PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →CISM
Management-focused security certification covering governance, risk management, and incident management.
Full guide →PMI-ACP vs CISM
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | PMI-ACP | CISM |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$495 USD | $760 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$15,000/yr | ✓+$20,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 450/1000 |
| Exam duration | 180 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | ISACA |
| Difficulty |
PMI-ACP
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
CISM
5 years information security management experience
- You have PM experience and want to formalise agile or multi-methodology skills
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You manage delivery across Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or SAFe environments
- 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
PMI-ACP and CISM lead to entirely different careers — project management vs cybersecurity. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with PMI-ACP — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best PMI-ACP courses
Best CISM courses
Is PMI-ACP harder than CISM?
CISM is harder — rated advanced vs intermediate.
Which pays more — PMI-ACP or CISM?
PMI-ACP has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while CISM has +$20,000/yr. CISM has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — PMI-ACP or CISM?
PMI-ACP is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CISM.
Can I get both PMI-ACP and CISM?
Yes — many professionals hold both. PMI-ACP and CISM complement each other, covering project management and cybersecurity respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — PMI-ACP or CISM?
Both are worth it in 2026. PMI-ACP offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; CISM offers +$20,000/yr. CISM has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.