CCNP Security vs CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional vs CISM - Certified Information Security Manager
| Factor | ✅ CCNP Security | CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional | CISM - Certified Information Security Manager | Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer | CCSP - Certified Cloud Security Professional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Cisco | ISC2 | ISACA | Google Cloud | ISC2 |
| Level | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
| Exam Cost | $400+ | $749 | $760 | $200 | $599 |
| Pass Rate | 55% | 49% | 55% | 52% | 50% |
| Avg Salary | $115K–$150K | $140K–$175K | $130K–$165K | $140K–$175K | $135K–$170K |
| Difficulty |
Hard
★★★★☆
|
Very Hard
★★★★★
|
Hard
★★★★☆
|
Hard
★★★★☆
|
Hard
★★★★☆
|
| Best For | Network security engineers with 3-5 years of Cisco security experience. | Experienced security professionals with 5+ years targeting CISO, security archit… | Security managers, directors, and professionals targeting IS management and gove… | Security professionals and cloud engineers focused on securing GCP deployments.… | Security professionals with 5+ years of IT experience, including 3 years in clou… |
| Expiry | Typically 3 years — renewal at cisco.com | Check isc2.org | Check isaca.org | Check cloud.google.com | Check isc2.org |
| Full Guide | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → |
Which Should You Choose?
The right certification depends on your current role, target employer, geography, and the specific skills gap you're trying to close. Here's a practical breakdown:
✅ Choose CCNP Security if…
You're targeting roles at organisations that specifically require Cisco credentials, or you're already working within the Cisco ecosystem. The CCNP Security carries the strongest recognition among Cisco customers and partners, and its salary premium of $115K–$150K is well-documented in the job market.
Full Guide →Consider CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional if…
You're targeting organisations in the ISC2 ecosystem, or the CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $140K–$175K. The Mensa membership of cybersecurity. Requires 5 years experience. Opens doors to CISO and security…
Full Guide →Consider CISM - Certified Information Security Manager if…
You're targeting organisations in the ISACA ecosystem, or the CISM - Certified Information Security Manager is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $130K–$165K. Management-focused security certification. Complements CISSP with stronger business alignment. Requi…
Full Guide →Detailed Analysis — CCNP Security
Strengths
- ✓Issued by Cisco — one of the most trusted credential authorities in Cybersecurity
- ✓Salary premium of $115K–$150K documented across multiple independent sources
- ✓Exam fee of $400+ — strong ROI relative to salary gain
- ✓Global recognition at enterprise employers, government agencies, and consulting firms
- ✓Covers 5 core domains including: Network security core, Firewall & VPN configuration, Intrusion prevention systems
Considerations
- ◆Pass rate is approximately 55% — structured preparation is essential, not optional
- ◆Requires significant hands-on experience — not suitable for complete beginners
- ◆Renewal required — check current requirements at cisco.com
Made your decision? Start your preparation today.
CCNP Security Full Guide → Study Roadmap → Salary Data →