CISSP
Gold-standard senior security certification covering 8 domains including risk management, architecture, and cryptography.
Full guide →CISM
Management-focused security certification covering governance, risk management, and incident management.
Full guide →CISSP vs CISM
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CISSP | CISM |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$749 USD | $760 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$22,000/yr | +$20,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 450/1000 |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | (ISC)² | ISACA |
| Difficulty |
CISSP
5 years paid work experience in 2+ of 8 CISSP domains
CISM
5 years information security management experience
- You're targeting senior security, governance, or CISO-track positions
- You want a potential +$22,000/yr salary uplift
- 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
Both are at the advanced level in cybersecurity. CISSP carries the higher salary impact (+$22,000/yr vs +$20,000/yr), making it the stronger long-term investment. Choose CISM if you prefer credentials from ISACA or need a faster, lower-cost path.
Best CISSP courses
Best CISM courses
Is CISSP harder than CISM?
Both CISSP and CISM are rated advanced difficulty.
Which pays more — CISSP or CISM?
CISSP has an average salary uplift of +$22,000/yr, while CISM has +$20,000/yr. CISSP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CISSP or CISM?
CISSP is the better starting point — it's rated advanced and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CISM.
Can I get both CISSP and CISM?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CISSP and CISM 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 — CISSP or CISM?
Both are worth it in 2026. CISSP offers a +$22,000/yr average salary uplift; CISM offers +$20,000/yr. CISSP has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.