Giving you a leg up on the tight IT competition, certifications from distinguished associations constantly attract IT professionals to help them advance in their careers. And if you are in the field of information security management, risk management, assurance, and governance, earning ISACA CISM Certification is a worthy choice. CISM or Certified Information Security Manager by ISACA was awarded as SC Media's Best Professional Certification Program for 2018. Accordingly, ISACA has further strengthened its reputation in the international IT platform, as one of the most notable associations with globally recognized credentials.

CISM is considered a highly-acclaimed certification for security managers and IT professionals alike as it endorses one's mastery and skills about information security programs. Not only that, a professional with CISM is an expert in preventing and mitigating security breaches. That is why major businesses and most government agencies opt to hire them.

CISM Certification Exam

For you to take CISM exam, in-depth experience of at least 5 years in information security management is required. If not, there are available waivers with a maximum of two years, which can be used to substitute the limited experience. Certain requirements, however, should be met. The exam costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. Suitably, you can choose from one of the exam languages at your convenience: English, Chinese Simplified, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.

Since CISM is a management-dedicated certification that upholds the international security foundation and practices, the exam is quite extensive with 150 questions that must be completed in 4 hours. This comprehensive exam validates a professional's expertise in managing, designing and assessing a business' information security. To successfully pass the exam, you must get at least 450 out of the 200 - 800 point scale.

The exam domains revolve around Information Security Governance (24%), Information Risk Management (30%), Information Security Program Development and Management (27%), Information Security Incident Management (19%).

CISM Exam Preparation

As part of the industry's most valuable and highest paying IT certifications, getting the CISM certification is not a walk in the park. Preparation, in terms of mental, physical, emotional and financial capacity, is important. Further, passing CISM certification exam does not directly give you the coveted certification under your belt. Aside from acing the test and meeting the required work experience, you should observe dutifully to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics and fulfill the Continuing Education requirement. From then, you can now apply for CISM Certification to be fully incorporated into your profile.

Conclusion

Simply, CISM is a globally-assessed certification that recognizes you as an expert in your field. Aside from the international recognition and professional credibility, it boosts your hiring and earning potential. Did you know that based on 2017 IT Skills and Salary Report from Global Knowledge, ISACA certified professionals earn an average salary of 44% higher than their colleagues with certifications from different areas! Other independent studies also show the dominance of CISM in the list of the most popular and bankable IT certifications.

This means that you'll get the best of both worlds' career advancement and financial security. Certainly, you can count on CISM Certification to polish your profile and reach your dreams.