CISA vs CISM: Which Should You Take First?

Training delivered by Virtual Infrastructure Services LLC — an accredited ISACA Training Organization.

CISA and CISM are ISACA's two most sought-after credentials — but they serve different roles. CISA certifies the people who audit and assess IT; CISM certifies the people who manage and lead information security.

CISA vs CISM at a glance

What CISA is

Certified Information Systems Auditor is recognized internationally as the leading certification for IT audit professionals, and is often a mandatory requirement for an IS auditor role. CISAs audit, control, monitor and assess information technology and business systems across five domains, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.

What CISM is

Certified Information Security Manager is the preferred credential for security managers — the only major certification focused on strategic enterprise information security management. CISM validates the ability to build and run a security program and to communicate risk to the business in terms leadership understands.

Which should you take first?

If you audit, assess or verify controls — or you're earlier in a GRC career — CISA is the natural foundation. If you already work in security and are moving into management or leadership, CISM maps to where you're headed. When in doubt, many practitioners start with CISA and add CISM as they move toward management.

Can you hold both?

Yes — CISA and CISM are complementary, and many professionals hold both. CISA demonstrates audit and assurance depth; CISM demonstrates security-management maturity. Together they cover both sides of the "assess it" and "run it" divide.

Frequently asked questions

Is CISA or CISM harder?

Neither is objectively harder; they test different skill sets. CISA is audit- and process-oriented across five domains, while CISM is management- and strategy-oriented across four. Choose the one that matches your role and experience.

Do CISA and CISM have the same experience requirement?

Both require five years of relevant experience. CISM additionally expects at least three of those years in information security management. Certain substitutions and waivers may apply — check ISACA's current requirements.

Which pays more, CISA or CISM?

In North America, CISM reports a slightly higher average salary (about $158K vs $142K for CISA), reflecting its management focus. Actual pay depends on role, region and experience.