Exam Comparison
CISSP vs PMP
Comparing the ISC2 CISSP and the PMI Project Management Professional (PMP).
The Bottom Line
Security leadership versus project leadership, take the one that matches the job you are becoming. The pairing itself is powerful for security program and project managers, but as a first pick: CISSP if your work is security, PMP if your work is delivery.
CISSP vs PMP: At a Glance
| Detail | CISSP | PMP |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | ISC2 CISSP | PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) |
| Governing Body | ISC2 | PMI |
| Number of Questions | 125 | 180 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours | 230 minutes |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | Above Target / Target / Below Target across 3 domains (no numeric score) |
| Exam Fee | $699 USD | $405 (PMI members) / $555 (non-members) |
| Category | IT Certifications | Professional Certifications |
| C3RT App | Cyber Security Cert Exam Prep: CISSP, CEH & CySA+ Soon | IT Management Cert Exam Prep: PMP, CISM, CISA & Java Soon |
Content Areas Compared
CISSP Domains
- Security and Risk Management(15%)
- Asset Security(10%)
- Security Architecture and Engineering(13%)
- Communication and Network Security(13%)
- Identity and Access Management(13%)
- Security Assessment and Testing(12%)
- Security Operations(13%)
- Software Development Security(11%)
PMP Domains
- People(42%)
- Process(50%)
- Business Environment(8%)
- Delivery Approaches (Predictive, Agile, Hybrid)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CISSP and PMP?
The CISSP certifies broad security expertise at design-and-management altitude, requiring five years of security experience. The PMP certifies project leadership across methodologies, requiring three-plus years of leading projects. There is no content overlap worth mentioning, the comparison only arises because both are senior, exam-plus-experience credentials that mid-career IT professionals weigh when choosing a direction.
Can I take both the CISSP and the PMP?
Security program managers, consultants who deliver security engagements, and defense-sector leads get real leverage from the pair: CISSP for domain authority, PMP for delivery credibility. Two CPE/PDU regimes is genuine overhead, but overlapping education credits (a security-project course can feed both) blunt the cost.
Which should I take first, CISSP or PMP?
Follow the work you actually do or want: securing systems and running security programs points to the CISSP; delivering projects, migrations, and rollouts points to the PMP. If you genuinely straddle both, security program management, GRC delivery, take the one your next promotion requires and schedule the other within two years.
Does C3RT cover both the CISSP and the PMP?
C3RT is building apps for both the CISSP and the PMP. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The ISC2 CISSP (CISSP) is administered by ISC2. The PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) (PMP) is administered by PMI. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.