How to Pass ISACA CISM Exam and Why It Matters?
Are you an IT geek? Information security is an exciting domain in the IT industry that creates multiple avenues for career growth. However, you will always need a way to prove your competency in the IT industry regardless of the career path you choose to tread. The good news is, various organizations and IT vendors exist to help you in that regard and ensure optimum career growth. One of such is ISACA - an independent organization that offers uniquely focused security certifications to help you build your credibility in the IT industry and stand out from the crowd.
Unfortunately, this is not a comprehensive guide for choosing the best ISACA certifications. Instead, it is focused on the CISM exam and the related certification. Going through it should enable you to make an informed decision regarding your certification needs and help you cement your name in the highly competitive IT job market. So, let’s get started.
A preview of the ISACA Certifications
Earning a certification from ISACA puts you ahead of the pack by equipping you with vital IT skills that are necessary for thriving in the modern IT world. ISACA provides tons of options to help you get certified as an expert in your area of specialty.
The most notable options include Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT(CGEIT), and the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certifications. This article is dedicated to the said CISM credential.
One of the most common questions in recent years has always been, is attaining an ISACA certification worth it? While every individual may have different reasons for pursuing an IT certification, we firmly believe that attaining any ISACA certification in today’s competitive job market gives you a cutting edge over the rest. That said, here are a few reasons why you should pursue an ISACA certification in 2019.
Why Certify?
To begin with, attaining an ISACA certification gives you recognition as an expert in your field. ISACA credentials are widely accepted as the benchmark for security certifications. It’s not for nothing that many agencies and organizations are always looking for certified individuals who can propel their projects to the horizons of success.
Earning a CISM credential, for instance, translates to higher earning potential and a probable roadmap for career advancement. In summary, a relevant ISACA certification adds value to your CV list which may go a long way towards helping you secure your dream job in the IT industry.
On to the details of the CISM certification and the required exam.
The Details of the CISM Certification
The CISM certification is a result of meeting stringent work experience and educational requirements in addition to passing one required exam. This certification is meant to validate your information security knowledge and skills.
Unlike other credentials, the CISM certification is a uniquely management-focused credential that recognizes IT professionals who are tasked with managing, designing and assessing the information security of the organizations they work for.
Read on to find more details about the CISM certification pathway.
How to Become CISM Certified
The path to becoming a CISM starts with developing real interest in security management. Besides, you need to meet the following requirements.
1. Pass the Required Exam
To become a CISM, you need to pass one exam, known as the CISM test. Its details will be covered shortly. It’s worth reminding that passing this exam alone (without meeting the work experience requirements) gives your certification a lifeline of only five years which brings us to the next qualification; work experience.
2. Meet the Relevant Work Experience Requirements
ISACA expects all candidates to have verifiable evidence of at least 5 years of work experience in the information security sphere with at least 3 years of work experience in information security management.
3. Comply to ISACA’s Code of Conduct
ISACA’s code of professional conduct is meant to guide certification holders during their practice. Accordingly, all exam candidates must agree to it before earning the CISM certification.
4. Complete your CISM Application
The final step in your certification journey is to complete the application for the CISM exam. Feel free to visit isaca.org/CISMApp to complete your application when you meet the other requirements.
The next section covers key details about the CISM exam and a few study options worth adopting for exam success.
Now, let’s find more about the CISM exam.
CISM Exam Details
The CISM exam tests 150 items related to the information security management domain. The total time allotted for completing the test is 240 minutes with the passing score set at 450 out of 800.
The exam registration fee is dependent on your membership status. The current rates are set at $575 for members and $760 for non-members. It’s important to mention that the exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable and you will have a 12-month exam eligibility period upon completing your registration.
Skills Measured
The CISM exam tests your knowledge of 4 major domains related to the information security management. These include Information Security Governance (24%), Information Risk Management (30%), Information Security Development and Management (27%) and Information Security Incident Management (19%).
Exam Training Options
Get Certified ISACA provides plenty of training options for a better chance of exam success. The CISM exam guide, for instance, has useful information to help learners pass their exam easily. This is an invaluable tool that aims to equip learners with vital information about the exam in readiness for the actual test.
Another valuable tool for your CISM exam training is the online review course that is designed to prepare candidates for exam success. The prep course provides a variety of interactive activities and other study options which could be key to your success in the test.
Other options worth keeping an eye on include the virtual instructor-led courses, the exam prep community, and the terminology lists among others.
Other Study Options-PrepAwayWebsite!
When it comes to certification exam success, nothing beats effective preparation. While the study materials featured on the vendor website are good for your exam preparation, they might not be enough for exam success at your first attempt.
This is where the role of reliable IT training websites such as PrepAwaycomes in handy. This popular website provides invaluable learning materials that are always up to date to ensure you pass your exam easily.
All candidates preparing for the CISM exam should consider purchasing the CISM Bundle to improve their chances of success in the test. This is an effective study material that combines CISM questions and answers and the CISM study guide for guarantee exam success. The good news is, it only goes for $164.65 and PrepAway also allows for individual purchases to save some cash in the process.
The Bottom Line
This guide has answered all your questions related to the CISM certification. Earning an information security certification from a reliable IT vendor in today’s fast-paced world puts you at par with the top dogs in the industry. Always remember to combine multiple study aids during your certification exam preparation to improve your chances of success in the test. Good luck in your exams!
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