CISM vs. CISSP: What’s the Difference?

Key takeaways

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are cybersecurity credentials that validate your skills in implementing and managing security practices for an organization.

• Both CISM and CISSP ranked among the highest-paying IT certifications in North America in 2024 [1].

• While the CISM credential focuses on risk assessment, information security governance, and security leadership, CISSP has a broader focus, ranging from security management and architecture to network security and software development security.

• You can take CISSP first to build your foundation of technical security skills. This helps you satisfy up to two years of the five-year experience requirement for CISM certification.

Explore how the CISM and CISSP certifications differ but complement each other, and learn what to consider when choosing between the two. If you’re ready to start building your cybersecurity expertise in preparation for certifications, enroll in the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Specialization. You’ll have the opportunity to build essential cybersecurity skills, including risk management, encryption, network security, security controls, and more, in as little as four weeks. Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a career certificate for your resume.

CISM vs. CISSP: Are CISM and CISSP the same?

CISM and CISSP are in-demand security certifications. Both validate your expertise in designing and implementing cybersecurity best practices for an organization. Other similar aspects between the two certifications include:

• Both are vendor-neutral certifications.

• Both require at least five years of experience in information security management.

• Both require agreeing to a code of ethics.

• Both emphasize continuing education to maintain certification.

However, CISM and CISSP also differ in several ways, such as their areas of focus. While CISM primarily focuses on governance and information security management, CISSP tests both technical and managerial cybersecurity skills, encompassing a broad range of topics, from risk management to network and software development security. 

Read more: 8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

What is the CISM?

The CISM credential from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) validates your skills in assessing and mitigating risks, managing security incidents, and developing and implementing governance programs. It also touches on trending topics in the cybersecurity landscape, like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and ransomware, ensuring security professionals stay current in the field. According to the Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report, CISM was one of the top 10 most widely held IT certifications worldwide in 2024 [1].

The CISM credential requires you to pass a four-hour exam with 150 multiple-choice questions covering four domains: 

1. Information security governance

2. Information security risk management

3. Information security program

4. Incident management

To qualify for the exam, you need to have five or more years of information security management experience [2].

CISM vs. CISSP salary details

According to the Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report, both CISM and CISSP ranked among the highest-paying IT certifications in North America in 2024, with CISSP holders earning an average salary of $164,621 and CISM holders earning $155,942 [1]. Meanwhile, Payscale reports that those with CISM credentials earn an average base salary of $141,000 in the US [4], while people with CISSP earn an average base salary of $132,000 [5].

What is the CISSP?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential from ISC2 validates your skills in developing, implementing, and running an organization’s information security program. CISSP has been accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and approved by the US Department of Defense. CISSP is one of the most-requested certifications for cybersecurity jobs, and ISC2 reports over 175,000 CISSP holders worldwide in 2025 [6].

The CISSP exam measures your knowledge across eight cybersecurity domains: 

1. Security and risk management

2. Asset security

3. Security architecture and engineering

4. Communication and network security

5. Identity and access management (IAM)

6. Security assessment and testing

7. Security operations

8. Software development security

To qualify for the certification, you’ll need to have a total of at least five years of experience in two or more of these domains, one year of which can be waived by earning a related bachelor’s degree or another ISC2-approved certification. The CISSP exam requires you to answer 100 to 150 questions in three hours and earn a minimum of 700 points out of 1,000 to pass [7]. 

A side-by-side look at the details: Which is best, CISSP or CISM?

Cybersecurity and information security were the top areas where employers struggled to hire skilled candidates in 2024. Eighty-two percent of employers aimed to close this skills gap by encouraging employees to obtain certification, with almost 100 percent of employers recognizing the value of IT certifications [1]. At a time when certified cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, it’s important to understand the difference between key certifications like CISSP and CISM so you can choose the right one for your career. The table below outlines the main differences between the two.

CISSP vs. CISM vs. CISA: What’s the difference?

The primary difference between CISSP, CISM, and CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is that CISA focuses on auditing information systems and processes for compliance with regulations and implementing reliable controls. CISM focuses on managing organizational security programs, and CISSP focuses on designing effective security functions.

Getting started: CISM vs. CISSP

The first step to getting a cybersecurity certification is deciding which certification you want to pursue based on your career goals, experience, current role, and personal interests. Once you’ve decided on a certification, you can then look at resources, training, and practice tests to help you prepare.

How to choose between CISM and CISSP 

When choosing between the CISM and CISSP credentials, the most important consideration is what kind of job you’re aiming for. If you’re pursuing a managerial role, CISM would be a better fit, while CISSP will suit you more if you aim to build technical skills for a specific security role, like security architect or security analyst. Map out your intended career path and which certification would match your desired job responsibilities. For example, CISM would help you lead a cybersecurity program for an organization, while CISSP would help you design and implement security functions.

If you’re already working, consider your current role and which certification will best benefit it. You should also consider which experience requirements align with your current role. While both require at least five years of work experience, CISSP requires that experience to be specifically in two or more of its domains, while CISM requires only general information security management experience.

Finally, consider your own interests and strengths. If you prefer leadership positions, managing teams of people, and risk management topics, CISM would be a better choice. If you prefer the technical side of cybersecurity and want to prepare for a range of cybersecurity positions, then go for CISSP. 

Ultimately, CISM and CISSP certifications complement each other. This means you can take CISSP first due to its broad coverage of security areas and build a cybersecurity foundation to later pursue the management-focused CISM. CISSP can also help you waive two years from the experience requirements for CISM.

How to prepare for certification

Once you’ve decided on your certification path, it’s time to start preparing to take the exam. The first step is to review the exam outlines available on the respective exam pages to familiarize yourself with the prerequisites, topics, and areas you’ll need to work on. ISACA provides a candidate guide for all certification exams, as well as a CISM Review Manual, while ISC2 offers a CISSP exam outline detailing all the topics covered in the exam. After you’ve understood what to study, you’ll need to start studying based on the learning approach and resources that work best for you.

• Official resources: Both ISC2 and ISACA offer extensive study materials to help you prepare for certification. ISACA’s CISM Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, and CISM Review Manual provide comprehensive coverage of terminology, concepts, and assessments for the CISM exam. ISC2’s Official CISSP Study Guide and CISSP Flash Cards explain and help you practice key topics on the exam. 

• Training and courses: Online courses, training, and boot camps can provide structured learning through an immersive and practical approach. Both ISC2 and ISACA provide online training and review courses specific to your certification exam to help you learn in a focused, self-paced way. You can also explore boot camps, like those offered by Skillsoft and Infosec Institute, or online courses, such as the IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate on Coursera, to reinforce your understanding of key cybersecurity concepts.

• Practice tests and study groups: It’s important to take multiple practice exams, available on ISC2 and ISACA’s official pages, to familiarize yourself with the actual exam and review areas that need improvement. Joining online study groups can also help you deeply explore and understand complex topics through discussions with peers.

Resources to help you build career confidence

Ready to level up your skills? Join Career Chat on LinkedIn to get timely updates on popular skills, tools, and certifications. To keep learning more about cybersecurity skills, careers, and concepts, check out these free resources:

• Take the quiz: Cybersecurity Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? 

• Watch on YouTube: How to Launch a Cybersecurity Career Without a College Degree 

• Explore terminology: Cybersecurity Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions 

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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