The Cost of the ISACA CISM Certification

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is one of the most respected credentials for IT security professionals focusing on management, governance, and risk strategies. It demonstrates expertise in managing and developing an organization’s information security program.

However, like many prestigious certifications, earning a CISM can be a significant financial investment. It’s important to understand the costs involved and what you can expect from achieving this certification is crucial for professionals considering the CISM in 2024.

Cyberkraft’s ISACA CISM training offers two pathways to becoming a CISM. We offer a self-guided course and an instructor-led Bootcamp. Both will fully prepare you to become a recognized information security manager. You’ll ace your CISM exam on your first attempt-guaranteed.

Let’s look at the cost of the ISACA CISM Certification and the benefits of obtaining a CISM certification.

What is the CISM Certification?

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification, administered by ISACA, is a globally recognized credential that focuses on managing and overseeing information security programs. Unlike technical certifications, the CISM is designed specifically for professionals responsible for security management, governance, and risk management within organizations.

CISM certification validates an individual’s expertise across four key domains:

1. Information Security Governance: Establishing and maintaining an information security program aligned with business goals.
2. Information Risk Management: Identifying and managing information security risks to achieve business objectives.
3. Information Security Program Development and Management: Implementing and overseeing an information security program.
4. Information Security Incident Management: Managing incidents and ensuring business continuity through proper security measures.

This certification is highly sought after by organizations that prioritize strong security leadership and strategic risk management. Earning a CISM demonstrates not only a thorough understanding of security frameworks but also the ability to align security programs with business objectives. This makes it ideal for IT managers, consultants, and security officers looking to advance into executive roles and manage security on a global scale.

The Cost of the ISACA CISM Certification

Earning the CISM certification comes with several costs, and understanding these expenses upfront can help candidates budget effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the primary costs involved in taking the CISM exam in 2024:

ISACA Membership Costs:

To take full advantage of discounted exam fees, candidates may consider joining ISACA. Membership fees are $145 annually for an annual Professional membership. Students and recent graduates get a reduced rate ($25 and $68 respectively). Members also gain access to other benefits such as career resources, webinars, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Exam Registration Fees:

The registration fee for the CISM exam varies depending on whether you are an ISACA member or not. 

• ISACA Members: $575
• Non-Members: $760

Also, if you need to reschedule your exam, ISACA charges a rescheduling fee of $50.

Costs for these resources vary depending on the depth and format of the material. Cyberkraft’s CISM Bootcamp includes ISACA membership and your exam voucher. In addition, we guarantee that you’ll pass the test on your first try.  If you don’t, we’ll also pay for an exam retake too. 

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the exam registration fee, there are several other expenses involved in obtaining and maintaining the CISM certification. These costs include study materials, training courses, and recertification requirements, all of which are important to consider when planning your certification journey.

• Official ISACA Study Guide
• Practice Exams
• Third-Party Study Resources
• Online CISM Boot Camps
• Self-Paced Online Courses

Costs for these resources vary depending on the depth and format of the material and can cost thousands of dollars. Cyberkraft’s CISM Bootcamp includes ISACA membership and all test-related fees and materials at an affordable price. We also offer unparalleled support so you’re prepared for your new career as a CISM. In addition, we guarantee that you’ll pass the test on your first try.

Recertification Fees and Continuing Education Costs

Once you’ve earned your CISM certification, maintaining it is an ongoing process. ISACA requires CISM holders to earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits annually to stay up to date with the latest security practices.

• Annual Maintenance Fee: ISACA charges an annual maintenance fee of $45 for members and $85 for non-members.
• CPE Requirements: CISM holders are required to earn 20 CPE credits annually and 120 credits over a 3-year cycle. While many CPE opportunities are available for free or at low cost, more structured courses or conferences can range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the format.
• Candidates can earn CPEs for free by joining the Cyberkraft Training Community and participating in our weekly study sessions

By factoring in these additional costs, candidates can make informed decisions and budget accordingly to support their certification and career advancement.

What to Expect After Earning the CISM Certification

Earning the CISM certification is not just about passing an exam—it’s an investment in your career. The CISM is recognized globally as a premier credential for information security management, and it can open the door to significant career advancement and opportunities. Here’s what you can expect after becoming a certified CISM professional.

Career Impact and Salary Growth

CISM holders are in high demand, particularly for roles that involve managing and overseeing an organization’s information security systems. Whether you’re advancing in your current position or seeking new opportunities, having a CISM certification significantly increases your value as a cybersecurity professional.

Salary Expectations

According to recent industry reports, professionals with CISM certification earn an average salary of $130,000 to $160,000 USD annually. Salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and industry, but CISM is consistently ranked among the top-paying cybersecurity certifications.

Leadership Roles

The CISM credential is tailored to individuals who aspire to take on leadership roles such as Information Security Manager, IT Risk Manager, or Security Consultant. CISM-certified professionals often find themselves in strategic positions where they are responsible for aligning security programs with business objectives.

Job Opportunities

The demand for CISM-certified professionals continues to grow, especially as cybersecurity becomes a critical focus for organizations worldwide. Common roles available to CISM holders include:

• Information Security Manager
• IT Risk Manager
• Security Consultant
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Compliance Officer

Industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology actively seek out CISM holders to manage their cybersecurity operations and mitigate risks. As regulatory pressures increase, so does the need for qualified professionals who understand how to implement security strategies that align with corporate governance.

Global Recognition and Versatility

One of the key benefits of earning a CISM is its global recognition. Whether you are based in North America, Europe, or Asia, the CISM certification demonstrates a high level of competency in information security management. This versatility opens doors to international career opportunities and positions with multinational corporations that require global compliance and risk management expertise.

By investing in CISM certification, you not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also position yourself for long-term success in the cybersecurity field.

Cyberkraft’s CISM Bootcamp: Comprehensive Training for Information Security Management

In addition to our self-paced ISACA CISM Course, Cyberkraft proudly offers an ISACA Accredited CISM Bootcamp. Cyberkraft is one of only a handful of Accredited Premium ISACA partners in the world. We use official ISACA course materials and our course instruction meets ISACA’s strict quality standards.

The CISM Bootcamp is designed to fully prepare candidates for the CISM exam while developing essential skills in information security management. The bootcamp is specifically structured to meet the needs of professionals looking to advance their careers into leadership roles in IT and cybersecurity.

What’s Included in Cyberkraft’s CISM Bootcamp?

– 40 Hours of Live Instruction: Delivered by ISACA-accredited instructors, the bootcamp covers all four domains of the CISM certification: Information Security Governance, Risk Management, Security Program Development, and Incident Management.

– Official ISACA Materials: You’ll receive the CISM Review Manual, as well as access to the ISACA Questions, Answers, & Explanations Database. This comprehensive question pool allows for thorough exam preparation.

– Practice Exams and Simulation Tests: Cyberkraft provides unlimited access to full-length practice exams, which simulate the actual CISM test environment, helping candidates gauge their readiness.

– Lifetime Access to Resources: Students have lifetime access to bootcamp recordings and other training materials, making it easy to revisit topics after the course ends.

– Exam Voucher and Retake Guarantee: The bootcamp fee includes the full cost of the exam voucher, and Cyberkraft offers a First Time Pass Guarantee—if you don’t pass on your first attempt, they cover the cost of a second try.

– Career Support: Beyond exam prep, Cyberkraft offers job placement assistance, resume writing services, and guided study sessions to help candidates excel not only in the exam but in their broader career goals.

This bootcamp also satisfies Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8140/8570 requirements for federal employees and contractors, which qualifies holders for high-paying federal roles.

Whether you’re pursuing leadership in security governance or aiming to become a CISO, Cyberkraft’s CISM Bootcamp provides the structured learning, resources, and support to ensure your success on exam day and beyond.

There’s No Time Like The Present

The CISM certification offers a solid return on investment for professionals seeking to advance their careers in information security management. While the cost of the 2024 ISACA CISM Certification can add up, the long-term benefits—including increased salary potential, leadership opportunities, and global recognition—make it a worthwhile investment.

Cyberkraft does the heavy lifting for you by packaging up all the best resources along with world-class instruction into our ISACA CISM Bootcamp and we guarantee that you’ll pass on your first attempt or you’ll get a second attempt for free.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us and we can discuss the easiest way for you to earn your ISACA CISM Certification. By earning the CISM certification, you’ll be well on your way to securing high-level roles in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity.