In today’s competitive job market, IT and cybersecurity professionals are constantly looking for ways to stand out. Two of the most valuable certifications in the field—Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Project Management Professional (PMP)—are often pursued separately but earning both can unlock a wealth of career opportunities. Let’s explore what each covers, the exam experiences, career prospects, and the benefits of holding both certifications, as well as potential earning increases.
What Do CISSP and PMP Cover?
CISSP Certification
The CISSP certification, issued by ISC2, is a globally recognized credential for cybersecurity professionals. It validates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program. The CISSP exam covers eight domains:
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
PMP Certification
The PMP certification, administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), allows candidates to demonstrate proficiency in project management methodologies, leadership, and organizational skills. The PMP exam is structured around three domains:
- People (leading and motivating teams)
- Process (preparing for the technical aspects of managing projects)
- Business Environment (aligning projects with organizational strategy)
What to Expect When You Take an Exam
CISSP Exam
- Format: 100-150 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions
- Duration: 3 hours
- Scoring: 700 out of 1000 to pass
- Focus: The exam tests technical knowledge and the application of managerial cybersecurity concepts.
PMP Exam
- Format: 180 multiple-choice, multiple-response, matching, and hotspot questions
- Duration: 230 minutes
- Scoring: PMI does not publish exact passing scores but uses a proficiency-level model.
- Focus: The exam assesses both predictive (traditional waterfall), agile, and hybrid project management approaches.
Career Paths for CISSP + PMP Holders
Earning the certifications together positions a candidate as a highly skilled expert who can bridge the gap between cybersecurity and project management. Some potential career paths include:
- Cybersecurity Project Manager – Overseeing security implementations and ensuring compliance.
- IT Director or CIO – Managing both cybersecurity initiatives and enterprise-wide IT projects.
- Risk Manager – Aligning security policies with business risk strategies.
- Security Consultant – Advising organizations on both project and security best practices.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – Leading an organization’s information security program with strong project management skills.
Salary and Earnings Potential
Individually, both CISSP and PMP certifications are known for increasing a candidate’s earning potential. According to industry reports:
- CISSP-certified professionals earn an average of $120,000–$150,000 per year (ISC2, 2024).
- PMP-certified professionals earn an average of $100,000–$130,000 per year (PMI Salary Survey, 12th Edition).
Maximize Your Success with Boson Software
To help professionals achieve both certifications efficiently, Boson offers a bundled kit featuring ExSim-Max for CISSP and ExSim-Max for PMP. This exclusive package provides comprehensive exam simulations, ensuring you’re fully prepared for both exams at a discounted price.
Invest in your future by mastering both cybersecurity and project management. With the right preparation, you can unlock new career opportunities and significantly boost your earning potential.
