Free CISM: Certified Information Security Manager Exam Questions and Answers
CISM is ISACA's credential for the person accountable for a security programme, not the person operating it — which is why two-thirds of the marks sit in just two domains: Information Security Program 33% and Incident Management 30%, ahead of Risk Management 20% and Governance 17%. It is 150 multiple-choice questions in four hours, scored on a 200–800 scale with 450 to pass. Registration is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members, plus a one-off $50 application fee. You can sit it before meeting the experience requirement: five years of security management within the preceding ten, across at least three domains, with up to two years waivable. Worth noting that ISACA updates the CISM exam content outline on 3 November 2026.
Candidates comparing CISM exam dumps, ExamTopics and other CISM practice tests use this page for the answers and explanations behind each question. Download the free CISM PDF, then sit the timed CISM exam simulation before booking with ISACA.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
- Exam code
- CISM
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- ISACA
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- First 10, with answers
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Question #3
The MAIN benefit of implementing a data loss prevention (DLP) solution is to:
Correct answer: C
Explanation
A data loss prevention (DLP) solution is a type of detective control that monitors and prevents unauthorized transmission or leakage of sensitive data from the organization. A DLP solution can enhance the organization’s antivirus controls by detecting and blocking malicious code that attempts to exfiltrate data, but this is not its main benefit. A DLP solution cannot eliminate the risk of data loss, as there may be other sources of data loss that are not covered by the DLP solution, such as physical theft, accidental deletion, or natural disasters. A DLP solution also does not reduce the need for a security awareness program, as human factors are often the root cause of data loss incidents. A security awareness program can educate and motivate employees to follow security policies and best practices, and to report any suspicious or anomalous activities. References = • ISACA, CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, 2020, page 79. • ISACA, CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations Database, 12th Edition, 2020, question ID 1003.
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Discussion
Explain your reasoning, not just the letterMore CISM questions
- Question 1Which of the following is the PRIMARY objective of a business impact analysis (BIA)?
- Question 2The information security manager has been notified of a new vulnerability that affects key data processing systems…
- Question 4Which of the following is PRIMARILY determined by asset classification?
- Question 5Which of the following is MOST helpful for determining which information security policies should be implemented by an…
- Question 6Which of the following is an information security manager's BEST course of action when a threat intelligence report…
All CISM: Certified Information Security Manager practice questions →
Other ISACA certifications
- CRISC: Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (opens in a new tab)
- CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor (opens in a new tab)
- CGEIT: Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (opens in a new tab)
- IT Risk Fundamentals — IT Risk Fundamentals Certificate (opens in a new tab)
- Software Development Fundamentals — Software Development Fundamentals Certificate (opens in a new tab)
- CSX-P — Cybersecurity Practitioner Certification (opens in a new tab)
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FAQ
Learn More: https://www.isaca.org/
- Q1: How much does the CISM exam cost?
- A: The exam registration fee is 575 USD for ISACA members and 760 USD for non-members, and it is non-refundable and non-transferable. After you pass, applying for the certification itself costs a one-time 50 USD processing fee.
- Q2: How many questions are on the CISM exam and how long is it?
- A: The real exam has 150 multiple-choice questions and you get four hours (240 minutes). Some items are unscored pretest questions that do not count towards your result.
- Q3: What score do I need to pass the CISM exam?
- A: ISACA reports results on a scaled range of 200 to 800 and you need 450 or higher to pass. Your result is based on the total number of correct answers, not on passing each domain separately.
- Q4: What are the CISM domains and their weightings?
- A: Until 2 November 2026 the exam is weighted Information Security Governance 17%, Information Security Risk Management 20%, Information Security Program 33% and Incident Management 30%. From 3 November 2026 the updated outline shifts this to 18%, 20%, 33% and 29% and adds enterprise architecture and information security architecture as content areas.
- Q5: What experience do I need to get CISM certified?
- A: You need five years of information security work experience, including at least three years of information security management experience in three or more of the four CISM domains, all gained within the ten years before you apply. ISACA allows experience waivers of up to two years, and you have five years after passing the exam to submit your application.
- Q6: Where can I take the CISM exam and in what languages?
- A: The exam is computer-based at PSI test centres worldwide or online with a remote proctor, and you can schedule as early as 48 hours after paying. ISACA's 2026 candidate guide lists English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, French and German for CISM.
- Q7: How many times can I retake the CISM exam?
- A: You get four attempts in a rolling 12-month period, paying the full fee each time. You must wait 30 days after a first failed attempt, then 90 days after the second and 90 days after the third.
- Q8: How long does CISM last and what does renewal involve?
- A: You keep the certification by reporting at least 20 CPE hours every year and 120 hours over each three-year cycle, and by paying an annual maintenance fee of 45 USD for members or 85 USD for non-members.
- Q9: What is the CISM: Certified Information Security Manager exam?
- A: CISM: Certified Information Security Manager is a ISACA certification exam. Judging by the questions in our bank, it concentrates on controls, establishing, governance, threat and attack.
- Q10: What topics does the CISM: Certified Information Security Manager exam cover?
- A: Questions in our CISM: Certified Information Security Manager bank cluster around controls, establishing, governance, threat, attack and indicates. Working through the full set is the quickest way to find which of these you are weakest on.
- Q11: How should I prepare for CISM: Certified Information Security Manager?
- A: Work through the CISM: Certified Information Security Manager practice questions here, checking your answer on each one, then sit the practice test to rehearse the exam under timed conditions before the real thing.
- Q12: Are these real CISM: Certified Information Security Manager exam questions?
- A: They are drawn from officially released past questions and from community members who have sat CISM: Certified Information Security Manager. Answers are verified and updated weekly.
- Q13: Where do I register for the CISM: Certified Information Security Manager exam?
- A: Register through ISACA directly at https://www.isaca.org/. Exampractice is not affiliated with ISACA and does not administer the exam.
- Q14: Is there a free CISM: Certified Information Security Manager sample?
- A: Yes. Every CISM: Certified Information Security Manager page shows a free sample of real questions. Upgrading opens the full bank and the practice test.
- Q15: What are ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) Certification Exams validate your expertise in various IT governance, risk management, cybersecurity, and audit disciplines. These certifications demonstrate your proficiency in managing and securing information systems, ensuring compliance, and enhancing IT governance.
- Q16: Why should I pursue ISACA Certification?
- A: ISACA Certification enhances your professional credibility, showcasing your skills and knowledge in IT governance, risk management, cybersecurity, and audit. This can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement in IT audit, cybersecurity, and IT management fields.
- Q17: What are the benefits of ISACA Certification?
- A: Benefits include recognition as a certified IT professional, improved job performance, access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and staying current with the latest IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity best practices.
- Q18: Who should take ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: IT auditors, cybersecurity professionals, risk managers, IT governance professionals, and anyone involved in managing and securing information systems should consider these certifications to validate their expertise and advance their careers.
- Q19: What types of ISACA Certification Exams are available?
- A: ISACA offers various certification paths, including:
- Q20: How do I prepare for ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: Preparation can include official ISACA training courses, study guides, practice exams, online tutorials, and hands-on experience in relevant IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity practices.
- Q21: Where can I take ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: ISACA Certification Exams can be taken at authorized testing centers worldwide or online through remote proctoring, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location.
- Q22: How do ISACA Certifications impact my career?
- A: ISACA Certifications significantly boost your career by demonstrating your expertise to employers, making you a more competitive candidate for advanced roles and promotions in IT audit, cybersecurity, and IT management.
- Q23: Are there any prerequisites for ISACA Certification Exams?
- A: Some exams may have prerequisites, such as educational qualifications or professional experience in IT governance, risk management, or cybersecurity. Check the specific requirements for each certification path on the ISACA website.
- Q24: How often do I need to recertify for ISACA Certifications?
- A: ISACA Certifications typically require recertification every three years, which involves earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest industry practices and standards.