The Certified Information Security Manager, or CISM, is an advanced certification demonstrating a technical professional’s understanding of developing and managing an enterprise-level information security program. It is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, popularly known as ISACA, a non-profit professional organization focusing on IT governance.
The importance of CISM Certification, designed for current or future managers, is growing as corporate cybersecurity becomes more of a board and C-level activity. The certification is based on the idea that as information security programs evolve, individuals will require management credentials and the numerous technical qualifications required to work with a large cybersecurity operation today.
Benefits of the CISM Certification Course
- It helps to identify important issues and customize company-specific practices to back information and related technology governance.
- It enables an understanding of the relationship between information systems security management and organizational success.
- It helps demonstrate your commitment to compliance, security, and integrity to enterprise customers, ultimately leading to client attraction and retention.
- It ensures that the organization’s data security plan aligns with its overall goals and objectives.
- It provides the enterprise with an information security management certification recognized by multinational clients and enterprises.
CISM Certification Course Curriculum
Participants in the CISM Certification course will learn about the following topics:
Domain 1 – Information security governance
- Designing a Strategy and Governance Framework
- Gaining Management Support and Approval
- Implementing the Security Strategy
Domain 2 – Information risk management
- Risk Identification
- Risk Analysis and Treatment
- Risk Monitoring and Reporting
Domain 3 – Information security development and management
- Alignment and Resource Management
- Standards, Awareness, and Training
- Building Security into Processes and Practices
- Security Monitoring and Reporting
Domain 4 – Information security incident management
- Planning and Integration
- Readiness and Assessment
- Identification and Response
CISM Certification Exam Structure:
Exam Information- You can apply online for the CISM exam test and purchase the study materials as well. By joining ISACA, you get immediate discounts on your study materials and registration.
Exam Scheduling- Within their 365-day eligibility period, candidates can schedule their exam for any available date/time/location. Candidates must choose between online remote proctoring and in-person testing centers when scheduling an exam. Candidates unable to take their exam on the scheduled date may reschedule, 48 hours before the originally scheduled testing appointment.
Exam Duration and No. Of Questions- The CISM exam test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering the CISM job practice domains and can be taken in person or online. It is graded on a scale of 200 to 800, with a passing score of 450, similar to the SAT. (If you fail the first time, you can retake the exam up to four times per year.) The CISM exam, like the SAT, is multiple-choice.
CISM Certification Charges & Fees
Eligibility is determined at the time of exam registration and is valid for 12 months (365 days). Your fees will be forfeited if you don’t schedule and take the exam during your twelve-month eligibility period. There are no eligibility deferrals or extensions permitted. Charges for the CISM exam are Rs. 43494.81 for ISACA members and Rs. 62724.97 for ISACA Non-Membership Fee.
Jobs after CISM
Jobs that can benefit from CISM Certification include, but are not limited to
- IT Managers
- Security Consultants
- Security Auditors
- System Security Architects
- Auditing Professionals
- Security Managers
- Chief Compliance Officers
- Information Security Managers
- ISO Professionals
- Information Security/IT consultants
- Security Analysts
CISM Salary
According to PayScale data; a CISM-certified professional can expect to earn between Rs. 4324886.41 and Rs.20105827.59 per year (updated on June 21, 2022). Candidates who have successfully managed complex projects and are promoted to a senior level can demand a much higher five-figure or six-figure salary in the market. According to PayScale, the average wage is Rs.10442468.85.
Work experience and the kinds of IT security projects you have worked on also influence remuneration, bonuses, and related perks for such individuals, regardless of the position.
Conclusion
ISACA is one of the world’s most well-known cybersecurity training organizations, offering various courses and certifications to help technical professionals advance in their careers. In addition to CISM Certification, there are several other options, all of which are reasonably priced but require extensive preparation.