By Quick answer: CISSP or CISM: which should I choose in 2027?
- Choose CISSP — you lead technical security work.
- Choose CISM — you manage security programmes.
- Verdict — CISSP for technical leaders; CISM for managers.
- Before you pay — take a free practice test.
Key takeaways
- Choose CISSP if you lead technical security work.
- Choose CISM if you manage security programmes.
- Check job posts in your target market before deciding.
CISSP and CISM are often compared, but they suit different people. Here's a side-by-side comparison and a clear way to choose.
The options at a glance
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalISC2 | See ISC2 page2 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 2 | CISM – Certified Information Security ManagerISACA | US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members3 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 3 | CISA – Certified Information Systems AuditorISACA | US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members4 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 4 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store5 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- CISSP Practice TestPractise for CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional before you pay.Start free test →
- CISM Practice TestPractise for CISM – Certified Information Security Manager before you pay.Start free test →
- CISA Practice TestPractise for CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
Each option, and who should choose it
- ISC2CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security ProfessionalTechnical leadershipSee ISC2 page
- ISACACISM – Certified Information Security ManagerSecurity managementUS$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members
- ISACACISA – Certified Information Systems AuditorAuditUS$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Cost
- See ISC2 page2
- Entry
- 5 years of paid security work experience
US average $168,060;1 five years' experience. ISC2's senior credential covers eight broad security domains and requires five years of paid security experience. It's ANAB-accredited, and US holders averaged $168,060 in Skillsoft's 2025 survey, the highest of any IT certification there.
Best fortechnical leadership
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
- Cost
- US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members3
US average $157,189;1 US$575/$760. ISACA's credential for security managers covers governance, risk, programme management and incident management. It costs US$575 for ISACA members and US$760 for non-members and requires management experience.
Best forsecurity management
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Cost
- US$575 ISACA members / US$760 non-members4
US average $155,362.1 ISACA's audit credential covers auditing information systems, governance, operations and protection of assets. It costs US$575 for ISACA members and US$760 for non-members and is the standard for IT auditors.
Best foraudit
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store5
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Entry credential. CompTIA's vendor-neutral security exam covers threats, architecture, operations and governance, and the new version adds AI-related risk. It's listed in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory; voucher prices vary by country.
Best forearlier step
CISSP vs CISM side by side
| CISSP | CISM | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Broad security, technical leadership | Security management and governance |
| Issuer | ISC2 | ISACA |
| US survey average | $168,060 | $157,189 |
| Best for | Security architects and leads | Security managers |
Table: CISSP vs CISM
How to choose
- Choose CISSP — you lead technical security work.
- Choose CISM — you manage security programmes.
- Still unsure — search job posts in your city for each name.
How we ranked these picks
We compared both options on cost, format, prerequisites and fit using official pages, checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with either issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Which pays more?
CISSP slightly, in Skillsoft's survey.
Can I hold both?
Yes; many senior leaders do.
Which is harder?
CISSP is broader.
Which first?
Whichever matches your current role.
Is there a free practice test for both?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for both, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- Skillsoft — Top-paying IT certifications
- ISC2 — CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISACA — CISM – Certified Information Security Manager, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- ISACA — CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
Where to go from here
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