The best CISM study resources for information security managers

Becoming a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) distinguishes you as having the knowledge and experience to handle complex security challenges in today's technological environment. CISMs understand the relationship between a security program and the broader business goals of their enterprise or industry. As you search for the best CISM study resources, it's important to find materials that prepare you for both the certification exam and your future role.

While cultivating their managerial skills, CISMs become security experts who can function within an elite peer network of professionals. You, too, can earn a CISM certification and take advantage of exciting career opportunities. But what are the best ways to prepare? How can you find what you need to take this vital step? Do you have the right resources? Let's explore the most effective CISM preparation resources available to help you succeed.

$150,040 average salary

ISACA CISM is one of the industry's highest-paying cybersecurity certifications. Take your information security management career to new heights and enroll now to claim your Exam Pass Guarantee!

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Free online resources for CISM exam prep

Various free CISM study materials are available to help you prepare for the certification exam without spending money upfront. These free CISM resources can be an excellent starting point in your preparation journey.

ISACA, the organization that administers the exam, provides a free CISM practice quiz to test your knowledge against the CISM domains. This gives you a baseline understanding of where you stand in your preparation.

Community forums like TechExams and Reddit have dedicated sections where you can connect with others who are studying for or have already taken the CISM exam. These platforms offer valuable insights into information security study materials and governance study resources that worked for others.

Several cybersecurity podcasts cover CISM-related topics, providing alternative ways to absorb key concepts during your commute or downtime. These audio resources often feature interviews with experienced CISMs who share their journeys and security management learning tips.

Infosec partners with ISACA for free webcasts on CISM certification topics, such as exploring the ISACA career path. You can also download Infosec's free CISSP exam tips ebook.

These free CISM resources are a great way to start your exam journey without a significant financial investment.

Online training resources for CISM exam prep

Need more structured preparation? The average CISM salary ranges from $94,000 to $232,000. Investing in quality CISM study guides and training now can significantly impact your future career and earnings. The CISM exam cost is just one expense to consider in your overall preparation budget. Here are some top CISM review materials to consider:

1. ISACA Training and Certification Boot Camp

As the official boot camp for the CISM exam, this comprehensive online review reinforces existing knowledge and enriches relevant experience. It offers all the necessary information security study materials for preparation, including:

• Official ISACA courseware
• Official ISACA practice questions
• Exam prep evening review sessions
• Training camp education guarantee

While this training camp can be taken in person, it's also offered through a web-based online service with competent, helpful instructors and a uniquely management-focused approach to common practices. ISACA also offers a "CISM Exam Preparation Community" through their website for additional support with your security certification preparation.

2. CISM Boot Camp by Infosec

With a pass rate of 94 percent, this CISM Boot Camp is considered one of the most effective CISM preparation resources in the industry. After completing this intense five-day course, you'll walk away with the knowledge, expertise and confidence to successfully pass the CISM exam. The boot camp comes with an Exam Pass Guarantee.

By reinforcing ISACA-sanctioned concepts through instructor-led training, the course carefully addresses each CISM domain exam area for concentrated study, providing comprehensive information risk management learning opportunities.

Practice and review questions, an explanation manual and sample exams are just some of the CISM study materials you'll find in the course, which prepares students through thoroughly testing knowledge and applying real-world solutions. For those seeking tips for CISM exam success, this boot camp delivers results.

3. CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database

Another valuable online resource is the CISM review questions, answers & explanations database. Offered by ISACA within your MyISACA online account, this database should be used in conjunction with the CISM review manual, 16th edition. It's one of the most comprehensive CISM review materials available directly from the certifying body.

4. Megamind Training Institute

Taught by the industry's top experts and practitioners, this training typically has limited space in its onsite program. However, live online courses with virtual instructors are now available and can be accessed from anywhere in the world via the internet.

Megamind provides an innovative curriculum with supportive, knowledgeable teachers in a virtual classroom. Experts offer a wealth of information, knowledge and practical experience, all providing genuine security management learning and application opportunities.

$150,040 average salary

ISACA CISM is one of the industry's highest-paying cybersecurity certifications. Take your information security management career to new heights and enroll now to claim your Exam Pass Guarantee!

View Pricing

Best CISM books for exam preparation

Because the CISM is a comprehensive review of four main areas: security governance, risk management, information security programs and incident management, it demands thorough knowledge of many subjects. One of the best ways to gain this knowledge is by studying books written specifically for CISM certification. Here are some of the best CISM books to consider:

1. Official ISACA Review Manual, 16th edition, eBook

Starting with the official source from the hosting organization, this CISM book is easy to access. It only requires a personal device with an internet connection and a PUB3-compatible e-Reader that uses Adobe DRM with an Adobe Content Server ID. Once you've created a login and added the resource to your online library, you can access these ISACA study guides immediately.

The eBook divides chapters into two sections. Section 1 takes you through:

• Definitions and objectives for the four domains
• Task and knowledge statements
• Self-assessment questions, answers and explanations
• Suggested resources for further study

Section 2 contains reference material and definitions of the terms most found on the CISM certification exam. This section also contains supporting content for the knowledge statements in Section 1, making it one of the most comprehensive certified information security manager books available.

2. CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Ed.

The CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Manual, 10th Edition is a great complement to the book above. This manual contains 1,000 multiple-choice questions, along with their supporting answers and explanations. This is a great study tool for those looking to take the CISM certification exam, as practicing exam questions helps certification candidates perform better on exam day.

This book presents its questions in two different ways. The first is by domain, where the questions are organized by the domain they belong to. The second is a sample exam where the questions are scrambled, which is what exam candidates will experience on exam day, providing excellent security certification practice.

 3. Complete Guide to CISM Certification

Thomas and Justin Peltier wrote this CISM book to enhance the experience of those taking the CISM exam and related responsibilities. As a result, it's not only a great book to use when preparing for the test — it's a great reference book for the future.

It defines the various positions and responsibilities within the profession and practically identifies the inherent security risks. This governance framework can focus on how CISMs handle tasks, manage stress and use learned techniques to manage various scenarios. It covers steps and solutions for responding to incidents and even provides quizzes to test your responses. Included at the end is a 30-question workbook to prepare for the real CISM exam.

 4. CISM Certified Information Security Manager All-in-One-Exam Guide

Authored by computer security expert and speaker Peter H. Gregory, this certified information security manager book offers complete coverage of every topic in the latest version of the CISM exam in the form of a study guide.

By integrating self-study and expert information, this book will help you develop confidence while learning applicable, practical information. It focuses primarily on the exam itself — which can be wonderfully reassuring to those about to meet the challenge — by carefully reviewing each section of governance, risk management, program development and incident management.

It's a thorough and complete resource with clear learning objectives at the start of each chapter and in-depth explanations at the end of each discussion. Because it pays close attention to the current CISM exam, it offers valuable insight and advice on what to look out for and how to succeed. Through this pragmatic discussion, readers develop a more intuitive sense of what lies ahead and better confidence in their test-taking skills.

CISM practice exams to test your readiness

Many CISM practice exams are available online and in the market. Here are some of the best options to assess your exam readiness:

1. CISM training at Infosec Skills

Infosec offers a certification training exam program. By selecting the CISM cert, you can access hundreds of high-quality CISM practice exams, individual skill challenges, progressive exams and training videos. Pro users get access to a simulated exam engine as well. A grading system will help you determine your exam readiness and identify trouble areas.

2. CISM self-assessment exam by ISACA

Passing the CISM exam demands thorough knowledge and demonstration of the infosec world. As such, it's important to self-assess while preparing for the test and determining areas of strength and weakness. This CISM practice test has 50 questions covering all types of exam subject matter and offers a way to predict future success. While it doesn't guarantee passing, it's a useful tool to determine your readiness and overall strength.

3. CISM exam prep practice test by Simplilearn

You can retake this free CISM practice exam as often as necessary. Because the practice test takes 240 minutes and has 200 multiple-choice questions, it's recommended only when students feel fully prepared to do their best. You can pause and resume the test when indicated. Time, overall, is reduced accordingly.

4. CISM certified information security manager exam by Exam-labs

The Exam-labs online practice test provides hundreds of updated and authentic CISM exam questions and answers. All content is regularly reviewed and refined by industry experts and ISACA professionals, who work hard to ensure all concept coverage is thorough and accurate. This self-assessment uses a friendly website with a clear interface and no advertisements. It can also be accessed on a mobile device to study on the go.

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The employment of information systems managers is projected to grow 16% by 2031. Get your ISACA CISM to launch into the field — backed with an Exam Pass Guarantee.

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Never stop upleveling

Earning the CISM certification is a great way to uplevel your information security manager career. The best way to prepare for the CISM certification exam is to choose from the CISM study resources presented above and create your own toolbox of preparation materials.

For more information on the CISM exam and CISM CPE opportunities, visit our ISACA CISM hub.