CISSP Vs. PMP - Which Will Open Doors to New Opportunities?

A certification in the relevant field is always suggested for career growth. However, the individual must know which certifications are beneficial and will lead them in their career. Two certifications have become popular recently for IT professionals and project managers: CISSP and PMP. Both certifications differ, but people are usually confused about which to choose.

This blog will help you better understand, clarify your confusion, and learn whether CISSP Vs. PMP is best for your career. You can learn about each certification in detail and make a clear decision about which certification is suitable for your career.

What is CISSP?

CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional. The certificate is recognized globally and offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2.

CISSP certification is crafted for professionals who have skills and knowledge related to the field of information security. The certification helps to verify how well an individual understands cybersecurity principles, tools, and techniques in various domains. How the professional can manage risks and mitigate them smoothly. Also know about security behaviors of the organization, i.e., asset security, communication, and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.

Candidate with the CISSP certification validates that the individual effectively plans, creates, executes, and manages a successful cybersecurity program.

How do you qualify for CISSP certification?

To qualify for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification:

• Candidates need to pass the exam and have a minimum of five years of professional experience in two or more of the eight domains (paid experience)
• You can substitute one year of paid experience with a relevant four-year academic degree or certificate.

Who can opt for CISSP certification?

• Chief Information Security Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Director of Security
• IT Director/Manager
• Security Systems Engineer
• Security Analyst
• Security Manager
• Security Auditor
• Security Architect
• Security Consultant
• Network Architect

What is PMP?

PMP stands for Project Management Professional. The certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is recognized globally. It is for professionals who possess proficiency in project management methodologies, processes, and best practices.

Individuals with PMP certification signify that they know the basic knowledge and skills. This is helpful to lead and manage projects with different complications and sizes and deliver successful projects. The PMP-certified professionals are well-tailored to plan, design, execute, monitor, and control the projects as per business objectives and priorities and deliver as per stakeholder requirements.

How do you qualify for PMP certification?

To qualify for the Project Management Professional certification:

• Four years of degree certification 
• Three years of experience as a project lead within the past eight years

OR

• High School or Secondary School Diploma
• Five years of experience as a project lead within the past eight years

A standard criterion is CAPM certification or 35 hours of project management education/training.

Read More aboutPMP Exam Eligibility.

Who can opt for PMP certification?

• Aspiring Project Managers
• Project Team Members Seeking PMP
• Experienced/Senior Project Managers
• Project Coordinators
• IT Project Managers
• Project Leaders
• Project Analysts
• Team Leaders
• Program Managers
• Product Manager

After getting a fair idea about CISSP and PMP individually, let us look at the differences. 

Difference Between CISSP and PMP

CISSP and PMP are two different professional certifications representing the importance of their respective fields and career paths. Below is a detailed comparison between both certifications.

• Application:

CISSP: This certification is majorly relevant to professionals working in information security fields such as IT security, cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance. It is also important for individuals seeking to authenticate proficiency in this specific domain.

PMP: This certification is suitable for multiple industries and project management, including software development, construction, engineering, and others. It is an adaptable credential for individuals seeking knowledge of project management foundations and concepts.

• Focus and Scope:

CISSP: This certification focuses specifically on information security, including the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad) of information assets. It ensures that the individual has the knowledge and skills to plan, develop, execute, and manage an organization's information security program.

PMP: The certification focuses on project management principles, concepts, tools, and techniques and also considers various methodologies and frameworks. It equips individuals with the skills to initiate, plan, execute, and monitor projects and ensure successful delivery across diverse industries and contexts.

• Knowledge Areas:

CISSP: Covers a specific set of information on cyber security domains, including security and risk management, asset security, architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management (IAM), assessment and testing, operations, and software development security.

PMP: Covers a profound dimension of knowledge areas and includes tits and bits related to project management like project integration, scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, human resource management, communications management, risk management, and procurement management.

• Exam Format & Difficulty:

CISSP: It is a computer-based exam with up to 150 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions. The exam lasts for three hours. It covers the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), which is considered highly challenging. To pass the examination, the candidate must have a deep knowledge of information security concepts and an understanding of each domain.

PMP: It is an online computer-based exam with 180 multiple-choice questions. The candidate will have 230 minutes to complete the examination.

• Career & Salary Opportunities:

CISSP: CISSP is one of the highest-paid job certifications. According to a survey conducted by (ISC)2, the average salary of CISSP-certified professionals in the United States is $14k to $180k annually. This certification enhances an individual's position in information security careers and helps them deliver successful projects, increasing their potential earnings.

PMP: PMP certification has become an essential part for project management professionals. With the increase in the job market, there has also been an increase in salary and career growth. According to a recent survey by PMI, the average salary of PMP-certified professionals is $96k to $200k. Professionals looking to dive deep into project management opportunities across various industries can think about this certification. It has a potential for higher salaries depending on experience and the individual's specific role.

Similarities Between CISSP and PMP

Despite the differences between the two certifications, there are a few similarities. Let's have a look at them.

• Global Recognition: CISSP and PMP are recognized as global certifications, which gives candidates chances for international opportunities and career flexibility. Not being specific to any location is a great advantage for professionals, enabling them to pursue careers across the world.
• Management-oriented: Both certifications focus on management skills applicable to their respective domains. CISSP holders learn how to manage information security programs and ensure an organization's information assets' confidentiality, integrity, and availability. PMP professionals are experts on how to lead and guide project teams, plan and create resources, and manage risks.
• Career Advancement: CISSP and PMP can significantly improve a professional's career prospects and earning potential. These certifications enhance expertise in specific skills and knowledge and make individuals more competent for high-paying positions within their respective fields.

Which one should you choose from, CISSP or PMP?

Choosing between the two certifications may depend on an individual's interests and career goals. The CISSP specializes in information security and cybersecurity. On the other hand, the PMP is optimal for project management, illustrating effective project leadership. Professionals can understand their industry requirements, personal interests, and experience. Both certifications have great career growth opportunities and advancement.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between CISSP Vs. PMP can be a personal choice for aspirants. One can make this decision by doing market research and thinking about personal passions or seeking advice from industry-related personnel. Choosing a relevant certification to the career can give long-term results and help an individual establish a successful career.