CISM Exam Preparation: Tips & Tricks to Clear CISM on First Attempt

ISACA's CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) certification is specifically designed for cyber security operations. This qualification verifies that worldwide cyber security and information assurance executives can provide outstanding security and assurance procedures to their organizations across all organizations that collaborate with data systems. The CISM certification is ISACA-backed, and it qualifies you to work as a professional in information assurance management worldwide. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification from ISACA was created to encourage the adoption of worldwide security standards. You can check the CISM course and exam online to know more about it. Those who have passed the exam will surely agree that the CISM is a difficult exam. However, here is a list of tips and tricks to assist you in getting through your CISM exam preparation period and passing the exam on your first attempt. 

 You can also learn Cyber Security online courses to enhance your skills further.

CISM Exam - An Overview  

The Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA) offers the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification as a specialization in information security management. The certification is intended for system administrators and IT experts who assist a company's security system. An applicant must have five years of experience in the information security industry to pass the examination. You must meet two prerequisites to become CISM certified. First, you must pass the CISM exam and second, you must show that you have the requisite work experience. 

To achieve the second criteria, you must have five years of engagement in information security and three years of managerial experience in three or more key areas indicated by what ISACA calls job practice. These key areas include

• Information security management 
• Information risk management and compliance 
• Information security program development and management 
• Information security incident management 

There is some leeway here: certain lower-level certifications can be used to replace years of experience, and time spent lecturing information security at the university level can also be substituted. However, this is certainly not a certification for newbies: you must have worked in management for some time and have gone around the block a few times. 

The CISM exam is the most important part of the certification process. It encompasses all four of the above-mentioned job practice areas equally. On IASCA's website, you'll find a detailed overview of the key domains, sub-topics, and objectives on which you'll be examined. To utilize that link, you'll have to register and log in with IASCA, but there's no price for doing so. The CISM exam can be conducted online or in-person and has 200 questions, graded on a range of 200 to 800, with 450 being a qualifying mark, similar to the SAT. If you don't qualify the first time, you can reapply for the exam up to four times yearly. The CISM examination is a multiple-choice examination, just like the SAT. 

In contrast to most multiple-choice examinations, most questions here offer at least three possible solutions. The CISM examination isn't very affordable. Typically people will spend $760, although ISACA members can get it at a reduced rate of $575. ISACA membership is $130 per year, plus a one-time registration charge and local chapter dues, albeit there are other perks besides the examination fees discount. 

Obtaining a CISM certification shows you have the knowledge and expertise to grasp the link between an information security programme and larger business goals. This specific skill set is in high demand and is a great way to advance your career. Here are some helpful CISM exam tips. 

CISM Preparation Tips  

1. Candidates must read the ISACA's candidate information guide 

ISACA annually offers a revised edition of its candidate handbook, containing a wealth of useful material for the CISM exam. The most recent edition is free from the ISACA website and can be used to study critical themes such as exam registration, deadlines, and key facts for exam-day administration. It includes details like exam domains, number of examination questions, duration, and languages. This booklet is required for anyone taking the CISM exam. 

2. Make the most of the resources available to you 

Like any other ISACA major certification, reviewing the authentic CISM Exam Resources has to be a primary concern. The CISM Review Manual is detailed, straightforward, and accessible in hard-copy and ebook layouts. 

Important components such as task and knowledge objectives, self-assessment problems, recommended resources for further study, and a complete glossary containing all exam themes are included in the CISM Review Manual. Its most recent version now includes new components such as "in-practice problems," knowledge tests intended to strengthen and enrich the learning experience, and case studies, making it simpler to obtain a practical perspective on the exam subject. You can also take a CISM online practice test to evaluate your understanding of the course.

3. Develop the ability to think like a manager  

The CISM exam prep, unlike other security certificates, focuses on management. While applicants must comprehend the exam's technical ideas thoroughly, it is also vital for them to act as a manager. For example, what appears to be the ideal technological solution during the examination may not be the right response. It's important to consider corporate goals, the expenses, and how a security measure might affect business operations. The ideal strategy for CISM exam preparation is to develop a management mentality and use a comprehensive, business-oriented strategy. 

4. Make a timetable 

To reach your objectives, you need to create a clear roadmap of CISM preparation time and stick to it. It would help if you did the same to prepare for the CISM certification exam. The important thing is to be realistic about your job and life responsibilities before creating your study schedule. It is important to schedule your exam preparation such that you master all of the areas while also having time to relax. 

5. Join Study Groups with Other Participants to Increase Your Knowledge 

While self-studying, it can be difficult to grasp all theories and concepts. Joining the CISM certification preparation community is the best way to get answers to your questions from experts, and it gives you the chance to ask questions about CISM-related subjects. It is arranged by community leaders who have successfully passed the CISM exam as top candidates.

6. Make use of practice exams 

Even though the CISM Review Manual covers every aspect of the test, there is no replacement for CISM practice exam questions when studying for the CISM. You can preview the format of questions you'll see on the exam paper using the practice test, and it also assists you in figuring out where you need to strengthen your skills. It will be easier to prepare for practice tests if you know which subject areas are tough to master. 

Candidates should be enthusiastic about taking the practice exam because it is an important step in evaluating their skills before taking the CISM certification. Another benefit of taking a practice test is that you should become comfortable with the exam's structure and types of questions. You can also check how long it will take to answer all the questions. Usually, skilled security managers design these exams.

7. Participate in a CISM test preparation course 

Choosing to adopt a self-study-only technique may appear to be a risky move and also not the best option. A certification preparation course allows you to spend time with a knowledgeable instructor. The in-person training gives you wonderful opportunities to get all your questions addressed, exchange experiences and methods, and even connect. As a result, you'll have a better chance of passing any certification exam. 

8. Use strategies that are based on understanding 

 It is generally ideal to comprehend rather than learn things. When you understand anything, it sticks in your mind for a long time, if not a lifetime. However, when your mind memorizes it, it can be gone in days. If you comprehend a notion, you can recollect it for a long time in your mind. 

While CISM preparation material can be complex, flashcards are easy and make studying easier. When learning materials are streamlined, it aids in a deeper understanding of the subject. It is particularly portable because books cannot be carried everywhere, but flashcards can be kept in a pocket or on your device and can be used wherever you have free time to revise. 

Tips for Exam Day  

Check that you have everything you'll need on the day of your CISM exam by consulting the Exam Candidate Guide. 

While staying up all night doing a last round of preparation may sound like a good idea, last-minute study is rarely beneficial and can even cause anxiety. If you believe the last review is necessary, conduct a selective reading instead.

Candidates may attain a high degree of concentration during the examination. This means you'll be more focused, which is helpful for problem-solving but might lead to you losing track of time, so keep in mind to have enough time to go through all of the questions in the examination. 

Even though you just have a limited amount of time, it is critical not to rush. Candidates must take their time, read every problem and answer carefully, and make sure they understand the question. 

Maintaining a calm demeanor will help you concentrate better. Your results will almost certainly be excellent if you execute your study plan perfectly.

Conclusion  

Getting the CISM certification is a fantastic method to show that people are serious about their information security management abilities. It will demonstrate that they have advanced information security experience and expertise, as well as the necessary knowledge and skills to build and manage a comprehensive information security program. The KnowledgeHut CISM Course and exam will help you pass the CISM test on your first attempt and distinguish yourself as an expert with relevant experience managing enterprise IT risk and maintaining information systems controls.