CISM vs CRISC Certification
Compare ISACA's CISM and CRISC certifications. Security management vs IT risk management.
CISM
ISACA
CRISC
ISACA
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | CISM | CRISC |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | ISACA | ISACA |
| Difficulty Level | Expert | Expert |
| Exam Duration | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Exam Cost | $575-$760 USD | $575-$760 USD |
| Exam Format | 150 questions | 150 questions |
| Prerequisites | 5 years security management | 3 years IT risk management |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Security managers and CISOs | IT risk managers and analysts |
| Salary Range | $125,000 - $175,000 | $115,000 - $165,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
CISM Focus Areas
- Security Governance
- Risk Management
- Program Development
- Incident Management
CRISC Focus Areas
- IT Risk Identification
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Response
- Risk Monitoring
Our Recommendation
CISM focuses on security programs; CRISC on IT risk management specifically.
Choose CISM
Choose CISM for overall security management and CISO track.
Choose CRISC
Choose CRISC for dedicated IT risk management roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CISM or CRISC?
CISM focuses on security programs; CRISC on IT risk management specifically.
What are the salary differences between CISM?
CISM typically offers salaries around $125,000 - $175,000, while CRISC offers $115,000 - $165,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose CISM for overall security management and CISO track. Choose CRISC for dedicated IT risk management roles.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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