Certifications delineate your skill, leadership potential, and professional career in the current cybersecurity landscape; they are not simply letters behind your name. Two of the most respected and recognized certifications globally are the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). While both cater to cybersecurity professionals, their focus lies in distinct skill sets and career paths.
This article will cover the key differences, roles, and benefits that each certification offers in the event that you are not sure which one you should take.
CISSP Vs CISM - which one is considered higher in industry?
CISSP and CISM, both certifications are considered high value certification in Cybersecurity. While CISSP prepares a candidate for techno-managerial role, CISM is more into governance of the security program. Both the Certifications are highly valued in the Cybersecurity industry.
Who should do CISSP and CISM Certification
Security engineers
Security analysts
Security architects
Professionals Leading in technical security
The bottom-line expert opinion is - if your role is more into technical and managerial aspect of cybersecurity, CFISSP should be your preferred choice. On the other hand, if you hold a governance leadership position, CISM is your certification to go. It is also a good idea to go with CISM first and then go for CISSP for more result-oriented approach as CISM Certifications passing percentage is 55% while for CISSP you must score at least 70%.
CISSP Vs CISM Domains
CISSP has 8 domains, and you must individually pass all domains to pass the CISSP exam. These Domains with exam weightage are:
Security and Risk management (16%)
Security of Assets (10%)
Engineering and Architecture for Security (13%)
Network Security and Communication (14%)
Identity and Access Mangement (13%)
Security Assessments and Testing (12%)
Security Operations (Weightage 13%)
Software Development Security (10%)
On the other hand, the CISM Domains with Weightage are as below:
Domain 1 – Information Security Governance (17%)
Domain-2 Information Security Risk Management (20%)
Domain 3 – Information Security Program (33%)
Domain 4 – Incident Management (30%)
Eligibility for CISSP& CISM Certification
CISSP requires the candidate to have Five years or more experience working in at least any two or more CISSP domains as per common body of knowledge. CISM Exam also requires you to have more than 5 years of experience.
Both the certifications require you to go through an endorsement process once you pass the exam successfully.
CISSP Exam Pattern
Exam Focus: CISSP focus on techno-functional leadership and prepares a candidate with deep understanding on applying security concepts in messy real-world situations.
Exam Difficulty: The CISSP exam is considered as one of the toughest exams in cybersecurity.
Computerized Adaptive Test: The Exam is based on Computerized Adaptive Test, and an algorithm in the backend keep calculating your estimated proficiency levels as your progress in the exam.
The CISSP CAT Based Exam
The cat exam evaluates you for 150 questions within 3 hours, effective from 15 April 2024.
The 2 hours Decision point.
After 2 hours and completion of 100 Questions, the CAT exam takes a critical decision to mark you as pass if the Estimated Proficiency level touches 95%, on the contrary you are marked as fail, if your proficiency level drops below 70%.
If your estimated proficiency level falls between 70% to 95%, you are provided with 50 more questions, and you must maintain the proficiency level above 70% for these questions and complete them within the stipulated time.
The exam also includes 25 research Questions which do not contributes to your overall performance in the exam, however they are not separately marked. There is no negative marking in the exam however on key thing to note is that unlike CISM exam, you do not get an option to go bank and review your question. A candidate must score at least 70% to pass the CISSP Exam.
The CISM exam Format
The CISM Certification Exam is a liner exam with 150 Questions within a span of 4 hours. Most of the questions are focused on key governance principles related to information security program strategy, implementation of governance, Risk Management integration with other business functions and establishing and maintaining an effective Incident Response program. All Questions are Multiple Choice Questions.
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Maintaining the CISSP and CISM Designation.
For maintain the CISSP or CISM Certification you need to demonstrate that you are continuously learning and contributing to the profession through submission of 120 Continuous professional education points over 3 years. You are also subjected to pay annual maintenance fee.
Which Certification to do first?
In my advice, this depends on the kind of role you are into, however, from an open mind perspective, a good strategy can be to begin with CISM as this is well achievable through our CISM success toolkit within 60 Days.
Once you are done with your first sweet success on CISM, you can enter into our CISSP Success Toolkit program, which is the best ever program designed to help you pass CISSP in 100 Days. Both the programs come with structured online access along with live Exam practice. You can explore the CISSP and CISM Success toolkit by clicking on the respective links.
Conclusion: My final word of advice
Depending on your career path, the well-respected cybersecurity certifications CISSP and CISM each have unique benefits. The CISSP Certification is excellent if you wish to establish a good technical background in cybersecurity. CISM, however, may suit you better if you aim to move to a leadership role that involves managing security programs. Whatever certification you choose, it will enhance your skills and establish you as a player in the highly competitive world of cybersecurity. If you are looking for specific guidance on CISSP or CISM, book a 1:1 discussion with me today.
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CISSP vs. CISM: Which Certification is Right for You?