The CISSP, CISM, and CISA credentials each focus on a distinct area of information security with the common goal of improving an organization's overall security posture.
Employers actively seek out potential candidates who have obtained one of these three certificates since they are all commonly regarded as being of the highest caliber and are all globally recognized. Obtaining one of these three certifications will put you in an excellent position to advance your career chances if you are already employed in a security-related area and have a strong desire to do so.
If you are confused about which of these certifications would be ideal for your career growth, I will try to clear the confusion in this article. Read on to know the differences and similarities between CISSP vs CISM v CISA with respect to various factors.
CISSP vs CISM vs CISA: Head-to-Head Comparison
Let's see the CISSP vs CISM v CISA analysis in terms of a table:
Factor | CISSP | CISM | CISA |
Target Audience | Security Professionals | Information Security Managers | Information Systems Auditors |
Domains Covered | 8 (e.g., Security, Risk, Access) | 4 (e.g., Governance, Risk, Compliance) | 5 (e.g., IT Governance, Risk, Control) |
Prerequisites | Requires substantial work experience in cybersecurity or related fields | No specific experience requirement but is best suited for individuals with a few years of information security management experience. | At least five years of experience in information systems auditing, control, or assurance |
Common Job Duties | - Security Analysis - Risk Management - Access Control - Security Architecture - Incident Response - Security Policy Development - Security Consulting | - Information Security Management - Risk Management - Governance - Incident Response - Security Policy Development | - IT Auditing - IT Governance - Risk Assessment - Control Assurance - Compliance Assessment - Security Advisory |
Common Job Roles | - Security Analyst - Security Consultant - Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) - Security Manager - Security Architect - IT Director | - Information Security Manager - Information Security Director - Risk Manager - IT Director - Security Consultant | - IT Auditor - Compliance Officer - Information Security Analyst - Control Assurance Analyst - Risk Analyst |
Industry Demand | High, Globally Recognized | High, Especially in IT Management | High, Especially in IT Auditing |
Average Salary (US, Mid-Level) | $92,000- $151,000 | $96,000- $159,000 | $110,000 - $194,000 |
Difference Between CISSP vs CISM vs CISA [Detailed Comparison]
A. CISSP vs CISM vs CISA: Target Audience
1. CISSP:
- Target Audience: Security Professionals
- Explanation: CISSP is designed for security professionals with diverse roles, including security analysts, consultants, managers, and architects.
2. CISM:
- Target Audience: Information Security Managers
- Explanation: CISM is intended for professionals in managerial or governance roles overseeing information security programs.
3. CISA:
- Target Audience: Information Systems Auditors
- Explanation: CISA is tailored for individuals specializing in IT auditing, control, and assurance. It's suitable for IT auditors, compliance officers, risk analysts, and security advisors focused on auditing, compliance, and control assessments.
B. CISSP vs CISM vs CISA: Domains Covered
1. CISSP
Domains Covered: CISSP covers a total of 8 domains:
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
2. CISM
Domains Covered: CISM focuses on 4 domains:
- Information Security Governance
- Information Risk Management
- Information Security Program Development and Management
- Information Security Incident Management
3. CISA
- Domains Covered: CISA includes 5 domains:
- The Process of Auditing Information Systems
- Governance and Management of IT
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
- Protection of Information Assets
These domains reflect the specific areas of knowledge and skills that each certification assesses. The choice between them should align with your career goals and the areas of cybersecurity and information assurance that interest you the most.
C. CISSP vs CISM vs CISA: Prerequisites
1. CISSP Prerequisites
- Candidates must have at least five years of cumulative, paid, full-time work experience in at least two of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The exam is challenging hence proper CISSP exam prep is recommended.
- A four-year college degree or an approved credential can substitute for one year of experience.
- Candidates can opt for the Associate of (ISC)² designation by passing the CISSP exam without the required work experience. They then have up to six years to earn the necessary work experience.
2. CISM Prerequisites
- There are no specific prerequisites in terms of years of experience or educational background to take the CISM exam.
- However, ISACA (the certifying body) recommends at least three to five years of work experience in information security management or related roles.
3. CISA Prerequisites
- Candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional information systems auditing, control, or assurance work experience.
- Substitutions and waivers for up to three years of experience are available based on specific educational backgrounds and certifications.
D. CISSP vs CISM vs CISA: Job Duties
1. CISSP Job Duties
- Security Analysis: CISSP professionals analyze an organization's security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend security improvements.
- Risk Management: They assess and manage security risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with security policies.
- Access Control: CISSP experts design and manage access control systems, including user authentication and authorization.
- Security Architecture: They participate in the design and implementation of secure systems and networks.
- Incident Response: CISSP-certified individuals are involved in incident response planning and managing security incidents.
- Security Policy Development: They contribute to the development, implementation, and enforcement of security policies and procedures.
- Security Consulting: CISSP professionals often work as security consultants, helping organizations enhance their security posture.
2. CISM Job Duties
- Information Security Governance: CISM-certified individuals establish and manage an organization's information security governance framework and supporting processes.
- Risk Management: They identify and manage information security risks to achieve business objectives.
- Information Security Program Management: CISM professionals develop and manage information security programs aligned with organizational goals.
- Incident Response and Management: They oversee incident response planning and lead incident management efforts.
- Security Compliance: They ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and policies.
3. CISA Job Duties
- Auditing Processes: CISA professionals conduct audits of information systems, assessing the effectiveness of controls and processes.
- IT Acquisition and Implementation Audits: CISA experts assess IT projects and acquisitions to ensure they meet security and compliance requirements.
- IT Operations and Business Resilience Audits: They audit IT operations, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity strategies.
- Protection of Information Assets Audits: CISA-certified individuals evaluate the protection of critical information assets and data.
E. CISSP vs CISM vs CISA: Job Roles
1. CISSP Job Roles
- Security Analyst: CISSP-certified professionals often start as security analysts, responsible for monitoring an organization's security systems and responding to security incidents.
- Security Consultant: Many CISSP holders work as security consultants, advising organizations on how to improve their security posture and compliance with regulations.
- Security Architect: CISSPs may become security architects, designing and implementing secure systems, networks, and infrastructure.
- Security Manager: With experience, CISSP professionals can move into security management roles, overseeing security teams and strategies.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): The highest-level role for CISSP holders, CISOs are responsible for an organization's overall security posture and strategy.
2. CISM Job Roles
- Information Security Manager: CISM-certified individuals are well-suited for information security management roles, where they oversee and lead security programs.
- Risk Manager: They may take on risk management roles, assessing and mitigating information security risks.
- IT Director: CISM professionals often progress to IT leadership roles, where they manage IT departments and ensure alignment with security goals.
- Compliance Officer: Some CISM-certified experts work as compliance officers, ensuring adherence to security regulations and standards.
- Security Consultant: They can also work as security consultants, leveraging their expertise in security program development.
3. CISA Job Roles
- IT Auditor: CISA-certified professionals are typically IT auditors, responsible for assessing and auditing IT systems and controls.
- Compliance Officer: They may work as compliance officers, ensuring that organizations meet regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Risk Analyst: CISA experts can focus on risk analysis, evaluating and mitigating risks associated with IT systems.
- Control Assurance Analyst: Some CISA holders take on roles that involve ensuring the effectiveness of IT controls.
- Security Advisor: They may provide advice on security strategies and practices to organizations.
F. CISM vs CISSP vs CISA: Industry Demand
1. CISM Demand
- Demand is high, especially in industries where information security management and governance are critical.
- Valued in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, and consulting.
- Sought after for roles involving security program oversight and risk management.
2. CISSP Demand
- Globally recognized and widely in demand across various industries.
- Highly valued in finance, healthcare, technology, government, and consulting.
- Opens doors to a wide range of cybersecurity roles, from entry-level to executive positions.
3. CISA Demand
- Highly demanded in industries requiring IT auditing, control assurance, and compliance expertise.
- Particularly valuable in finance, healthcare, and consulting sectors.
- Sought after for roles related to IT audit, compliance, and control assessment.
G. CISSP vs CISM vs CISA: Salary
The average CISSP salary in the United States ranges from $92,000 to $151,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and job role.
The average CISM salary in the United States falls within the range of $96,000 to $159,000 annually. CISM-certified individuals often command higher salaries when in management roles overseeing security programs and governance.
The average CISA salary in the United States typically ranges from $110,000 to $194,000 per year. CISA-certified professionals specializing in IT audit and compliance often earn competitive salaries.
How are They Similar?
CISSP, CISM, and CISA are similar in several ways:
- Focus on Information Security: All three certifications are related to information security and are designed to enhance an individual's knowledge and expertise in this field.
- Global Recognition: CISSP, CISM, and CISA are internationally recognized certifications, making them valuable for professionals seeking opportunities in various countries and regions.
- Certification Bodies: They are all administered by well-established professional organizations: CISSP by (ISC)², CISM by ISACA, and CISA by ISACA as well.
- Experience Requirements: Each certification typically requires candidates to have relevant work experience in the field before they can become certified. This ensures that certified individuals have practical knowledge and skills.
- Continuing Education: Maintaining these certifications usually involves ongoing professional development and continuing education to stay updated with the latest developments in the field.
- Career Advancement: CISSP, CISM, and CISA can all lead to career advancement opportunities in the cybersecurity and information assurance domains. They can open doors to higher-paying positions and leadership roles. Always go for the best online cyber security courses when preparing for these certifications.
What Should You Choose Between CISSP vs CISM vs CISA?
If you wish to know out of CISA, CISM,CISSP which is better for your career, choosing between CISSP, CISM, and CISA depends on your career goals and the specific area of cybersecurity or information assurance you want to specialize in.
Choose CISSP if:
- You want a comprehensive understanding of various cybersecurity domains.
- Your career goal is to work in diverse cybersecurity roles, from security analyst to Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
- You have the required experience (typically five years in at least two security domains) or plan to gain it.
- You value a globally recognized and respected certification.
- Take KnowledgeHut's CISSP training class to get more details about this certification.
Choose CISM if:
- You aspire to leadership roles in information security management and governance.
- You have some experience in information security or related fields, although CISM doesn't have strict experience requirements.
- Your focus is on security program development, risk management, and compliance.
- You prefer ISACA certifications or are already an ISACA member.
Choose CISA if:
- You want to specialize in IT auditing, control assurance, and compliance.
- Your career path involves assessing and ensuring the effectiveness of IT controls and regulatory compliance.
- You are interested in roles such as IT auditor, compliance officer, risk analyst, or control assurance professional.
- You value a certification from ISACA, which is known for its auditing and assurance expertise.
Conclusion
I am sure by now you must have got a good overview and scope by reading the detailed CISM, CISSP, CISP comparison. These certifications demonstrate a person's expert knowledge and abilities in their respective fields. These widely accepted credentials give clients the peace of mind that they are working with knowledgeable, committed individuals who stay up to date with the rapidly changing field of information security, ultimately resulting in the best security measures for their organizations.
