CISM vs CISSP
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
ISACA
CISM
CISM
Management-focused security certification covering governance, risk management, and incident management.
Full guide →(ISC)²
CISSP
CISSP
Gold-standard senior security certification covering 8 domains including risk management, architecture, and cryptography.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CISM | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $760 USD | ✓$749 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$20,000/yr | ✓+$22,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | ISACA | (ISC)² |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Advanced |
CISM — Prerequisites
5 years information security management experience
CISSP — Prerequisites
5 years paid work experience in 2+ of 8 CISSP domains
Get CISM if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$20,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from ISACA
Get CISSP if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$22,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from (ISC)²
Best CISM courses
udemy
CISM Complete Course
by Top-rated instructor
One-time purchase, lifetime access
View on Udemy →Best CISSP courses
udemy
CISSP Complete Course
by Top-rated instructor
One-time purchase, lifetime access
View on Udemy →Frequently asked questions
Is CISM harder than CISSP?
Both CISM and CISSP are rated advanced difficulty.
Which pays more — CISM or CISSP?
CISM has an average salary uplift of +$20,000/yr, while CISSP has +$22,000/yr. CISSP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CISM or CISSP?
CISM is the better starting point — it's rated advanced and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CISSP.