CISA vs CISM – Key Differences and Which Certification to Go For

Both CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditors) and CISM (Certified Information Security Managers) are certifications offered by the same certification body, i.e., ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). CISA is a much older certification which was started in 1978 whereas CISM started from the year 2002.

In this age where numerous certifications are pushed by their respective bodies, there is a lot of confusion about which is the best. The introduction of a new certification by the name CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) by ISACA has further complicated the decision. However, this article will only focus on CISA vs CISM.

Many would recommend that you go for either of the two certifications because they consider both similar. However, this is not correct because CISA and CISM are not the same. There are significant differecnes between CISA and CISM which we will discuss below:

Main Differences Between CISA and CISM

Here are key differences when comparing CISA with CISM.

Focus area

The focus areas of both the certifications are different. One is focused on auditing whereas the other is heavily titled towards information security. Briefly speaking, CISA certification is for auditors, whereas CISM certification is for information security managers and risk managers focusing on cyber security. These are two entirely different certifications with different career paths. So, what should be your choice between CISA and CISM?

ISACA defines CISM certification holder as a professional who “manages, designs, oversees, and assesses an enterprise’s information security.” Presently, more than 32000 cybersecurity professionals have earned this credential.

On the other hand, CISA recognizes an audit professional’s experience in “assessing IS vulnerabilities, reporting on compliance, and instituting controls within the enterprise.” Presently, more than 129,000 professionals hold CISA certification. It is visible that CISA is more popular than CISM.

Hands-On and Hands-Off Information Security

CISM is a purely information security management certification. AT the same time, CISA is a certification that has its biggest domain deal with information security. Even other domains also directly or indirectly deal with information security. But the critical difference is that CISA is concerned with evaluation of information security controls whereas CISM is focused on implementation of these controls.

Initially, ISACA CISA was also considered a suitable qualification for an information security manager apart from an auditor. However, its appeal to information security practitioners shifted away to CISM after its launch as a dedicated information security certificdaiton. Still, the role of an IS auditor and IS security professionals are quite different.

CISM certification is not intended for those who are cyber security practitioners. It is best suited for those who have grown up in the career to be in managerial positions and make critical information security management decisions.

So, while CISA certification is meant for hands-on information systems auditors, CISM is intended for those who manage information security, hands-on professionals.

The domain’s knowledge of both certifications is focused on cybersecurity, but there is a crucial difference. CISM-certified professionals ensure an enterprise’s cybersecurity, whereas CISA is meant for professionals who assess and provide assurance on information security controls.

Comparison of CISA and CISM Exam Domains

Let’s delve deeper into the specific examinations for both the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certifications, focusing on the structure, content, preparation requirements, and what candidates can expect during the testing process.

Exam Details for CISA

Structure

The CISA exam is 150 multiple-choice questions, covering five primary domains. Candidates are given four hours to complete the exam. CISA exam is available in multiple languages and is offered via a computer-based testing session at various locations worldwide.

Domains Covered

The exam weightage and details covered in the sub domain are given below:

1. Information System Auditing Process (21%)
   • Planning
   • Execution
   • Communication of audit progress, findings from audit, and results
   • Audit follow-up and closure
2. Governance and Management of IT (17%)
   • Governance and management of IT
   • IT strategy and policies
   • IT-related frameworks
3. Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation (12%)
   • Information systems acquisition and development
   • Implementation of information systems
   • Information systems maintenance practices
4. Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience (23%)
   • Information systems operations
   • Disaster recovery management
5. Protection of Information Assets (27%)
   • Information asset security controls
   • Incident management

Preparation and Tips

• Study Materials: ISACA itself offers official study guides, review manuals (primary exam preparation material), and online review courses.
• Practice Exams: Taking practice tests can help familiarize exam candidates with the format and types of questions on the actual exam. In fact, CISA exam questions database is so huge and insightful that it is a must for preparting for exam.
• Community Resources: Joining study groups and forums can provide additional insights and tips from those who have already taken the exam.

Exam Details for CISM

Structure

The CISM exam also consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, with a four-hour time limit. This exam similarly tests a set of defined domains but focuses more on information security management.

Domains Covered

1. Information Security Governance (24%)
   • Development of an information security strategy
   • Alignment of security strategy with business goals
   • Security governance framework
2. Information Risk Management (30%)
   • Identification and management of information risk
   • Risk assessment methodologies
   • Risk response strategies
3. Information Security Program Development and Management (27%)
   • Development of an information security program
   • Integration of security requirements into organizational processes
   • Security program management and administration
4. Information Security Incident Management (19%)
   • Incident management processes
   • Incident response procedures
   • Recovery strategies

Preparation and Tips

• Study Materials: CISM review manuals and online courses are available through ISACA and also through other sources.
• Practice Exams: Mock exams are crucial for understanding the exam’s difficulty level and focus areas. Apart from that mock exams also help bring conceptual clarity.
• Networking: Engaging with other security professionals through forums and local chapters can enhance understanding and provide practical insights.

A quick comparison of CISM and CISA exam domains will also help understand the overlaps and differences between CISA and CISM. 

A quick comparison would immediately help you understand that CISM domains focus on managing information security, whereas CISA domains are more detailed and target auditors. 

CISA vs CISM Job Descriptions

Job description of CISA holders often focuses on IT auditing, controls, regulatory compliance, and a lot of time audit of IT infrastructure. On the other hand, most CISM job descriptions are related to information security management, business continuity planning, disaster recovery planning, information security risk analysis, business impact analysis, etc.

The Best way to understand the differences and similarities between CISA and CISM is to read the job practice areas of both certifications as published on the ISACA website. CISA has five job practice areas, and CISM has four job practice areas.

The content has some similarities, but we must not lose sight of the vital difference between CISA and CISM. That one is meant for IT audit professionals who would give opinions on the IT control environment, and the other is intended for managers of information security professionals. However, both certifications position you well for risk management positions.

While both are cybersecurity-related fields, as a Certified Information Security Management Professional, you are more likely to be employed in positions where you would implement an information security program development, security incident management, or a risk management program. And as a Certified Information Systems Auditor, you would most likely be doing tests to give assurance on implementing the cybersecurity environment.

Which is Better – CISA or CISM?

While comparing CISA vs CISM, it is not appropriate to say that one is better than the other. Both have their specific area of expertise and both are top notch certifications for their target domains. So, when choosing between CISA or CISM, keep in sight your primary career.

For anyone related to an auditing career, CISA is the better choice. However, looking for a career as a security architect with CISA will not be prudent. In that case, you should seek cybersecurity certification like CISM or CISSP.

CISA professionals are primarily working in the auditing profession, which may be internal audit or external audit.

But they also work in related professions like systems development and consultancy.

Suppose you work as a network administrator, system administrator, or professional with a similar background. In that case, CISM certification is preferred to help you become a certified information security manager or a security analyst. In that case, you should compare CISM vs. CISSP, which stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional.

It would not be fair if you wanted to judge whether CISA or CISM is better because both are respected certifications and are targeted at different streams of professional paths.

CISA vs CISM Salary

There is not much difference between the CISA salary and the CISM salary. The main question is about your background and the career path you want to take. So, you may decide to become CISA certified or CISM based on your career trajectory. Have a look at CISA salary expectations here. 

According to data at PayScale, a CISM may expect to earn between $52,402 to $243,610. A CISA-certified professional may have a salary of $52,459 to $122,326.

If you want to know all details about CISA and CISSP, read our article on CISA vs CISSP.

Which Certification is Easier – CISA or CISM?

It depends on several factors, but apparently, CISM certification is easier than CISA. I will personally think that the CISA exam is a little more challenging than CISM because of the broader scope of the exam.

While CISM focuses entirely on information security, CISA is a blend of security and auditing. And we know that auditing itself is a technical profession. The questions in the exam related to auditing appear to be easier but are challenging for someone not from a finance or auditing background.

But this doesn’t mean that CISM is a piece of cake. You will have to study to pass any of these ISACA certifications. For CISA or CISM exam review, I highly recommend reviewing manuals from ISACA to increase your chances of success dramatically.

When talking about cisa and cism difficulty levels, to start with, no certification exam is the easiest if you try to ace it without preparation. It all depends on your background, hardwork you put in for exam and your interest. Your experience also affects how easily you will find an exam.

All these certifications by ISACA are reasonably challenging and will test not only your academic knowledge but also your practical understanding of the concepts in a practical environment. But simultaneously, these cover exciting content as well.

How long should you study for CISA Exam?

For people with a history of experience in audits or IT security, the optimal preparation period for the CISA exam is around four and six months for those just starting. If you want to pass the test, you must practice every day, even if it’s just reviewing the syllabus. You can start practicing now because the exam usually takes place within three months of applying. However, if you are not coming from an IT background, I would recommend you study for about a year to dramatically increase your chances of acing the CISA exam in your first attempt.

You need to know what questions will be asked during the exam, and you should review each topic thoroughly. In addition, you should familiarize yourself with the exam format and ensure you understand each section’s objectives.

Should you do CISM or CISA?

The brief answer is that if you are presently working in auditing fields and see to your career progressing in controls assessment, audit, and assessing business systems powered by information technology, your priority should be a CISA certification. 

However, if you see your career as an information security manager or in information security, consulting, security controls design, and implementation, CISM should be your choice of certification.