CISM: Is it Right for You? Career Outlook and Certifications

CISM: Is it Right for You? Career Outlook and Certifications

Whether you are looking for a new career opportunity or endeavoring to grow within your current organization, a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification proves your expertise and expands the job roles you may be qualified for in areas such as:  

• Information security governance 
• Information security risk management 
• Information security program 
• Incident management 

This certification is intended for information security managers, would-be managers, or IT consultants who support information security program management. Let’s dive into the CISM certification and see if it’s the right option for you.

What is a Certified Information Security Manager? 

A Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an advanced certification that shows a person has the skills essential to develop and manage a company’s information security program. Most certified information security managers work for computer businesses, consulting organizations, or business and financial enterprises. 

As a CISM professional, your duties may include: 

• Planning and carrying out security measures to safeguard a company’s computer networks and systems 
• Preparing reports that document overall metrics, attempted attacks, and security breaches 
• Monitoring your company’s networks for security breaches and investigating when an incident happens 
• Developing security standards and best practices for your business 
• Checking for vulnerabilities in computer and network systems 
• Using and maintaining software, such as firewalls and data encryption tools, to safeguard confidential data 
• Recommending security improvements to management or senior IT staff 
• Researching the latest IT security trends 
• Helping computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products and measures 

Job Outlook for CISM Professionals

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an information security expert earns an average income of $102,600 per year ($49.33 per hour). Keep in mind that your relevant work experience and the nature of the IT security projects you have undertaken will also impact your salary, irrespective of your job title. 

Employment of certified professionals is projected to grow 33% by 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (8%). Over the decade, around 16,300 vacancies for information security professionals are expected annually.  

Is CISM Certification Right For You?

Not all cybersecurity roles are entirely technical. The CISM certification teaches you valuable information security-aligned managerial skills. It’s an area where assurance and risk management form a huge part of the job requirements. You learn security management principles, which are both practical and indispensable to getting the job done. 

CISM certification is ideal for people with technical expertise and knowledge in information security and control. Unlike many other certifications in IT, an advanced CISM certification can help you transition from being an integral team player to a manager. It increases your chances of success in the workplace by adding trustworthiness and confidence to your communications with colleagues, internal and external stakeholders, and regulators. 

According to ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance, a certified information security professional enjoys a 42% salary increase when promoted to managerial roles with a massive 70% improvement in on-the-job performance. 

As a certified CISM professional, you become more reliable in your workplace and can help align your company’s information security program to its extensive objectives and goals. The certification also authenticates your dedication to security, compliance, and integrity, helping your business retain more customers. 

Education, Training, & Getting Certified

To become an information security professional, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, along with relevant work experience. However, many employers may prefer to hire candidates who have professional certification. 

ed2go’s ISACA CISM Training Boot Camp, powered by Infosec, a leader in cybersecurity training, is a comprehensive five-day program intended for proficient information security managers and other experts who manage, plan, administer, or evaluate a company’s information security. The online, instructor-led boot camp also provides you with 1-year of extended access to all boot camp materials. Furthermore, it aligns with the new CISM job practice areas and fully equips you with all the knowledge you need to successfully prepare for the ISACA CISM certification exam. Once you enroll, you will obtain an exam voucher for the CISM exam. You can take the exam either virtually with online proctoring or in person at an examination center. 

The CISM boot camp tests your understanding of key concepts and your capability to apply those concepts to real-world situations. You will earn detailed knowledge of risk management, security governance, security incident management, and security program development and management.  

ed2go’s Certification Success Program, together with the given preparatory materials, boot camp sessions, and post-camp projects, helps ease any anxieties you may have when taking the certification exam. You have peace of mind knowing that if your first attempt is unsuccessful, you may be eligible to take the certification exam a second time (if required) at no extra fee.  

Become a Certified CISM Professional With ed2go

With a strong job outlook and competitive remuneration, it’s no surprise that the CISM certification is in great demand among all other IT careers. 

Ready to fast-track your career growth by getting an in-demand credential that employers desire? Learn more about the ISACA CISM Training Boot Camp or get in touch to talk to an enrollment representative today.