ISACA CISM

AdvancedGRC / CompliancePaid

Premier information security management certification. Named 2025 Best Professional Certification by SC Awards. Focuses on governance, risk management, incident management, and security program development for security management and leadership roles. Average salary $141,000+ in the US.

What you'll prove

  • Develop and govern an information security program aligned to business strategy
  • Establish and maintain an information security governance framework
  • Identify, assess, and manage information security risks
  • Develop and implement incident response and recovery plans
  • Oversee security compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements
  • Build and manage a security team and security awareness program
  • Communicate security risk and program status to executive leadership

Frequently asked

How much does CISM cost?

CISM exam costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members, plus a $50 application fee.

CISM vs CISSP — which is better for security managers?

Both are valuable. CISSP has broader technical coverage and global recognition. CISM is more focused on security management and governance. Senior security managers often pursue both. CISM is typically the better choice if your role is 70%+ management.

Where this fits

Roadmaps featuring this cert