Join Telegram Study Group ▷
PMP otherwise known as Project Management Professional and CISSP which is known as Certified Information Systems Security Professional are two top-level certifications that are both are the gold standard credentials of their domains, PMP is considered for project management while, CISSP for cybersecurity. PMP vs CISSP, which is harder? I think that the correct answer to this question would be that it is quite tough to prepare for both PMP and CISSP as both of them would be professional-level certifications. Is PMP difficult or is CISSP difficult? I would say that both the PMP difficulty and the CISSP difficulty can be challenging. The pass rates for both exams are not published, but it is said that less than 50% of people pass the CISSP exam on the first try. The numbers for the PMP exam are said to be similar.
however, it would be depending on your career path and professional background that what certification you wish to choose to prepare for.
Also, these certifications demand certain years of experience as well as have rigid experience requirements for the eligibility for taking the certification exam. Let’s consider both of the certifications and if you wish to pursue any of it, you should opt for the PMP training courses which are being offered at the SPOTO Club.
Is PMP difficult?
The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours. These questions often have more than one "correct answer". This makes it a little bit tricky as you need to find out multiple correct answers.
If we would be calculating the level of difficulty scale to 1-10, PMP would come at about 9.5. It is considered to be a four-hour test as well as the mathematical calculations in PMP are considered to be very intensive compared to CISSP. PMP isn’t much of a technical exam but purely top-level stuff. 80% of the PMP exams are scenario-based. You have to do good practice only, re-read a few of them before the exam aborted. PMP is wide and deep.
However, you would be required to know the experience requirements for satisfying the eligibility criteria for the PMP certification:
A secondary degree, which would be about high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent.
7,500 hours leading and directing projects
35 hours of project management education
OR
A four-year degree
4,500 hours leading and directing projects
35 hours of project management education
Is CISSP difficult?
CISSP is a purely technical exam but the exam is harder and questions come out of the blue like a thunderbolt. CISSP is harder because it covers so many topics and the human mind is only good to remember a few topics. CISSP is wide but not very deep.
The CISSP certification has specific experience requirements associated with it too, To get certified for it, you need to have at least five years of relevant industry experience, and you would be required to be mindful about at least 2 out of the eight Common Body of Knowledge domains:
Domain 1: Security and Risk Management
Domain 2: Asset Security
Domain 3: Security Architecture and Engineering
Domain 4: Communication and Network Security
Domain 5: Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Domain 6: Security Assessment and Testing
Domain 7: Security Operations
Domain 8: Software Development Security
For clearing the PMP exam, you would require to get the PMP training which includes the required PDUs, mock sessions, exam simulators, and interactive lectures. I work as a Training Consultant at my IT organization and we have been getting our professionals trained for the PMP and CISSP courses to enhance their competencies and make the best use of them for our organization.
If you ask me which is more difficult, it is hard to pick but both are hard. Reading for PMP would be usually enjoyable but CISSP is considered to be on a harder level. It would be a good challenge for the preparation for the exam.
How CISSP Is Different from PMP?
The CISSP (Securing the World of Information Systems)certification is designed for professionals who specialize in information systems security. It validates a comprehensive understanding of security concepts and practices, making it ideal for individuals involved in designing, implementing, and managing an organization's security infrastructure. CISSP covers a wide range of domains, including security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.
On the other hand, PMP certification focuses on project management, making it an excellent choice for professionals seeking to enhance their project management skills and demonstrate their ability to lead and direct projects.It covers various aspects of project management, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.
PMP certification is beneficial for individuals who work as project managers, project coordinators, team leads, or any other roles that involve overseeing projects from initiation to completion. To qualify for the PMP exam, candidates need a combination of education and professional experience. They must have a four-year degree (or equivalent) along with a minimum of three years of project management experience, or a high school diploma (or equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience.
Both CISSP and PMP certifications hold immense value in their respective domains and offer excellent career prospects. It ultimately comes down to your professional aspirations and interests. Consider your long-term goals
Contrasting Features of CISM and CISSP
CISM is a certification offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and is designed for professionals involved in managing, designing, and overseeing an enterprise's information security program. The CISM certification focuses on the governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) aspects of information security.
CISSP is a certification offered by (ISC)² (International Information System Security Certification Consortium) and is widely recognized as a benchmark for expertise in the field of information security. The CISSP certification covers a broad range of topics and focuses on the technical and operational aspects of information security.
Key difference
• Focus: The primary distinction between CISM and CISSP lies in their areas of focus. CISM places a stronger emphasis on management, governance, and risk-related aspects of cybersecurity, while CISSP covers a broader range of technical domains.
• Career Path: CISM is well-suited for professionals aspiring to managerial or leadership roles in information security. It equips individuals with the skills needed to design and manage security programs, align security with business objectives, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. On the other hand, CISSP is suitable for professionals looking to specialize in technical domains such as network security, cryptography, and software development security.
Which Is Better for Your Career?
Choosing between CISM and CISSP depends on your career goals and interests. Here are some factors to consider:
• Career Focus: If you are more interested in information security management, CISM may be the better choice. It provides a deep understanding of governance, risk management, and compliance, which are critical for managing an organization's information security program.
• Technical Expertise: If you enjoy working with technical aspects of cybersecurity, CISSP might be a better fit. It covers a broader range of domains, including technical areas like cryptography and network security.
• Experience: Both certifications have experience requirements, but CISM places more emphasis on information security management experience, while CISSP allows for a broader range of cybersecurity experience.
• Industry Recognition: Both certifications are well-respected in the industry. However, CISSP has been around for a longer time and may have more recognition in certain sectors, such as government and defense.
Ultimately, the choice between CISM and CISSP depends on your career aspirations and the specific cybersecurity roles you wish to pursue.
Is CISM tougher than CISSP?
When it comes to determining which exam is tougher, it largely depends on an individual's background, experience, and areas of interest within the cybersecurity field. However, there are some observations mentioned below:
• Breadth vs. Depth: The CISSP exam covers a wider range of cybersecurity domains, requiring candidates to possess a comprehensive understanding of various areas. In contrast, the CISM exam focuses more on specific management and governance aspects of information security.
• Technical vs. Managerial: CISSP tends to have a more technical orientation, testing candidates' knowledge of technical security controls, cryptography, and network security. On the other hand, CISM emphasizes managerial skills, risk management, and governance frameworks.
• Experience Matters: While both certifications require professional experience in the field of information security, CISSP typically requires five years of cumulative, paid work experience.
How to pass PMP exam?
It is developed and maintained by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PMP exam is known for its rigor and comprehensive assessment of project management knowledge and skills. PMP equips you with the necessary skills to effectively manage projects across industries and sectors, enabling you to take on roles such as project manager, program manager, or project consultant. It is difficult because of vast knowledge base, complex scenario-based questions, time constraints.
Tips For Passing The PMP Exam
• Thorough Exam Preparation
• Utilize PMI resources
• Create a study plan
• Utilise study quides and practice tests
• Focus on Exam-taking strategies
• Take Mock Exams
• Maintain a positive mindset
Ending Remarks,
These certifications hold immense value in the job market, and earning them through Amazon Certification Preparation can have a significant impact on career growth and professional development. So, if you're looking to validate your expertise in cloud computing and stand out from the competition, consider leveraging the resources provided by Amazon Certification Preparation.
I suggest that you should get the training from some good and well-reputed training providers if you want to clear the PMP or CISSP certification exam. You will get the best training services with hands-on practice, mock sessions, exam simulators, and very resourceful reference material to make your exam-prep easier for getting certified.
So, if you wish to opt for any of the Certification, you should gain some good study courses, like that provided by the SPOTO Club.
More Recommended Articles
1. How Dany Cracked Her CISSP Exam
2. CISA vs CISSP vs CIA vs CISM Comparison of Career
3. Top 9 CISSP exam workbook SPOTO Recommends
4. Seven Tips for How to Pass the CISSP Exam on Your First Attempt
