CISM vs CISSP:
CISM vs CISSP! It’s an ideal time to get a CISM or CISSP certification, or get some cybersecurity certification: According to Gartner, the unemployment rate for cybersecurity professionals is zero, as there is no unemployment rate. There are more jobs than qualified candidates and job opportunities remain open for a long time.
CISM and CISSP are two of the most respected certifications by cybersecurity leaders and professionals, but their requirements are not trivial. Both require a large investment of time and money, so it is important to decide which one is right for you. Take a look at our comparison of the two below to help you decide.
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
CISM (pronounced siz-zm) is a certification offered by ISACA confirming your knowledge and experience managing business information security teams. The CISM Exam Questions are in high demand among employers around the world who recognize the achievement and ability that CISM certification represents. CISM demonstrates that you have a comprehensive knowledge of technical competence and an understanding of business objectives around data security.
Obtaining a CISM certification is a multi-step process. You need a testified study material that covers all questions of these topics.:
You also need a minimum of 5 years of work in the information security field during the 10 years preceding your degree, and 3 of those five years must be in management. There are some acceptable alternatives: A CISSP certification, for example, can be considered as two years of experience.
Finally, there is a policy of continuing education. To maintain your degree, you need 20 CPE Credits per year, 120 CPEs for 3 years, and a Code of Professional Ethics commitment.
ISACA offers CISM exam preparation materials and sample questions for sale on its website. They also organize training events and exam boot camps around the world.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
The CISSP certification demonstrates that you have experience designing, implementing, and managing a cybersecurity program.
Like CISM, CISSP is a certification generally intended for experienced security professionals in managerial or executive positions but is also performed by experienced security analysts and engineers. CISSP Practice Test Questions Certified Analysts are in high demand and are well-paid compared to other IT certifications.
The CISSP certification process requires you to fulfill several criteria: First, you must pass a candidate’s background check. You also need 5 years of experience as a Security Professional in a 2 out of 8 (ISC) 2 Critical Knowledge Body (CBK). These areas are:
If you do not meet work experience requirements, you can join (ISC) 2, which requires a shorter exam and qualifies you for continuing training as a member of (ISC) 2. This program is a good intermediate step towards a full CISSP.
Assuming you have the appropriate work experience, you must pass a 250-question exam within 6 hours. (ISC) 2 updated the exam in April 2018, but not to the point that previous prep materials are out of date. The test includes questions from the eight areas of the Central Bank of Kuwait.
Once you pass the exam, you will need approval from a current member (ISC) 2 in good standing. We hope you know the current CISSP.
To maintain your degree, you must maintain your membership status in (ISC) 2. Members must pay annual membership fees and earn 120 CPEs for 3 years.
CISM or CISSP? Which is better for me?
If you work in the information security field or want to move into information security, it is a good idea to get some type of certification. Which one you get first depends on several factors. Some people get both. Most people get a CISSP first and then a CISM, but it doesn’t matter which order you get them.
CISM and CISSP require a certain amount of CPE Credits to maintain their certification. There are several ways to earn CPE credits: You can attend webinars on cybersecurity topics, attend conferences, or attend local CISSP or CISM meetings.
You can also earn credit by volunteering at some cybersecurity events and mentoring other members. CISM and CISSP have their guide and you should be aware of them and prepare to commit to maintaining your degree as part of deciding which path you should take.
Knowledge4sure offers free security training that includes several qualified CPE video courses covering a variety of topics, from PowerShell and Active Directory Essentials with Adam Bertram to Web Security Fundamentals with Troy Hunt.
We also host qualified CPE webinars throughout the year, on topics on insider threats, GDPR compliance, HIPAA compliance, Office 365 security best practices, Active Directory protection, and more.
Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is “What are your long-term career goals?” You should investigate CISM. Are you planning a long career as a security engineer? CISSP might be the best option. It is not uncommon to obtain one and complete the other at a later time.
Regardless of which degree you choose, you are doing yourself and your career in computer security a great service. Both options open the door to pushing promotions, new jobs, and new career challenges. Whether you start with CISM or CISSP, you can be sure that you are making the right professional decision.
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