CISM Resource Centre

The ISACA® Certified Information Security Manager is the fastest growing and arguably the most prestigious qualification available for Information Security managers today. CISM properly recognises that security is first and foremost a management rather than a technical issue. CISM defines the core competencies and international standards of performance that information security managers are expected to master.

The course provides an intense environment in which participants can acquire, thoroughly and properly, the skills and knowledge expected of a world-class information security manager. In the process the course provides outstanding preparation for the CISM exam.

CISM Exam

The CISM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover the CISM job practice areas. The exam is held twice per year in June and December and the next exam in 2008 will be held on Saturday 14 June 2008. Registration closes 9 April 2008. It is absolutely essential that you register by this date. Late nominations are not accepted under any circumstances. You must register for the exam directly with ISACA.

You can register online at www.isaca.org/examreg

Background to the CISM qualification.

The CISM has evolved from a comprehensive analysis of the tasks performed by, and knowledge areas that are required of, successful information security managers around the world. Five core competencies have been identified:

1. Information Security Governance
2. Risk Management
3. Information Security Program Management
4. Information Security Management
5. Response Management

The CISM qualification has been created to measure and validate the attainment of international standards of performance that information security managers are expected to master. It provides executive management with the assurance that those who have earned their CISM have the experience and knowledge to offer effective security management and consulting services.

Who should earn the CISM designation?

CISM is more than an entry-level certification. It is specifically developed for the information security professional who has acquired experience working on the front lines of information security. Individuals with three years or more of experience managing the information security function of an enterprise or performing such duties will find CISM tailored to their knowledge and skills.

Benefits of CISM Certification

• Recognition of attainment of advanced job skills as required for an information security professional
• Worldwide recognition as an information security manager
• Opportunity to build upon existing certifications/credentials already earned
• Provides tangible evidence of career growth
• Potential for a salary increase and/or promotion

Benefits of Training with ALC-PDA

• ALC-PDA is a specialist Europe and North America training company focussed on providing quality education to IT professionals in business and government. Our courses offer some key benefits:
• Outstanding world-class instructors. Ultimately the calibre of the instructor is the key determinant of the effectiveness of training.
• Independence. Our courses are independently commissioned and developed to ensure maximum ongoing relevance.
• Pre-Exam Support. All participants gain exclusive access to our CISM® Support Hotline as well as our online forums for questions, comments and resources.
• Exclusive Warranty. Extensive research, development and high-level expertise has gone into the creation of our CISM® course. We back the quality of the course unreservedly, and provide a special warranty: if, for whatever reason, the unthinkable should happen and you do not pass the exam the first time, you are entitled to re-sit the entire course, or any part thereof, at no charge.

Credits for Other Qualification

Credit can be given if you have other security qualifications. For example, those holding the CISA or CISSP or a post-graduate degree in information systems security or a related field qualify for a two-year experience waiver. Non security-related information system management experience or a skill based security certification such as GIAC or MCSE qualifies for a one-year experience waiver.

CISM Public Training

ALC-PDA brings you the "CISM's CISM" training course, led by the lead-author of ISACA's own CISM Review Manuals for 2005, 2006 and 2007 Krag Brotby.

This special 5-day training program provides an intense environment in which participants can acquire, thoroughly and properly, the skills and knowledge expected of a world-class information security manager. In the process the course provides outstanding preparation for the CISM exam.

But whether or not you intend to immediately sit for the CISM exam, this course is a powerful way to equip yourself with the knowledge of the five core competencies that define the successful information security manager.