CISM® – Certified Information Security Manager Qualification

The CISM qualification

Established in 2002, the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) qualification is awarded by ISACA® and is a globally accepted standard of achievement among information security, information systems audit and IT governance professionals.

What are the requirements for the CISM qualification?

The CISM certification is awarded to candidates with at least five years of relevant work experience, who pass a rigorous written examination.

ISACA defines four CISM domains on which you will be examined:

• Domain 1 - Information Security Governance (24% of exam)
• Domain 2 - Information Risk Management and Compliance (30% of exam)
• Domain 3 - Information Security Program Development and Management (27% of exam)
• Domain 4 - Information Security Incident Management (19% of exam)

For more information, please see the CISM 'How to Become Certified' web page.

How do you pass the CISM exam at the first attempt?

We recommend the following actions:

1. Check that you have the relevant five years of work experience to qualify, or you’re able to gain this experience within the next five years.
2. Register and schedule your exam direct with ISACA.
3. Purchase the official ISACA study guides and third-party textbooks.
4. Plan a self-study programme that covers all the key knowledge domains.
5. Attend an exam preparation training course 2-4 weeks before you sit the exam.

How to register and schedule the CISM exam

The CISM exam will be offered via a computer-based testing (CBT) session, which is available all year round. All candidates must first register online direct with ISACA and pay for the examination in advance. They will then receive email instructions on how to schedule an exam appointment at a local PSI exam centre.

Continuing Professional Education

There is a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) policy in respect of qualified CISM professionals. The goal of this policy is to ensure that all CISMs maintain an adequate level of current knowledge and proficiency in the field of information systems audit, control and security.

CISMs who successfully comply with the “continuing professional education policy will be better trained to assess information systems and technology and provide leadership and value to their organisations”. The responsibility for setting the CPE requirements rests with the CISM Certification Board, which oversees the process and requirements to ensure their applicability.

Maintenance fees and a minimum of 20 contact hours of CPE are required annually. In addition, a minimum of 120 contact hours are required during a fixed 3-year period.

Please see the Maintain Your CISM page on ISACA’s website for further details.