CISSP vs CISM
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
(ISC)²
CISSP
CISSP
Gold-standard senior security certification covering 8 domains including risk management, architecture, and cryptography.
Full guide →ISACA
CISM
CISM
Management-focused security certification covering governance, risk management, and incident management.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CISSP | CISM |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$749 USD | $760 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$22,000/yr | +$20,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | (ISC)² | ISACA |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Advanced |
CISSP — Prerequisites
5 years paid work experience in 2+ of 8 CISSP domains
CISM — Prerequisites
5 years information security management experience
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
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
Best CISSP courses
udemy
CISSP Complete Course
by Top-rated instructor
One-time purchase, lifetime access
View on Udemy →Best CISM courses
udemy
CISM Complete Course
by Top-rated instructor
One-time purchase, lifetime access
View on Udemy →Frequently asked questions
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.