CISSP or CISM? Which Is Right for You?

You’re ready to take the next step in advancing your IT security career. Now which certification is right for you — CISSP or CISM?

Both (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are highly regarded credentials designed for security leaders. From a competitive perspective, the CISSP and CISM complement rather than directly compete with each other.

What do CISSP and CISM have in common?

• Both provide a common body of knowledge for information security professionals and managers worldwide.
• Each certification is vendor-neutral.
• Both require 5 years’ experience in information security management to achieve and continuing professional education to maintain certification.

How are CISSP and CISM different?

• CISM is solely management-focused. CISSP is both management- and technically focused for security leaders who design, engineer, implement and manage an organization’s overall security posture.
• CISSP is more widely recognized than CISM — globally, there are nearly 150,000 CISSPs and 46,000 CISMs.
• Demand for CISSP is 5 times that of the CISM, cybersecurity.org (August 2020).

CISSP from (ISC)² stands out as the premier credential for information security leaders, identifying those who possess the advanced skills required to design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. With a CISSP, you validate your expertise.

Looking for a deep dive into CISSP? Download the Ultimate Guide to the CISSP.

Want to discover more of the differences between the CISSP and CISM? Read the entire article.