Do you know CISA(Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM(Certified Information Security Manager) have more differences than similarities? Selecting one of the most suitable qualifications for your career amongst the highest-paying IT certifications are difficult.

Even though ISACA backs both certifications – one of the leading names in IT-related qualifications, the target audience of CISA is very different from CISM because they offer knowledge of two very different roles.

CISA Vs. CISM

CISA recognizes an audit ‘professional’s experience to “assess IS vulnerabilities, report on compliance, and institute controls within the enterprise.”

CISM is the certification for the professionals managing, designing, overseeing, and assessing an ‘enterprise’s information security”.

DOMAINS COMPARISON

The domain’s knowledge of CISA and CISM focused on information security, but there is a crucial difference. CISM is a certification to ensure the enterprise’s information security, whereas CISA professionals assure the information security controls. 

Here is a quick comparison of both.

SALARY COMPARISON of CISA and CISM

According to a recent report of Indeed.com reports that CISA Certified earns average $116,431 /year on the other side It has reported that CISM professionals make $117,436 /year 

CISA Certification Exam Requirements

To appear in the CISA Certification exam, candidates need to have at least five years of professional work experience in the area of auditing, controlling, or securing information systems. Some substitutes are also available.  

The CISA study process may include attending CISA review classes, enrolling in an online course, or using the software, review manuals, and study guides. Post-certification, the certified CISA is also required to comply with Information Security Standards. 

CISM Certification Exam Requirements

Before appearing in CISM exam, the candidate is recommended to follow ‘ISACA’s guidelines for syllabus, he/she requires to register online for the certification exam and must have at least five years of experience in the area of information security. CISM also requires five years of professional experience. 

ISACA reports, around 32,000 professionals have achieved CISM certification, whereas 129,000 professionals are CISA certified. 

If you are planning for CISA or CISM, keep your career in focus while selecting the right certification. 

For example, if you are working in the positions of Network Administrator, System Administrator or similar area, and would like to grow your career in the management of information security, CISM would be more helpful for securing a leading position. 

However, if you are working in the fields of auditing, compliance, and assurance, or you like to grow your career in the field of IT auditing, CISA is more appropriate for you. 

Professionals who aim to see themselves at leading positions in IT, it is recommended to have both. These certifications will help them not only to understand both domains well but also establish knowledge authority required at that level.