CISMISACA Certified Information Security Manager
Created per CertMap methodology · Updated 12 May 2026 · About the editorial team →
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Overview
What is CISM?
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) from ISACA is the leading management certification in information security, focusing on governance, risk management, and strategic oversight – not technical implementation details. It is specifically designed for experienced security professionals transitioning into leadership roles or seeking to formally demonstrate management competency. CISM is often perceived as complementary to CISSP: while CISSP emphasizes technical breadth, CISM targets the business perspective and senior management. The exam (150 questions, 4 hrs) is demanding and requires real management experience. The current exam content outline applies through 2 November 2026; from 3 November 2026 ISACA tests against an updated outline, with the matching preparation materials announced for September 2026.
Suitable for
Quick facts
Key details
Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal
Cost over 5 years
AMF prices are ISACA member prices. Membership adds 195 USD/year once per person (135 USD dues + 60 USD Germany chapter, varies by chapter); without membership the AMF is 85 USD per cert.
How is TCO calculated? →Prerequisites
5 years of experience in information security management. Up to 2 years may be substituted by other qualifications.
Exam format
150 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, proctored via PSI. Passing score: 450/800.
Renewal & maintenance
Valid for 3 years. 20 CPE hours/year (minimum 120 over 3 years) + annual AMF (45 USD Member / 85 USD Non-Member). A one-time application fee of 50 USD applies after passing the exam.
Classification
CertMap score and matching roles
Rating
Matching NICE roles
Learning & preparation
Freely accessible preparation
A curated selection of freely accessible learning paths for this certification. Not exhaustive, not ranked.
Official from the provider · Guide
ISACA – offizielle CISM-Prüfungsvorbereitung
Review manual, question database and official study materials directly from ISACA.
Provider-affiliated · Course
ISACA Germany Chapter – Schulungen & Weiterbildung
The German ISACA chapter offers preparation events and training around CISM.
Freely accessible community content · Video
Prabh Nair – Mastering CISM: Thinking Like a Manager
Freely accessible CISM explainer videos and exam tips from Prabh Nair.
We only list freely accessible, factual learning paths: from the provider, a provider-affiliated non-commercial body, or established community content. No paid placements, no affiliate links.
More certifications
More certifications
From ISACA
AAIAAdvanced in AI AuditAAIRAdvanced in AI RiskAAISMAdvanced in AI Security ManagementCCOACertified Cybersecurity Operations AnalystCDPSECertified Data Privacy Solutions EngineerCGEITISACA Certified in the Governance of Enterprise ITCISAISACA Certified Information Systems AuditorCRISCISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems ControlThis page follows CertMap methodology: editorial content is curated by hand. Score, costs and NICE mapping are aggregated from official provider documents. Score methodology → · TCO methodology →
Transparency: CertMap is operated by Daniel Thomas Heessel, who is also managing director of Threat‑Informed, a company specialising in Threat‑Informed Defense. CertMap currently receives no commissions from certification providers, no affiliate links, no sponsored placements. Podcast and interview guests are not paid for appearances and receive no affiliate commissions.
From the knowledge base
View all articles →CISSP oder CISM? Zwei Karrieren, eine Entscheidung
Beide verlangen fünf Jahre Erfahrung, beide kosten auf den ersten Blick ähnlich viel. Trotzdem führen CISSP und CISM in verschiedene Berufe. Der Vergleich mit den Zahlen, die Kursanbieter nicht zeigen.
CISM oder CISA? Zwei ISACA-Wege, eine Richtungsentscheidung
Beide kommen von der ISACA, verlangen fünf Jahre Erfahrung und kosten fast dasselbe. Der Unterschied liegt nicht im Preis, sondern in der Rolle: steuern oder prüfen. Der Vergleich mit den Zahlen und der Rollen-Abbildung.
CC oder Security+? Der Gratis-Einstieg und der Arbeitsmarkt-Klassiker
Beide sind Einsteiger-Zertifikate ohne Zulassungshürde, beide decken die Grundlagen der Cybersicherheit ab, und trotzdem stehen sie für verschiedene Strategien: das eine als niedrigschwelliger, zeitweise kostenloser Start, das andere als etablierter Nachweis mit Gewicht im Arbeitsmarkt. Der Vergleich mit den Zahlen und der gegenläufigen Kostenlogik.
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