CRISC and CISM are both advanced ISACA certifications focusing on governance and risk. CRISC specializes in IT risk management and mitigation, while CISM covers broader information security management. CRISC is more focused while CISM is more comprehensive.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| ISACA CRISC | ISACA CISM | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | ISACA | ISACA |
| Exam Code | CRISC | CISM |
| Level | Advanced | Advanced / Expert |
| Cost | $575 (member) / $760 (non-member) | $575 (member) / $760 (non-member) |
| Duration | 240 min | 240 min |
| Questions | 150 | 150 |
| Passing Score | 450/800 | 450/800 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | Three years of IT risk management experience; at least one domain must have hands-on experience | Five years of information security management experience; substitutions and waivers available for up to two years |
| Avg Salary Range | $110,000–$155,000 | $120,000–$165,000 |
Focus Areas
ISACA CRISC
IT risk identification, assessment, response, mitigation, monitoring, reporting, and integration with enterprise risk management
ISACA CISM
Information security governance, information risk management, information security program development and management, and information security incident management
Who Should Get Which?
Get ISACA CRISC if...
IT risk managers, risk analysts, compliance professionals, or anyone whose primary role involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating IT risk across the enterprise
Get ISACA CISM if...
Information security managers, program directors, or those who oversee complete security programs including risk management, governance, incident response, and program development
Recommended Order
Get CISM first for broader security management credibility, then add CRISC if you specialize in risk. CISM covers risk management as one of four domains, while CRISC makes it the entire focus.
Study Tips
CRISC dives deep into risk identification, assessment, response, and monitoring methodologies. CISM covers risk at a higher level alongside security governance, program management, and incident management. If you hold CISM, focus CRISC study on quantitative risk analysis, risk frameworks, and KRI development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ISACA CRISC and ISACA CISM?
CRISC and CISM are both advanced ISACA certifications focusing on governance and risk. CRISC specializes in IT risk management and mitigation, while CISM covers broader information security management. CRISC is more focused while CISM is more comprehensive.
Should I get ISACA CRISC or ISACA CISM first?
Get CISM first for broader security management credibility, then add CRISC if you specialize in risk. CISM covers risk management as one of four domains, while CRISC makes it the entire focus.
Who should get ISACA CRISC?
IT risk managers, risk analysts, compliance professionals, or anyone whose primary role involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating IT risk across the enterprise
Who should get ISACA CISM?
Information security managers, program directors, or those who oversee complete security programs including risk management, governance, incident response, and program development
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