Choosing between CISM® (Certified Information Security Manager) and CISSP® (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a common dilemma for cyber security professionals looking to advance their careers.
Both are globally recognised and respected, but they serve different career paths and skill sets. In this blog post, we break down CISM and CISSP, looking at who each certification is for, what domains they cover, career outcomes, salaries, employer demand and return on investment.
By the end, you should have a clear idea which certification best suits your goals and how to take the next step toward earning it.
Who each certification is for
CISM – future CISOs and security managers
CISM suits mid-career professionals moving into leadership. Candidates usually work in governance, risk or compliance and have more than five years’ experience. The qualification demonstrates the ability to design and manage an organisation’s security programme – ideal for proving leadership and strategic skills in cyber security management.
CISSP – technical experts and architects
CISSP is aimed at experienced practitioners pursuing senior technical or architectural roles. Typical holders include security engineers, analysts, architects and consultants, as well as IT directors and CISOs. Because it covers a wide range of topics, CISSP is the benchmark for those who want to validate deep technical expertise and progress into higher-level or cross-disciplinary roles.
What do CISM and CISSP cover?
Although there is some overlap, CISM and CISSP cover different knowledge areas:
- CISM Domains
The CISM exam covers four domains:- Information Security Governance
- Risk Management
- Information Security Program Development & Management
- Incident Management
In essence, CISM’s content is management-heavy and strategic. It tests your ability to oversee security initiatives, manage teams and align security practices with organisational goals.
- CISSP Domains
The CISSP curriculum is divided into eight domains:- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
The emphasis is on technical depth and broad competency – proving you can design, implement and manage a comprehensive security programme with strong technical foundations.
In summary, CISM is more about managing security, while CISSP takes a more technical approach across multiple domains.
Career outcomes and roles
Earning either certification can boost your career, but they tend to lead to different kinds of roles.
- CISM career paths
CISM often acts as a stepping-stone to senior management. Common roles include:- Information security manager or director
- CISO or deputy CISO
- Security consultant or auditor
- IT governance or risk manager
Employers view CISM as proof you can manage people, budgets and strategy, not just identify threats. It helps experienced practitioners move from technical positions into leadership.
- CISSP career paths
CISSP holders are seen as trusted technical authorities. The certification is frequently required for:- Security architect or engineer
- Senior security analyst or consultant
- Security operations manager
- Penetration testing manager or assessor
- IT security manager or CISO
CISSP signals comprehensive, validated knowledge across all security domains and demonstrates readiness for high-responsibility technical or hybrid leadership roles.
Salary benchmarks
Both CISM and CISSP rank among the highest-paying IT certifications, reflecting the seniority and expertise of their holders. In the UK, salary ranges are comparable, though there are some nuances:
- CISM Salary
According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a CISM-certified professional in the UK is £63,000. However, CISM holders in certain industries can earn significantly more. In regulated sectors like finance, banking or defence, where governance and compliance skills are at a premium, senior security managers with CISM often command £70–80,000 salaries. Similarly, consulting firms may pay a premium for CISM-certified consultants who can lead high-stakes security projects. - CISSP Salary
The average base salary for a CISSP in the UK, according to Payscale, is £74,000. Again, because CISSPs work in varied positions, salaries vary. For example, a security analyst with CISSP might be in the £50–60,000 range, whereas a security architect or security manager with CISSP could earn £70,000 or more.
Employer demand
In 2025, the demand for skilled cyber security professionals continues to outpace supply and both certifications are highly valued.
- Demand for CISM
CISM is growing in popularity. By early 2025, over 400 UK job postings specifically requested CISM certification (about 0.7% of all IT job ads). Demand is strongest in governance-heavy sectors such as finance, healthcare, government and consulting. Organisations seeking leaders who can link security to business priorities often list CISM as a preferred credential. Holders form a small, in-demand talent pool, which can enhance career mobility and salary leverage.
- Demand for CISSP
CISSP remains a global standard. Thousands of UK job listings specify it, from analyst to head-of-security level. Many employers use CISSP as a baseline requirement for senior roles because it proves comprehensive knowledge and professional credibility. Despite tens of thousands of certified professionals worldwide, demand still exceeds supply, keeping the certification’s value high.
Training investment and ROI
Both certifications require a significant investment of time and money, so it’s natural to weigh the return on investment and consider how to fund your training:
- CISM
Our CISM Training Course currently costs £1,995 +VAT per person – either in person or Live Online. You can also book CISM training with an exam voucher for £2,495+VAT.Employers often sponsor CISM training as part of leadership development. For organisations, it builds internal management capability; for individuals, it supports promotion and recognition. Even when self-funded, the career progression potential usually outweighs the expense.
Both certifications require substantial study time – typically 100+ hours for CISSP and significant preparation for CISM’s governance content. Each demands ongoing professional education to maintain certification, but both retain long-term value.
Which should you choose?
CISM and CISSP serve different purposes. The right choice depends on your experience, interests and ambitions.
Choose CISM if:
- You are already in, or aiming for, a management role such as security manager or CISO.
- You want to demonstrate governance, risk and leadership skills.
- You prefer the strategic side of security – policy, risk assessment, compliance and team management.
- You work in or target regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare or government, where CISM is widely recognised.
Choose CISSP if:
- You have a strong technical background and want to deepen it across all areas of cyber security.
- You aim for roles such as security architect, engineer or analyst, where technical authority matters.
- You want a globally recognised credential that supports movement between specialisms or regions.
- You welcome the challenge of a demanding, broad-based exam and value ongoing technical learning.
Many professionals ultimately achieve both: CISSP to confirm technical breadth, CISM to validate leadership. But your starting point should reflect your current role and next career step.
CISM and CISSP training with IT Governance
Both certifications hold strong value in 2025. CISM suits those who lead and manage security programmes, translating technical risk into business strategy. CISSP suits those who design and implement security solutions across multiple domains. One is not better than the other – they address different professional goals.
Consider what you enjoy most: frameworks and planning (CISM) or configurations and analysis (CISSP). Employer funding can also guide your decision. Whichever you choose, achieving certification will strengthen your credibility, employability and earning potential in the cyber security field.
IT Governance offers resources and accredited training for both qualifications. Explore our CISM and CISSP course pages for expert-led training and support.
