CISA® vs CISM® — How do I choose?
Thiago Earp
30 May, 2019
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) and Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®) developed by ISACA are both highly regarded Information Security certifications. However, that’s where the similarities end. The two courses boast largely different content, testing different aspects of information security that lead to different IT careers.
While CISM® proves your knowledge of Information Security programs and their strategic role in business goals and objectives, CISA® demonstrates the auditing knowledge you need to identify vulnerabilities, compliance report, and introduce controls within a business.
What is CISM®?
CISM® was developed by the independent non-profit association, ISACA, who create IT certifications to further industry-leading knowledge and practices for information systems.
The certification was designed specifically for Information Security Managers and for professionals who assess, design and manage information security on an enterprise level.
CISM® validates a professional’s skill and knowledge across 4 domains:
- Domain 1: Information Security Governance
- Domain 2: Information Risk Management
- Domain 3: Information Security Program Development and Management
- Domain 4: Information Security Incident Management
The course focuses on the management of security processes at a strategic level rather than a technical one. CISM® qualifies you for a range of career paths including IT consultants, Chief Information Offers and Risk Management Professionals, to name a few.
What is CISA®?
The CISA® certification is globally recognised for IS audit control, assurance and security professionals.
The certification proves a professional’s knowledge and ability to assess, control, audit, and perform ongoing monitoring of business IT systems.
Required skills are reflected in the 5 CISA® job practice domains:
- Domain 1: The Process of Auditing Information Systems
- Domain 2: Governance and Management of IT
- Domain 3: Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation
- Domain 4: Information Systems Operations, Maintenance and Service Management
- Domain 5: Protection and Information Assets
CISA® tests your ability to assess vulnerabilities, report compliance and institute controls within a business—there is a massive demand for IS audit professionals who possess this knowledge. Companies search for experts to identify critical issues and customise practices to support trust in and value from information systems.
According to ISACA, the course is designed for IS Auditors, IT Auditors, IS Consultants, IT Consultants, IS Audit Managers, IT Audit Managers, Security Professionals and non-IT Auditors.
What are the similarities between CISA® and CISM®?
Even though they’re both Information Security courses, the CISM® and CISA® certifications provide you with different sets of skills.
They are similar, in that:
- Universal security principles and best practices are covered in both courses
- Both have been designed via Job Task Analysis to direct professionals onto specific career paths
- To become CISM® or CISA® certified, you must provide verified evidence of a minimum of 5 years in Information Security or Professional Information Systems Auditing/ Control/ Security work experience
- Job practice serves as the basis for both exams and the experience requirements to earn the CISM® and CISA®; job practice consists of task and knowledge statements, organised by domains
Should I do CISM® or CISA®?
If you're looking for the knowledge and skills to manage and adapt security technology for your business, CISM® is ideal. For aspiring Information Security Managers, IS Consultants, IT Consultants and Senior Directors, the certification proves you can develop and manage an Information Security Program.
If you're currently working in or looking to certify in audit, control, monitoring and assessing information technology and business systems, the right certification for you is CISA®. It's designed for Information Security and IT Auditors, Consultants, Audit Managers and non-IT Auditors.
Get certified, fast!
At Firebrand, we offer both CISM® and CISA® certifications — both are all-inclusive, accelerated courses that take only 4 days to complete.
We provide official courseware, instructors, and exams at our distraction-free training centre in Bedfordshire.