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Cybersecurity

Issued by ISACA

CISM — Certified Information Security Manager is a professional certification issued by ISACA. ISACA's premier security management credential — preferred for CISOs and security directors.

→ Stable Demand 📊 Expert Updated 1 hour ago
At a Glance
Exam Cost$575 (member) / $760 (non-member)
Renewal3 years (120 CPE hours)
Experience5 years information security management experience
Exam Format150 questions · 4 hours
Job Postings256
Avg Salary$125K

📈 Employer Demand

256
Active Job Postings
$125K
Avg Salary
$65K – $218K
Salary Range

Top Employers Requesting This Certification

#EmployerOpen RolesDemand
1 Deloitte 11
2 Amentum 8
3 Sierra Nevada Corporation 3
4 RMantra Solutions Inc. 2
5 Def-Logix, Inc. 2
6 Pro2Serve 2
7 Robert Half 2
8 MKS2 Technologies 2
9 Final Closures 1
10 Upstack 1

Source: Adzuna job postings · Updated 1 hour ago

Regional Demand

📍 Arlington County 5 postings
📍 Martin County 4 postings
📍 Douglas County 3 postings
📍 Washington, D.C. 3 postings
📍 Anne Arundel County 2 postings
📍 Westchester County 2 postings
📍 Montgomery County 2 postings
📍 Hamilton County 2 postings

💼 Common Job Titles Requiring This Certification

PAM Senior Manager IAM Architect - Sailpoint/Okta Senior Consultant Cyber Security Engineer Sr Systems Security Engineer with Security Clearance Senior Cybersecurity Project Manager Sr. Computer Engineer ISSE with Security Clearance Sr. Computer Engineer ISSO with Security Clearance IT Security Officer

💰 Salary Insights

Salary Distribution from Job Postings Source: Adzuna

Based on job postings that include salary data. Figures represent posted ranges, not guaranteed compensation.

📊 Return on Investment

$575
Estimated Exam Cost
+$12K/yr
Est. Salary Uplift (10%)
1 mo
Estimated ROI Period
$62K
5-Year Net Value

* ROI estimates assume a 10% salary uplift from certification attainment. Actual results vary by role, employer, and experience level.

ℹ️ About This Certification

Our Take: ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager credential has become increasingly valuable for cybersecurity professionals seeking to advance into leadership and governance roles. The certification validates expertise in managing, designing, and overseeing information security programs, making it particularly attractive to those transitioning from technical positions into management. With 85 active U.S. job postings and an average salary of $133,000, CISM holders demonstrate strong market demand and earning potential. The exam costs $575 for ISACA members or $760 for non-members, with renewal required every three years through 120 continuing professional education hours. For security professionals ready to formalize their strategic security management knowledge and command higher compensation, CISM represents a worthy investment in long-term career growth.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CISM — Certified Information Security Manager worth it? +
Based on current job posting data, the CISM — Certified Information Security Manager appears in 256 active job postings with an average salary of $125K. Demand signals suggest this certification has strong employer recognition.
Which employers request CISM — Certified Information Security Manager? +
Top employers currently listing CISM — Certified Information Security Manager in job postings include: Deloitte, Amentum, Sierra Nevada Corporation, RMantra Solutions Inc., Def-Logix, Inc..
How much does the CISM — Certified Information Security Manager exam cost? +
The CISM — Certified Information Security Manager exam costs approximately $575 (member) / $760 (non-member). Costs may vary based on location, membership status, and retake fees. Always check the official issuer website for current pricing.
How often does CISM — Certified Information Security Manager need to be renewed? +
The CISM — Certified Information Security Manager requires renewal every 3 years (120 CPE hours). Renewal typically involves earning continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development hours. Check with ISACA for specific requirements.

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