The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a highly regarded credential in cybersecurity. It validates your overall knowledge of management objectives around information security. Moreover, the CISM certification adds to your credibility and confidence when interacting with employers, peers, and regulators. Attaining the CISM designation requires you to take and pass a certification exam that shows you have a thorough understanding of how information security programs impact the broader business goals of your organization.
Many test-takers reports that the CISM certification exam is one of the more difficult cybersecurity certification tests. As a result, it’s important to be fully prepared before scheduling your official exam.
Who Can Take the CISM Certification Exam?
The CISM credential is aimed at cybersecurity professionals who can demonstrate their abilities to manage, design, manage, and assess an organization’s information security program. It is one of the most sought-after and highest-paying cybersecurity credentials worldwide. To take the official CISM exam, candidates must have at least five years of work experience in information security management (though there are waivers available, in some cases).
What’s on the CISM Exam?
Preparing for a certification exam takes a significant amount of time, effort, and money. So, it’s important to do all you can to ensure that you pass it on your first try. Part of preparing to take the CISM exam is knowing what the test is like – the format, length, types of questions, and other details. ISACA, an independent, nonprofit association that trains and supports IT professionals in information security, risk management, governance, and assurance, offers this certification.
The CISM exam covers the following four domains:
- Information Security Governance
- Information Security Program Development and Management
- Information Risk Management
- Information Security Incident Management
The exam consists of 150 questions, for which candidates have four hours to complete. The question format is multiple-choice, and there are no performance-based questions. A passing score is 450 out of a possible 800 points. The cost of the certification exam is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for nonmembers. After passing the exam, candidates can apply for certification and must provide documentation of the required work experience.
The CISM certification is valid for three years, after which a new application must be completed, and additional requirements must be met. The requirements include up-to-date payment of CISM maintenance fees, earning continuing professional education credits, and compliance with ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics.
How Difficult is the CISM Certification Exam?
It’s hard to say just how difficult the CISM certification exam is because it can be different for each individual. However, as a management-level certification, the CISM is considered challenging by many professionals who have taken the test. Additionally, the first-time pass rate for this exam is only 50-60%, which indicates that it’s one of the harder certification exams. As a result, it’s important to put in study time and take practice tests, so you are well-prepared and know what to expect when you take the official exam.
The CISM certification exam will take an investment of time, effort, and money. It’s not an easy test, but it is a valuable credential to have and well worth your hard work and determination.
Prepare for the CISM Certification Exam with Cybrary
To pass the CISM certification exam, you need all the right resources to prepare. At Cybrary, our Certified Information Security Manager training course covers all the domains included in the official exam. Students can work on the course at their own pace, on their schedule. It’s available online, anytime and anywhere there is an Internet connection, making it easy for even the busiest individuals to fit into their schedules.
We are committed to providing the highest-quality training to our students, ensuring they have all the skills and knowledge needed to pass the CISM certification exam successfully. Enroll in the CISM training course to get started with your exam prep today, and you’ll be on your way to career advancement before you know it.
