CISM vs CISSP: Where to Start

If you’re serious about building a long-term career in cybersecurity, two certifications will eventually cross your radar: the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Both are gold standards in the industry, often held by seasoned experts who shape and secure entire organizations. Some professionals even earn both—typically pursuing the CISSP first, then the CISM—but that doesn’t mean one depends on the other.

Each certification takes you down a different path. Understanding their distinct focuses (and how each can shape your salary, responsibilities, and career trajectory) will help you choose the best fit your goals.

So, which should you get? Here's what you need to know when comparing the CISM and CISSP certifications. 

CISM vs CISSP: What's the Difference? 

The CISSP exam focuses on designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive cybersecurity programs. It tests knowledge across eight domains, including security and risk management, asset security, network and communication security, and software development security. Think of CISSP as the certification for professionals who want to lead enterprise-level security strategy and architecture.

The CISM exam, on the other hand, emphasizes information security management. It covers four domains: information security governance, risk management, program development and management, and incident management. Rather than testing hands-on technical skills, CISM assesses your ability to align security initiatives with business goals, making it ideal for those aiming for leadership or managerial roles.

CISM vs CISSP: Work Requirements 

Both certifications have stringent prerequisites, encompassing years of experience in specific fields and specializations. Familiarizing yourself with them now will allow you to focus on your career development between here and signing up for the exam.

• CISSP requires at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by CISSP. Education achievements (e.g., a bachelor's degree in a related field or one of a list of approved certifications) can satisfy no more than one year of this.

• CISM requires at least five years of experience in information security, including at least three years in information security management. The latter requirement cannot be siloed and must cover at least three job practice analysis areas.

If you're in the beginning stages of your career, don't let a lack of security experience discourage you. Make a note of where you want to end up, then list the steps you need to take between here and there.

Volunteering for additional duties exposing you to security issues in your current position is an excellent way to start. If you transition to a new job, express your desire to be involved in these areas when interviewing: it will demonstrate that you're intentional, career-focused, and goal-oriented.

Learn how much time you'll need to study for the CISM exam here to create a realistic plan for exam preparation and improve your chances of success.

Your Security Career: Choosing CISM or CISSP

The CISSP and CISM are not competing certifications, they’re complementary. Each targets a different type of cybersecurity professional, and understanding the role that each plays at advanced career stages will help you decide which one aligns with your goals.

The CISSP combines both technical and managerial elements. It’s best suited for professionals who want to stay close to the technical side while also guiding high-level security strategy. Typical roles include:

• IT or Security Directors and Managers

• Network Architects and Security Architects

• Security Analysts and Engineers

• Penetration Testers and Security Consultants

• Systems or Infrastructure Engineers expanding into cybersecurity leadership

The CISM certification, by contrast, focuses on the business and management side of cybersecurity. It’s designed for professionals responsible for developing, governing, and maintaining enterprise security programs. Ideal candidates include:

• Information Security Managers and Governance Leaders

• IT Managers overseeing risk or compliance functions

• Risk Management and Audit Professionals

• CISOs and aspiring CISOs

• Project or Program Managers transitioning into security leadership

You don’t have to choose your certification path right away. The key is to understand where each certification leads so you can pursue the one that best matches how you want to shape your security career. Specifically, focus on what interests you the most. As you explore that area, you'll either be drawn deeper into it or decide to try another approach. 

Will Your Salary be Higher With the CISSP or CISM? 

You can expect a higher earning potential with CISM, but keep in mind that salary ranges vary substantially by years of experience, job title, and location. That said, having a rough estimate of what each certification will do for your bottom line is helpful.

CISSP is widely recognized as one of the most valuable certifications an IT professional can achieve. Those with this certification earn an average of $147,000 a year, while professionals who earn a CISM can make as much as $160,000, depending on experience and role. 

Although it's pretty common to receive a small pay bump right after your certification, depending on your employer, don't expect the salary floodgates to open and drown you in cash immediately. 

The real value of these certs is what they can do for your career, opening the door to certain positions and development pathways that wouldn't have been available to you otherwise. For this reason, it behooves you to pursue either a CISSP or CISM earlier rather than later.

CISSP or CISM Exam Costs

The exams for both certifications are extensive, ranging from three to four hours and covering 100 to 150 questions across up to eight domains. Both use the newer CAT (computerized adaptive testing), which means there's no standard length or number of questions. 

While your career has prepared you for most of the material the test covers, it's always a good idea to take a preparation course to familiarize yourself with the format and address any weak areas. 

It's also a good investment: each exam attempt comes at a cost. CISM costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members, while the CISSP will set you back $749. A month of exam prep, meanwhile, can cost as little as $59.

CISSP: What's Next?

After you earn the CISSP, you must remain a member in good standing with ISC2 and renew your certification every three years. Renewal is accomplished by retaking the CISSP exam or accumulating 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits over the next three years, with a minimum of 40 credits earned each year. 

CISM requirements are similar: 120 CPE credits every three years, although the schedule is a bit more flexible, with a minimum of 20 credits earned annually.

Both ISACA and ISC2 have similar goals in instituting these requirements: They're more interested in contributing to the overall development of cybersecurity worldwide than in providing a one-time certification.

Requiring that you continually engage in professional development within the cybersecurity realm bolsters the community's overall strength and underscores each certification's value. This mindset should guide your entire security career, from deciding which certification is right for you to developing the building blocks leading you to the exam.

The Choice: CISSP for Pros, CISM for Managers

CISSP and CISM aren’t rivals; they’re complementary certifications that reflect two sides of the same cybersecurity coin. Both validate advanced expertise, but their focus differs: CISSP is for professionals who design, implement, and manage technical security solutions, while CISM is tailored for leaders who oversee governance, policy, and risk management.

Neither certification is a quick win. They require years of experience, strategic preparation, and a long-term commitment to staying active in the security community. But earning one—or both—can significantly elevate your career.

Think of these certifications not as endpoints, but as gateways. They open doors to higher salaries, more meaningful leadership roles, and the opportunity to shape how organizations defend themselves in an increasingly connected world.

Ready to take the next step? Start preparing for the CISSP and CISM exams with CBT Nuggets.