In this article, you will get to know if CISM is easier than CISSP. Before going on it first let’s see what is Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity may be described as collective approaches, technologies, and processes to ensure that computer systems, networks, and data, against cyber assaults or unauthorized access, are protected against confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Cybersecurity is primarily concerned with preserving all organizational assets from external and internal threats and natural disaster disruptions. To know more about the common cybersecurity threats to watch out for check out Network Assured.
Because corporate assets consist of various platforms, a successful and efficient cybersecurity position involves coordinated efforts across all its information systems.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (in short CISSP) and Certified Information Security Manager (in short, CISM) are the two most widely recognized security certificates. Both IT security certificates are much sought-after. Each offers a shared knowledge base for ISO experts and managers worldwide. Both are vendors, require five years of expertise in managing information security, and need continuous education.
CISM is a credential focused exclusively on management, while CISSP is both managerial and technical.
What is the CISM certification?
Is CISM training accessible for interested parties to be certified? If so, we have first to understand what CISM is. CISM certification, offered by ISACA, is a certification that calls out to professionals involved in assurance, security, governance, and risk management. Applicants need to pass a 200-multiple choice question test encompassing four main fields of study to get certified.
What is the CISSP certification?
The CISSP is a worldwide recognized information security certification. This certification guarantees the knowledge and skills of a person in the field of information security.
CISM or CISSP – Which one is easier to learn?
Well, none of them is too easy when it comes to the ease of certification. However, we can compare the two certifications’ levels of difficulty. Most people like to believe that they both are equally challenging because none is more complex than the other. However, even though the difficulty levels are more or less the same, it is tough for some to make one difference!
Although CISSP is highly technical and based primarily on principles, CISM is less technically focused on management.
CISM focuses on management abilities, while CISSP is dedicated to cybersecurity to validate your knowledge, and your career may progress forward.
CISM is mainly theoretical, and requires management skills, and requires expertise in technology. The CISSP, however, is far more technical and calls for precise concepts to be understood.
Some who have a more excellent knowledge of technology than management can find CSSP easier. In contrast, others who have more knowledge of governance can find CISM simpler. However, the difficulty level for each of them may differ based on the area of expertise and their strength.
CISSP Vs. CISM – The exam pattern
CISSP:
The CISSP examination comprises at least 100 to a maximum of 150 items. It has to be completed via an advanced computerized adaptive testing (CAT) system within 3 hours.
In the 3 hours, applicants from the following eight areas (in no specific sequence) will answer questions:
- Security and risk management – 15%
- Asset security – 10%
- Security architecture and engineering – 13%
- Communication and network security – 14%
- Identity and access management – 13%
- Security assessment and testing – 12%
- Security operations – 13%
- Software development security – 10%
At least 700 out of 1000 points must be scored by the candidate. According to (ISC)2, you could resume testing after 30 test-free days if you don’t pass the test on your first attempt. You may retest after 60 days without testing your latest test attempt if you do not yet give the examination on your second test.
CISM:
The CISM exam is a 4-hour test comprising 150 questions in which a score of 450 or above must be reached by candidates to pass.
The exam consists of 150 true or false and randomly generated questions for multiple choices. The exam contains four (4) domains:
- Information Security Governance – 24%
- Information Risk Management – 30%
- Information Security Program Development and Management (ISPDM) – 27%
- Information Security Incident Management – 19%
In these areas, candidates must obtain a minimum correct score to pass. You can re-take sections after 12 hours per ISACA if you fail the examination. There is no additional price to be paid for the test up to 3 times. If the third try is not successful, you have to register afresh.
CISM vs. CISSP – Exam cost
The costs of the ISACA members’ CISM examinations are $575 and $760 for the non-members. The cost of the CISSP examination is $699.
CISM Vs. CISSP – Requirements
CISM’s experience requirements include at least five years of information security and cumulative work experience in one of the eight CISM fields. CISSP’s experience requirement consists of 5 years of information security experience and a minimum of 3 years of IS management experience in 3 or more CISM areas.
Experience requirements
You can still take the exam for both CISM and CISSP if you have no experience.
CISM certification
You can apply for CISM certification once you have completed the examination and satisfied the prerequisites and work experience. The cost to ISACA members for a CISM certificate is 575 dollars and to non-members 760 dollars.
CISSP certification
You should prove that you have paid work experience in 3 or more domains for at least five years for a CISSP certification. The cost to obtain CISSP is $699.
Bottom line
Technology is crucial if computer security solutions to protect themselves against cyber assaults are provided to enterprises and individuals. There are several different certifications in the cybersecurity industry to improve and confirm your capabilities. CISSP and CISM are the highest and most challenging cybersecurity certifications. CISSP vs. CISM, which enhances the career path and best fits your job ambitions, always confuses professionals.
If you had to choose one or the other, the CISSP looks to be a good decision. After CISSP, you may always add the CISM, which is a logical development since the CISM is more focused on management. Whether you opt to take the CISM, CISSP, or both, remember to spend some time on a journey. It’s not the essential certificate, but your search for them will improve you tomorrow.
