With this CISM certification training from Nvidya, you’ll develop the skills needed to design, implement, and oversee enterprise-level security architecture. The course aligns with globally recognized ISACA standards. As organizations and public sector entities place growing importance on robust cybersecurity leadership, holding a CISM credential is fast becoming a key expectation for IT and security professionals.
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The CISM certification is an internationally recognized credential in the field of IT security, ideal for professionals aiming to advance their leadership roles. It is particularly suited for security consultants, IT and security managers, and those responsible for managing and governing enterprise information security. This certification demonstrates expertise in developing and managing an effective information security program.
The CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) certification is internationally respected and increasingly demanded across IT security roles.
It is ideal for professionals including security consultants and managers, IT and cybersecurity directors, security system engineers, information security officers (CISOs), security auditors, enterprise risk managers, IT consultants, and professionals overseeing governance and compliance.
To qualify for the CISM exam and certification, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:
Experience Substitutions (Optional)
Candidates may be eligible for a waiver of up to two years of general information security experience. Additionally, only one experience substitution is allowed, and proper documentation is required. More details on eligible substitutions can be provided upon request.
To validate professional experience, candidates must submit references who can independently verify their job responsibilities in information security. These references may include:
Please note: Family members and personnel from the Human Resources department are not eligible to serve as verifiers.
1.01 Course Introduction
1.02 Information Security Governance: Overview
1.03 Effective Information Security Governance
1.04 Information Security Concepts and Technologies
1.05 Technologies
1.06 Scope and Charter of Information Security Governance
1.07 Information Security Governance Metrics
1.08 Information Security Strategy: Overview
1.09 Creating Information Security Strategy
1.10 Overview of Information Security Governance
1.11 Roles and Responsibilities in Information Security
1.12 Governance of Third-Party Relationships
1.13 Obtaining Senior Management Commitment
1.14 The Feasibility Study and the Business Case
1.15 Information Security Governance Metrics
1.16 Information Security Strategy Overview
1.17 COBIT
1.18 ISO Standards
2.01 Information Risk Management and Compliance
2.02 Good Information Security Risk Management
2.03 Risk Assessment
2.04 Controls Countermeasures
2.05 Recovery Time Objective
2.06 Risk Monitoring and Communication
2.07 Risk Management: Overview
2.08 Good Information Security Risk Management
2.09 Information Security Risk Management Concepts
2.10 Implementing Risk Management
2.11 Testing Response and Recovery Plans
2.12 Risk Assessment
2.13 Controls Countermeasures
2.14 Recovery Time Objectives
2.15 Risk Monitoring and Communication
3.01 Development of Information Security Program
3.02 Information Security Program Objectives
3.03 Information Security Program Development Concepts
3.04 Scope and Charter of Information Security Program Development
3.05 Information Security Framework Components
3.06 Implementing an Information Security Program
3.07 Information Infrastructure and Architecture
3.08 Information Security Program
3.09 Security Program Services and Operational Activities
3.10 Overview of Information Security Programme Management
3.11 Program Objectives for Information Security
3.12 Components of an Information Security Framework
3.13 Creating a Road Map for an Information Security Programme
3.14 Policy, Standards, and Procedures
3.15 Budget for Security
3.16 Administration and Management of Security Programmes
3.17 Privacy Regulations
3.18 Architecture of Information Security
3.19 Implementation of Architecture
3.20 Cloud Computing
3.21 Countermeasures and Controls
3.22 Metrics and Monitoring for Security Programmes
3.23 Security Education and Training
4.01 Incident Management: Overview
4.02 Incident Response: Procedures
4.03 Incident Management: Organization
4.04 Incident Management: Resources
4.05 Incident Management: Objectives
4.06 Incident Management: Metrics and Indicators
4.07 Current State of Incident Response Capability
4.08 Developing an Incident Response Plan
4.09 Information Security Incident Management
4.10 Incident Response Procedures
4.11 Incident Management: Organization
4.12 Incident Management: Resources
4.13 Incident Management: Objectives
4.14 Incident Management: Metrics and Indicators
4.15 Current State of Incident Response Capability
4.16 Develop an Incident Response Plan
4.17 BCP DRP
4.18 Testing Response and Recovery Plans
4.19 Executing the Plan
5.01 Air Traffic Control
5.02 CISM solution
5.03 IT Security Governance
5.04 Program Office Unique Framework
5.05 Is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Effective?
5.06 Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
5.07 Information Security Risks Assessment
5.08 Impact Controls
5.09 Custom Incident Management Software
5.10 Incident Management Process
5.11 Information Security Program Development and Management
5.12 Developing Cyber Risk Management Strategy
5.13 Good Practices for Managing Information Risk
5.14 Managing Information Security Risk
5.15 Information Risk Management Communication
5.16 Stages of Information Security and Risk Management
5.17 Incident Risk: Management Functions
5.18 Information Risk: Management Introduction
5.19 Information Security: Incident Management
5.20 Process
5.21 How It Works?
5.22 Best Practices
5.23 Information Security Incident Management: Objectives
5.24 Responsibilities and Procedures
5.25 CISM Course Summary
To achieve the CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) designation, candidates must successfully pass the CISM exam and meet a set of professional and ethical standards. This includes:
All professional experience must be independently verified by your employers. For complete certification guidelines, candidates can refer to the official CISM certification requirements on the governing body's website.
If a student does not pass the official ISACA CISM exam, we offer a free exam retake voucher to support a second attempt.
To be eligible for the retake voucher, the following conditions must be met:
Before applying for certification, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
These requirements ensure that certified professionals have both practical and strategic knowledge of information security management.
To receive your CISM course completion certificate, learners must meet specific criteria based on the chosen learning mode:
For Online Self-Learning:
For Instructor-Led Live Training:
Completing these requirements demonstrates a foundational understanding of the course material and prepares you to attempt the official CISM exam confidently.
Yes, Nvidya’s CISM certification course includes a full-length mock exam that mirrors the structure and difficulty level of the real CISM test. This practice test is designed to help learners familiarize themselves with the types of questions asked, improve time management skills, and assess their readiness before taking the official exam. It’s a valuable tool to boost your confidence and performance.
All four CISM domains are essential, but each carries a different percentage of the exam weight. Prioritizing based on their weightage can help maximize your score. As per the official blueprint:
While higher-weighted domains like Information Security Program and Incident Management deserve special attention, it’s important not to overlook the others. Many exam questions are integrated and draw from multiple domains, so a well-rounded preparation strategy is key.
At Nvidya, we support your certification journey with a fair retake policy. Learners may become eligible for a complimentary exam retake voucher if they meet the following conditions:
This policy is designed to encourage focused preparation while offering a second chance to those who are fully committed.
““More than just a certification, this training brought measurable impact to our operations.””
“As the IT Risk Lead at a mid-sized financial services firm, I was tasked with upskilling our InfoSec team to meet global compliance standards. We chose Nvidya’s corporate CISM training program, and it was a game-changer. The content was not only aligned with ISACA’s best practices, but the real-world case studies, practical labs, and expert-led sessions helped our team connect theory to practice. Within weeks, we noticed a sharper approach to risk governance, better audit preparedness, and a unified understanding of our security framework. Four of my team members cleared the CISM exam on their first try. More than just a certification, this training brought measurable impact to our operations.”
““Clearing CISM in my first attempt felt easy after this program.””
“Working as an independent security consultant, I knew earning the CISM certification would boost my credibility—but self-study wasn’t cutting it. I enrolled in Nvidya’s online live training and honestly, it exceeded my expectations. The live classes kept me motivated, and the instructors—who were ISACA-certified professionals—shared real consulting scenarios that helped me truly understand governance, risk, and control from a manager’s lens.”
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The CISM exam fee is USD 575 for candidates who hold an active ISACA membership, while non-members are charged USD 760. Since these rates are set by ISACA, it's best to refer to their official website for the latest pricing information.
The CISM exam uses a scaled scoring system from 200 to 800. A perfect score of 800 means every question was answered correctly, while 200 is the lowest possible score. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 450.
After completing your CISM course with Nvidya, you will be awarded a course completion certificate along with 16 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. These certificates help showcase your learning and support your ongoing career growth.
The CISM exam is offered three times a year—in July, September, and December—by ISACA. Exams are held at authorized test centres worldwide. To view updated exam dates and locations, visit ISACA’s official page: www.isaca.org/certification/pages/exam-locations.aspx.
Yes, if you're unable to appear for the scheduled CISM exam, ISACA allows you to defer your exam registration to a future exam window. This process may include specific deadlines and associated fees. For complete information on how to request a deferral, visit the official ISACA exam deferral page: www.isaca.org/certification/pages/exam-deferral.aspx.
Absolutely. At Nvidya, we guide learners through the CISM exam application process. Whether you're submitting documents or seeking clarification about requirements, our support team is here to assist you every step of the way. Reach out to us via email or live chat for personalized help.
To learn more about Nvidya’s CISM training program, simply fill out the contact form on our website or initiate a live chat. Our learning advisors are ready to provide detailed insights into the curriculum, enrollment process, and how this course can benefit your cybersecurity career.
While earning your CISM credential is a major achievement, continuous learning is essential in the fast-evolving cybersecurity space. After CISM, you may consider advancing your skills with globally recognized certifications such as
To earn the CISM certification, you must pass the CISM exam and fulfill ISACA’s work experience requirements—specifically, a minimum of five years of full-time experience in information security management. Once these criteria are met, you can submit your CISM certification application along with the processing fee for review and approval.
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a globally recognized credential tailored for professionals involved in managing enterprise-level information security. It validates your skills in designing and overseeing security architecture, managing risks, handling incidents, and implementing security governance frameworks. CISM is especially valuable for roles in large organizations and government institutions where robust security management is essential.
The CISM certification focuses on four key areas of information security management:
These domains are designed to help professionals lead, design, and manage security systems within organizations effectively.
Anyone with a strong interest in information security management can sit for the CISM exam. However, to earn the official certification, candidates must have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in information security or similar roles. This experience must be verified at the time of applying for certification. You can take the exam without this experience, but certification is only granted once all eligibility requirements are met.
The CISM credential provides multiple professional advantages:
To become a CISM-certified professional, candidates must meet the following requirements:
CISM is ideal for professionals who aspire to move into leadership and strategic roles in cybersecurity. If your goal is to manage enterprise security, oversee risk frameworks, or lead incident response teams, this certification is a valuable investment. It's particularly suited for those pursuing careers as security managers, consultants, or IT governance leaders.
To boost your success rate, consider enrolling in Nvidya’s CISM training program. Our course offers a structured learning path covering all four CISM domains, supported by hands-on projects, practice exams, and real-world scenarios. Consistent study, domain-focused preparation, and expert-led guidance significantly improve your chances of passing on the first try.
The CISM exam is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. To pass and qualify for certification, you must earn a scaled score of at least 450. This reflects a competent understanding of the subject matter as defined by ISACA.
The CISM certification remains valid for three years from the date of issuance. To maintain the credential, professionals must pay an annual maintenance fee—USD 45 for ISACA members and USD 85 for non-members—and earn the required Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to remain in good standing.
To renew your CISM certification, you must submit proof of the required number of CPE credits and pay the annual maintenance fee for each year. This ensures your skills remain current and your certification status stays active in ISACA’s records.
Earning a CISM certification can greatly boost your career in cybersecurity by validating your skills in managing enterprise-level information security programs. It opens up leadership opportunities and strengthens your credibility in the industry, often leading to higher salaries and better job security.
However, the certification journey does require a considerable investment of time, effort, and financial resources. With structured training programs like those offered by Nvidya, learners can navigate this path more efficiently through expert guidance and hands-on learning tools.
While official failure rates aren't published, the CISM exam is known to be challenging due to its management-level focus. Success largely depends on preparation quality and practical experience. Nvidya’s focused training programs—including detailed modules, mock tests, and expert mentorship—are designed to increase your chances of passing the exam on the first attempt.
CISM can be demanding, particularly for those new to security management frameworks. It covers high-level topics like governance, risk management, and compliance, which require both theoretical understanding and strategic thinking. At Nvidya, we simplify these concepts through engaging content, real-world examples, and structured learning paths—making the course more approachable and easier to master.
CISM and CISSP cater to different professional goals, making direct comparisons difficult. CISM focuses on managing and designing security programs from a business perspective, while CISSP is broader and more technical. Some may find CISSP more complex due to its breadth, while others find CISM more challenging due to its strategic focus. Nvidya helps learners choose and prepare for the certification that best fits their career goals through targeted, role-based learning support.
To maintain your CISM credential, you must earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits annually and pay a yearly maintenance fee to ISACA. Nvidya supports your long-term success by offering continuous learning resources that help you stay current with evolving trends in cybersecurity and meet your renewal requirements with ease.
Yes, the CISM certification is valid for three years and must be renewed to remain active. Renewal requires submitting CPE credits and paying a renewal fee. Nvidya equips you with the tools, guidance, and resources to navigate the renewal process confidently and ensure you uphold your certification without interruption.
Effective preparation for the CISM exam includes studying official exam domains, using updated study materials, taking practice tests, and gaining real-world insights into security governance and risk management. Nvidya's well-structured training programs offer in-depth modules, expert-led sessions, and practical case studies that prepare you for the exam with confidence and clarity.
Study duration varies by individual, but most professionals typically spend between 3 to 6 months preparing for the CISM exam. Nvidya helps you optimize your study time through bite-sized content, personalized study plans, and flexible learning options that adapt to your pace and experience level.
CISM certification demonstrates advanced knowledge in managing enterprise information security, aligning security strategies with business goals, and handling risk effectively. It is a highly regarded credential for leadership roles in cybersecurity. Nvidya’s program empowers you with strategic insights and managerial skills, making you a standout candidate in the cybersecurity job market.
Yes, Nvidya offers comprehensive corporate training solutions tailored for organizations seeking to upskill their workforce in cybersecurity and related technologies. Our solutions include role-specific learning paths, hands-on labs, and access to a robust digital learning library—designed to support enterprise learning and digital transformation goals.
Missing a live class won't impact your course completion. Nvidya offers a 'Learn at Your Pace' feature that allows you to access recorded sessions anytime. This flexibility ensures you can catch up on missed content without affecting your progress or eligibility for certification.
Nvidya offers a wide range of cybersecurity programs to suit professionals at every level. Our catalog includes Ethical Hacking, CISSP, CISA, Cybersecurity Bootcamps, and foundational courses in security operations and risk assessment—each designed to provide actionable skills aligned with real-world industry needs.
Professionals who’ve completed the CISM course with Nvidya often highlight the real-world relevance of our content, clarity of instruction, and flexibility in learning. Our industry-aligned curriculum, expert mentors, and hands-on approach have consistently earned high ratings from learners across domains.
Nvidya’s CISM certification training is ideal for both early-career professionals and experienced practitioners. While a bachelor's degree is recommended, no prior work experience is mandatory. A foundational understanding of cybersecurity is helpful but not a strict requirement to begin your learning journey.
Nvidya provides a complete learning experience with exam-focused resources, domain-wise study guides, live sessions with experts, and practical scenarios. Our training ensures you not only understand the theory but can also apply concepts in real-world situations—boosting your chances of success on the CISM exam.