CISM
Management-focused security certification covering governance, risk management, and incident management.
Full guide →CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →CISM vs CEH
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CISM | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$760 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$20,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 450/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | ISACA | EC-Council |
| Difficulty |
CISM
5 years information security management experience
CEH
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
- You're targeting senior security, governance, or CISO-track positions
- You want a potential +$20,000/yr salary uplift
- Your goal is security management, governance, or a CISO career track
- You have 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
Both are in the cybersecurity field but target different career stages. Start with CEH if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to CISM if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$20,000/yr).
Best CISM courses
Best CEH courses
Is CISM harder than CEH?
CISM is harder — rated advanced vs intermediate.
Which pays more — CISM or CEH?
CISM has an average salary uplift of +$20,000/yr, while CEH has +$15,000/yr. CISM has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CISM or CEH?
CEH is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CISM.
Can I get both CISM and CEH?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CISM and CEH complement each other within cybersecurity. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CISM or CEH?
Both are worth it in 2026. CISM offers a +$20,000/yr average salary uplift; CEH offers +$15,000/yr. CISM has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.