If you want to get cybersecurity certified, you should quickly browse the ISACA website to see all the various certificate options that exist, such as CISA and CISM.

In the first place, the names – Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) already indicate that the one is aimed at managers, while the other is aimed at auditors.

Thinking about it logically – would it really make sense to offer two certificates that are actually the same? Of course not!

In this article, we’ll highlight the differences between the two certificates.

CISA Certificate details

The CISA certificate is recognized globally and aimed at IS security professionals, assurance and audit control.

CISA-certified professionals have audit knowledge, skills, and experience and are able to institute controls, report on compliance, and assess vulnerabilities within an organization.

The certification consists of the following modules:

1. Information systems audit — on successful completion of this module, candidates will be able to provide audit services according to regulations and standards to help the organization protect and control information systems. They are also able to draw conclusions on the state of an IS and IT security, risks and control solutions within the organization.
2. Management and governance of IT — on successful completion of this module, candidates will be able to deliver assurance that the necessary processes, structures, and leadership have been implemented to support the organization’s strategy and achieve its objectives. They are also able to identify critical issues and recommend practices specific to the company to safeguard and support the governance of information and relating technologies.
3. Acquiring, developing and implementing information systems — on successful completion of this module, candidates will be able to provide assurances that the practices in these areas will meet both the objectives and strategies of the company.
4. Operating, maintaining, and servicing management information systems — on successful completion of this module, candidates will be able to provide assurances that processes also meet objectives and strategies. They are also competent in IT controls and understand how IT relates to business.
5. Information asset protection — on successful completion of this module, candidates will be able to provide assurances that standards, policies, controls, and procedures ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of informational assets. As cybersecurity impacts virtually all information systems roles, understanding its pitfalls, best practices, and principles is a major focus covered in this module.

CISM Certificate details

The CISM certificate demonstrates an individual’s information security management expertise.

The CISM certification is focused on management and supports international IS security practices. It is aimed at professionals who manage, design, and oversee and assess information security at an organization.

The certification consists of the following five modules:

1. Governance of Information Security
2. Management of Information Risk
3. Development and Management of Information Security Programs
4. Information Security
5. Incident Management

Get Cybersecurity Certified Today!

As can be seen from the modules contained within each certification, they are aimed at very different levels of cybersecurity. While the CISM focuses on the actual design and implementation of cybersecurity, individuals with the CISA certification look at cybersecurity more holistically and ensure that it is in line with the organization’s overall strategy and objectives. As such, having professionals with either certification within an organization is equally important.

As someone who wants to get cybersecurity certified, you would be well-served by earning either of these credentials.

For more information about cybersecurity certification, give us a call at (800) 460-2575.