If you’re in charge of improving your company's cyber security, you should consider certifying your dedicated team members with a CISSP or CISM qualification.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification from ISC2 is a good fit for team members who work on building secure systems, managing infrastructure or leading hands-on cyber operations.
On the other hand, the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification from ISACA is ideal for people who are already leaders or are moving into leadership roles. They might make decisions about strategy, run programs and ensure that any cyber security implementation fits in with the bigger picture of the organisation.
Recognised and respected all over the world, both certifications require IT professionals to have worked in the field, know a lot about security and be able to think critically in difficult situations. That's why these certifications also carry so much weight: they show that your staff can handle real threats and set a good example for others.
Upskilling your team with either the CISSP or CISM certification is a great first step if your organisation wants to be better prepared on the cyber security front. Our range of certifications could provide your teams with the training they want or need.
Why These Certifications Matter
Nowadays, it seems that cyber threats are becoming more advanced. Every type of business, from finance and healthcare to defence and critical infrastructure, is under pressure to protect its environment and keep up with changing compliance standards. This means that your team should include people who not only understand the theory of cyber security, but can apply it in real-world applications.
That’s where CISSP and CISM truly stand out. These certifications are not just resume boosters for IT professionals; they signify industry credibility. CISSP represents deep technical capability, while CISM reflects strategic leadership in information security management.
A Side-by-Side Comparison: CISSP vs CISM
Here’s how CISSP and CISM compare across several key areas:
Recognition & Reputation
CISSP: Known worldwide and particularly respected in technical cyber roles.
CISM: Valued by organisations looking for experienced leaders in governance, strategy and risk management.
Geographical Preference
CISSP: According to CISSP Now, it’s accepted globally, with strong demand in North America, Europe, APAC and the Middle East.
CISM: Popular in the same regions, especially in organisations that prioritise governance and compliance, as noted in ExamSnap's analysis of CISM salary trends.
Focus and Approach
CISSP: Covers eight technical domains, from software development security to network architecture and access control.
CISM: Emphasises governance, risk management, incident response and aligning security with business goals.
Where They’re Used
CISSP: Common in IT, finance, government and tech-heavy sectors. Roles include security analyst, engineer or architect.
CISM: Found in enterprises where leadership, compliance and long-term strategy are front and centre. Think security manager, director or consultant roles in the enterprise and government sectors.
Career Fit
CISSP: Best for professionals with a strong technical foundation who want to grow in architecture and operational security. Is also considered a management certification.
CISM: Ideal for those moving into — or already in — management and leadership roles, especially where strategy is a key part of the job.
Certification Overviews
CISSP Certification
Governing Body: ISC2
Training Format: Typically 5-day intensive or self-paced study.
Experience Required: 5+ years in two or more of the eight CISSP domains.
Exam: 3 hours, 100–150 adaptive questions.
Maintenance: 120 CPE credits every 3 years.
CISM Certification
Governing Body: ISACA.
Training Format: Commonly a 4-day workshop.
Experience Required: 5 years in information security management (with some waiver options).
Exam: 4 hours, 150 multiple-choice questions.
Maintenance: 120 CPE credits every 3 years, plus ISACA-specific requirements.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
The right certification depends on the roles you’re developing. If you're building out your technical capabilities — especially for architecture, infrastructure or incident response — CISSP is a strong investment. If your focus is on risk oversight, policy design or security program management, CISM supports leadership development.
Both CISSP and CISM play complementary roles in a comprehensive training strategy, and when paired with entry- or mid-level certifications like CompTIA Security+, your organisation benefits from end-to-end capability across the security lifecycle.
How Lumify Work Can Support Your Journey
With budget cycles tightening and threat levels rising, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s easy to see why cyber security training has become one of the most important investments a business can make in 2025 - not just to tick a box, but also to stay operational.
Flexibility and responsiveness prove critical to delivering impact. Explore hybrid learning models with Lumify Work where participants shift fluidly between in-person and virtual formats, sometimes within the same course.
Lumify Work has supported thousands of professionals and teams in achieving CISSP, CISM and other cyber security certifications.
Our trainers have decades of industry experience and know how to help your team put what they've learned into practice. Plus, training can be delivered in person, online or both.
Lumify Work can help you figure out what you can do now, find any gaps and make a training plan that will help you reach your bigger business and cyber security goals.
Have confidence with authorised cyber security training. Lumify Work offers cyber security training to cater to all levels of your organisation, from front-line staff interested in corporate IT training to highly experienced senior cyber security professionals. The skilling we deliver is in partnership with organisations like ISC2, EC-Council, ISACA, CompTIA, OffSec, PECB, Microsoft and AWS.
Download our cyber security brochure to explore skilling, certification and pathways today.
Lumify Group has been named ‘Cyber Security Training Business of the Year’ in the 2025 Australian Cyber Awards, highlighting our commitment to boosting the next generation of cyber talent.
