BCS Foundation Certificatein Information Security Management Principles

There are no prerequisites for the BCS CISMP certification. The course is open to anyone, even those new to information security.

However, a basic understanding of IT or security controls and a good understanding of English can be beneficial. Many learners come from IT, data protection, risk, or compliance, but prior experience is not required.

If English is your second language, during your exam you’ll be entitled to:

• 25% extra time
• Use your own paper language dictionary

No, the BCS CISMP qualification doesn't expire!

Once you’ve passed your CISMP exam, your certification is valid indefinitely and ddoesn't need to be renewed.

However, because information security is a fast-moving field, it’s still important to keep your knowledge up to date through ongoing learning and professional development.

Designed to provide you with a broad understanding of information security principles, including risk management, governance, compliance, and security controls, the BCS CISMP course can also help you qualify for a range of information security roles, including:

• Information Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Analyst
• IT Security Administrator
• Risk and Compliance Analyst
• Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
• Information Governance Officer
• IT or Infrastructure Support

While CISMP training is typically not enough on its own for senior or highly technical cybersecurity roles, it can provide a strong foundation for further study and career progression within the field.

While the BCS CISMP certification doesn't guarantee you a specific salary, it can definitely help support career progression. Information security is a very in-demand profession and depending on your experience, job role and location, it can range from a mid-level to high-paying senior roles.

All students who successfully pass their BCS exam(s) will qualify for a free one-year Professional BCS Membership. 

This is a high-level membership that allows you to use the 'MBCS' designation after your name, demonstrating to employers that you have strong IT knowledge, practical skills, and a commitment to progressing your career.

As well as professional recognition, your membership also gives you access to a range of benefits, including:

• Career development tools and guidance, such as the Personal Development Plan (PDP), CPD portal, and SFIAplus framework
• Networking opportunities through events, publications, specialist groups, and the Member Network
• Access to best practice resources, industry updates, and an online knowledge library
• Discounts on books, training resources, and reduced rates on selected insurance products

For more information about BCS Membership, download your free course guide today.

To pass the BCS CISMP exam, you'll need a score of 65% or higher (26/40 questions correct).

The 1-hour exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions to test your understanding of key information security topics covered in the CISMP training.

As an ICS Learn student, you'll always have the support you need to succeed. From the moment you enrol, you'll gain access to:

• Our all-in-one virtual learning platform, mystudyspace
• 24/7 access to all of your interactive online course materials
• Online Induction Programme and AI-led videos
• The BCS Information Security eBook to support you throughout your studies
• FREE online study planners 
• Our friendly Student Services team to help you with non-academic questions

Please note that there is currently no personalised tutor support provided for our BCS courses.

We're the world's most experienced distance learning organisation, specialising in 100% online learning that fits around your life.

Whether you're working full-time, caring for family, or simply need more control over your studies, we give you the freedom to learn at your own pace, from anywhere.

Still not convinced? Here’s why thousands of students choose ICS Learn every year:

• 24/7 course access so you can study anytime, on any device
• Flexible payment plans to spread the cost
• Career-ready qualifications recognised by employers and universities

With ICS Learn, you’re in control of your learning – and your future.

If you’re funding the course yourself, our flexible 0% payment plans* allow you to spread the cost with interest-free* monthly instalments. 

If your employer is funding all or part of your course, we can invoice them directly for your course fees – just let your course advisor know and we’ll arrange everything.

We also accept funding through ELCAS for this course. If you’re an Armed Forces member looking to use the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, speak to our course advisors for more details.

Your payments will be charged in GBP. The monthly payments listed in your local currency are an estimate based on the current exchange rate from xe.com.

This means that if you set up a monthly payment plan, the amount you’ll pay each month in your local currency may vary based on the current exchange rate.

Your bank may use a different exchange rate from the one listed here, or charge a fee for converting your payments into GBP; we’d advise that you speak to your bank directly for more details.

To enrol on the BCS Certificate in Information Security Management Principles, you can either do so online or get in touch with one of our expert Course Advisors.

They’ll talk through your experience, education and career ambitions to make sure you’re choosing the right course. Following, they'll enrol you and set up your flexible payment plan.

During enrolment, we encourage you to speak to your Course Advisor about any disabilities you may have that could impact your studies or assessments. This way, they can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.