information security demand candidates with bachelors in information security, cybersecurity, computer science, and other relevant subjects.

Considering the demand, it is possible to enter the information security field without a degree. You may join CISM training or a boot camp for information security or get a relevant certification.

CISM Certification Advantages

When thinking of pursuing a credential, you must look at how the certification benefits you in the future. You can experience wide-ranging benefits with the CISM certification. A bunch of these are in the list below:

• Professional Growth: A CISM credential opens the door to a promotion from your existing employer. You can stand out from your peers and demonstrate your passion concerning your career growth.

• Refined Resume: How dedicated you are towards learning more can be visible with a CISM credential. It will also guarantee your proficiency and expertise.

• Higher Credibility: The potential employers, team members, and clients will consider the weight of your credibility more with a CISM credential.

• Hone Abilities: Preparing for the CISM examination sharpens your knowledge about challenging IT topics and helps improve your weaker areas.

• Earning Standpoint: In the US, the CISM-certified personnel get a $148K salary. On average, a professional with this credential can earn around $232K.

• Employment Possibilities: Worldwide, the damages in cybercrime costs in trillions. Such high expenses result in a constant demand for professionals with the best information security expertise and abilities.

Who Should Apply For CISM Certification?

Individuals who wish to lead a team and not just be a member of one can apply for CISM certification. It is a great option if you possess the experience and skills in the field of information technology. ANSI accredits this credential to ensure it fulfills the standards of global integrity and consistency.

With a CISM certification, ISACA assesses that candidates will see their performance improve by 70% and helps build teams that are 90% more competent. Additionally, the candidates see an increase in proficiency and productivity.

Job Titles With CISM

A CISM credential brings several job prospects to holders. They can get from C-suite to medium-level positions. Some of the designations include:

• CIO or Chief Information Officer

• Network Engineer

• Security Engineer

• System Analyst

• IT Architect

Drawbacks Of CISM

Now you know how CISM certification can enhance the individual's performance, reliability, as well as confidence. Now, let us see some of its drawbacks.

• The CISM certification demands a qualification of 5-year minimum work experience. Except on the condition that you satisfy qualified substitutions.

• Direct and continuous expenses are also a con of CISM certification. Apart from the fees involved in the application and registration of exams, the candidates must pay a maintenance cost every year.

Conclusion

The demand for advanced security specialists is ever-growing with the evolution of security practices and moving from safeguarding to predicting. Organizations are facing challenges in finding the right candidate.

You can prepare for growing career prospects by possessing advanced certifications, including CISM by ISACA. Earning this credential allows you to present to potential employers your dedication towards information security experience and proficiency.