CISM Exam Preparation and Process: Explained

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Exam is a globally recognised certification designed to validate the skills and knowledge of Information Security professionals. The CISM Exam covers four key domains of Information Security Management, and successful exam completion demonstrates a high level of proficiency in multiple areas.   

The CISM Certification will help you develop and demonstrate your skills and knowledge in managing Information Security programs. You will also gain access to a global community of professionals and resources that will keep you updated with the latest developments and best practices in the field. Ace the CISM Exam with our step-by-step guide on the exam process and preparation tips. Read this blog to elevate your career in the field of Cybersecurity and know more about cisa vs cism.

Table of Contents 

1) What is the goal of the CISM Exam?

2) Why should you take this exam?

3) CISM Prerequisites

4) CISM Exam schedule, duration and structure

5) Scheduling and taking the exam

6) Policies on rescheduling, late arrivals and cancellations

7) Exam scoring: What does it take to pass the CISM Exam?

8) You failed the test — When can you retake it?

9) Conclusion

What is the goal of the CISM exam?

The goal of this exam is administered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and is recognised by organisations worldwide. This professional certification is provided to experts who can showcase their skills in Information Security  audits and control. The CISM Exam is specifically designed for Information Security Managers, Supervisors, and other related professionals with Information Security Management skills. It necessarily involves Security Management related job roles.

Why should you take this exam? 

There are many reasons to become CISM certified. It helps professionals seek career growth in Information Security Management. Additionally, it is valued by employers searching for skilled Security Managers. Some of the CISM Exam objectives and benefits include: 

a) It increases career opportunities, and the certification offers professionals 35% higher average salaries than their non-certified counterparts. 

b) It equips professionals with in-depth knowledge and skills related to Information Security, which as a result, meets the increasing CISM requirement for skilled practitioners.

c) Offers international recognition for  Information Security Managers. 

d) Emphasises the right skills to ensure commitment to the profession. 

e) With CISM, you can access beneficial resources, including group training, self-assessment training, and study materials available in multiple languages.
 

CISM Prerequisites

To qualify for the CISM Exam, you need to have at least five years of Information Security experience, including three years of managing Information Security Systems in 3 or more  CISM Domains. You’re supposed to  obtain this experience within the last ten years before applying for the exam or five years after passing it.

Once you pass the exam, you have five years to apply for the CISM Certification. To get CISM certified, you need to:

a) Pass the CISM Exam, a four-hour, 150-question test on four domains: Information Security governance, Information Risk Management, Information Security program development and management, and Information Security incident management. You need a score of 450 out of 800 to pass. The exam is offered three times a year.

b) Have at least five years of Information Security experience, including three years of managing Information Security in three or more CISM domains. The experience must be within the last ten years before applying or five years after passing the exam. You need to verify your experience with your employer.

c) Earn and report 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours in three years, with 20 CPE hours per year. You can earn CPE hours by attending educational activities related to Information Security. You also need to pay an annual fee to ISACA.

d) Follow the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics, which outlines the ethical principles and standards for ISACA members and certification holders. You must agree to comply with the code when you apply and renew the certification.

CISM Exam schedule, duration and structure

The CISM is a pivotal certification for Information Security Management professionals. The exam typically lasts for four hours and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. These questions assess candidates' knowledge and understanding of key Information Security management concepts, including governance, risk management, incident response, and security program development.

This exam is administered by ISACA and is offered during specified exam windows each year. Candidates can choose from various testing locations worldwide. Passing the CISM Exam is a significant achievement, demonstrating one's competence in Information Security Management and governance. It is crucial for individuals aspiring to excel in their careers in this field and is recognised globally as a hallmark of expertise in Information Security Management.

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Scheduling and taking the exam

Booking and taking the CISM Exam involves several crucial steps. First, aspiring candidates need to register for the exam through ISACA's official website. They must choose a suitable exam date within the available testing windows and select a convenient test centre. After registration, candidates receive a confirmation email with details about the exam location and time.

On the scheduled day, candidates must arrive at the testing centre with valid identification and follow the provided instructions. The CISM Exam typically comprises 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in a four-hour duration. Successfully passing the exam is essential for obtaining the CISM Certification.

Policies on rescheduling, late arrivals and cancellations

ISACA, the organisation responsible for the CISM Examination, has specific policies regarding rescheduling, late arrivals, and cancellations to maintain the integrity and fairness of the exam process, here’s a list:

a) Rescheduling: Candidates can request to reschedule their CISM Exam, but ISACA imposes a fee for this service. The fee amount may vary and is typically higher if requested closer to the exam date. It's essential to review ISACA's rescheduling policy and timelines to understand the associated costs and deadlines.

b) Late arrivals: Candidates are encouraged to arrive at the exam centre well in advance of their scheduled exam time. Late arrivals may not be permitted to take the exam and could forfeit their exam fee. ISACA has strict policies in place to ensure the smooth administration of the exam for all participants.

c) Cancellations: If a candidate needs to cancel their CISM Exam registration, ISACA's policy outlines a specific refund schedule. The amount refunded depends on when the cancellation is made in relation to the exam date.

It's crucial for candidates to familiarise themselves with ISACA's policies on rescheduling, late arrivals, and cancellations before registering for the CISM Exam. Being aware of these policies can help individuals plan their exam logistics effectively and avoid any potential issues or financial consequences.

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Exam scoring: What does it take to pass the CISM Exam?

To pass the CISM Exam, you need to achieve a scaled score of 450 or higher out of a possible 800 points. The scoring is not based on a simple percentage or passing grade but rather on a scaled scoring system. This system is used to account for variations in the difficulty level of different sets of exam questions. Here's what it takes to pass the CISM Exam:

a) Scoring above 450: You must earn a scaled score of at least 450 to pass the CISM Exam. The scaled score is derived from the number of correct answers and is used to standardise scores across different exam versions.

b) Understanding the domains: The CISM Exam covers four domains: Information Security Governance, Information Risk Management, Information Security Program Development and Management, and Information Security Incident Management. You need a solid understanding of these domains and their respective topics to answer the questions correctly.

c) Preparation: Adequate preparation is crucial. Many candidates use study materials, training courses, practice exams, and textbooks to prepare effectively. Consider taking advantage of ISACA's official study resources and practice questions.

d) Time management: Manage your time during the exam wisely. The CISM Exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in a four-hour duration. Allocate time carefully to ensure you have sufficient time to answer all questions.

e) Focus on weak areas: After taking a practice exam or receiving your results from a previous attempt, identify your weak areas and concentrate your study efforts on those topics.

By aiming for a scaled score of 450 or higher and thoroughly preparing for the exam, you increase your chances of passing and obtaining the prestigious CISM Certification, which demonstrates your expertise in Information Security Management.

You failed the test — When can you retake it?

Failing the CISM Exam can be disheartening, but there is a clear process for retaking the examination. ISACA, the governing body for CISM, has specific rules and guidelines regarding when and how you can retake the CISM Exam.

After failing the exam, there is no immediate waiting period before you can register for a retake. You can technically sign up for the next available exam within the testing window, which is generally offered three times a year. However, it's crucial to consider your preparation and readiness before scheduling a retake. Rushing into a retake without adequate preparation may lead to another unsuccessful attempt.

According to ISACA, these are the general guidelines for retaking the examination:

Retake 1: Wait 30 days from the date of the first attempt

Retake 2: Wait 90 days after the date of the second attempt

Retake 3: Wait 90 days after the date of the third attempt

It's advisable to thoroughly review your exam results and identify your weak areas to focus your study efforts effectively. Take the time to address the areas where you struggled during your initial attempt. Additionally, it's worth noting that there's no limit on the number of times you can retake the CISM Exam. However, you must pay the exam fee for each attempt. Therefore, retaking the exam should be a deliberate decision made after substantial preparation to increase your chances of success.

You can retake the CISM Exam immediately during the next available testing window following a failed attempt. However, a thoughtful and well-prepared approach is essential to improve your chances of passing and obtaining the coveted CISM Certification.

Conclusion 

We hope this blog covered everything you needed to know about the CISM Exam. Taking up the CISM Exam is a vital step for all professionals who want to enter the Information Security field. It is an important assessment that evaluates the skills and ability of a candidate in the Information Security field, offering individuals a recognised credential that signifies their expertise in Information Security Management, whether through CISM or CRISC. Successfully passing the CISM Exam gives individuals a recognised credential that signifies their expertise in Information Security Management. For further preparation and insight, explore our blog to discover essential CISM interview questions.

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