CSM® – Certified Security Manager (Security Management)
Advance from Execution to Security Management Responsibility.
What the CSM® Certification Validates
Management responsibility in corporate security operations and programs
The Certified Security Manager (CSM®) certification validates professional responsibility for security management, not operational execution.
CSM® confirms that a certified professional is accountable for leading security teams, managing security operations, and overseeing security programs aligned with organizational objectives.
This certification is designed for professionals who have progressed beyond specialist execution and now hold management responsibility for planning, coordination, budget oversight, and performance outcomes across one or more sites.
CSM® does not certify entry-level or purely operational roles. Eligibility is based on verifiable management responsibility demonstrated through professional experience and functional scope.
CSM® validates management responsibility in security operations. It is not a specialist or technical certification.
Eligibility & Examination Overview
CSM Eligibility Criteria
- Standard Pathway: Minimum 10 years of verifiable security management experience
- Fast-Track Pathway: 7 years of experience with an active CSS® / CSI® / ASIS PSP certification
- Indicative Roles: Security Manager or equivalent management role
CSM® certifies management responsibility in security operations. Fast-Track applicants must demonstrate active management authority.
Eligibility is determined by professional experience and functional responsibility. Job titles vary by country and organization and are indicative only.
Exam Domains
| Domain | Focus Area (Management Focus) | Percentage (Example Allocation) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Security Management Practices | 12% |
| 2 | Physical Security Management | 15% |
| 3 | Investigations Management | 15% |
| 4 | Personnel Security Management | 10% |
| 5 | Crisis and Business Continuity Management | 12% |
| 6 | Information Security Management | 10% |
| 7 | Operations Management | 13% |
| 8 | Stakeholder Management | 13% |
Why CSM®?
Understand the scope, structure, and recognition of the Certified Security Manager credential
The Certified Security Manager (CSM®) credential validates professional responsibility for security management, confirming the capability to lead teams, manage operations, and oversee security programs aligned with organizational objectives.
CSM® represents the globally recognized management-level benchmark within the CorpSecurity certification framework. It is designed for professionals who have progressed beyond specialist execution and now hold accountability for planning, coordination, budget oversight, and performance outcomes across one or more security functions or sites.
CSM® supports career progression from specialist certifications such as CSS® or CSI® into formal security management responsibility, and serves as the most common pathway toward executive-level certification, subject to eligibility criteria.
What CSM® Confirms
- Authority to manage security teams and operations
- Oversight of multi-domain security programs
- Alignment of security strategy with business objectives
- Responsibility for performance, governance, and outcomes
CSM® is awarded based on verified professional experience and examination performance, in accordance with CorpSecurity International standards.
The CSM® examination assesses professional competence across the full scope of security management responsibility, ensuring the ability to plan, direct, and govern security programs rather than perform operational execution.
Exam Domain Coverage
| Domain | Management Focus Area | Weighting* |
|---|---|---|
| Domain 1 | Security Management Practices | 12% |
| Domain 2 | Physical Security Management | 15% |
| Domain 3 | Investigations Management | 15% |
| Domain 4 | Personnel Security Management | 10% |
| Domain 5 | Crisis & Business Continuity Management | 12% |
| Domain 6 | Information Security Management | 10% |
| Domain 7 | Operations Management | 13% |
| Domain 8 | Stakeholder Management | 13% |
*Weighting shown is indicative and subject to periodic review.
Exam Structure
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Format | 225 Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Delivery | Secure Online / Remote Proctored |
| Eligibility | Based on approved Standard or Fast-Track pathway |
The exam evaluates decision-making, governance, and management judgment, not tactical skill execution.
Preparation support for CSM® candidates is delivered by CorpSecurity’s official training partner, providing structured exam preparation and applied guidance aligned with the certification framework.
Preparation resources are designed to support:
- Management-level understanding of all exam domains
- Application of security governance principles
- Scenario-based decision-making relevant to senior roles
Training and preparation activities do not influence certification decisions. Certification assessment and awarding are governed independently by CorpSecurity International.
The CSM® credential is awarded upon successful completion of the examination and verification of eligibility requirements.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Certification Validity | 3 years |
| Continuing Professional Education (CPE) | 90 CPE credits over 3 years |
| Annual Requirement | Maintain certification status by paying the Annual Maintenance Fee (AMF) of $99 USD and reporting a minimum of 30 CPEs per year |
| Recertification | Submission of CPE records and compliance review every 3 years |
| Governance | All certifications are subject to audit and validation by the Certification Board |
A single AMF is sufficient to maintain multiple CorpSecurity certifications held by a professional.
The CSM® Exam – Domain Coverage
The Certified Security Manager (CSM®) exam assesses professional responsibility across the following management domains:
Domain 1: Security Management Practices
1 Understanding Organization & Managing the Security Programs
-
- Organizational Strategy
- Corporate Security Setup & Security Management Styles
- Advanced Program Management
Domain 2: Physical Security Management
Physical Security Assessment
- Planning physical security assessments
- Conducting physical security assessments
- Assessment techniques
- Security Risk Assessment vs. Physical Security Assessment
- Physical security assessment report
Domain 3: Investigations Management
- Uncover Success with Security Investigation Management:
-
- Principles of Security Investigation
- Methods of Security Investigation
- Case Management
- Applying the investigative strategies
- Specialized Investigative Techniques
Domain 4: Personnel Security Management
- Workplace Violence
- Executive Protection
- Travel Security
- Security of Special Events
Domain 5: Crisis and Business Continuity Management
- Crisis Management Overview
- Business Continuity Management Overview
- Business Continuity Planning
- Business Impact Analysis
- Crisis Management Planning
Domain 6: Information Security Management
- Information Security Overview
- Cybersecurity Overview
- Significance of Information Systems Security
- Protection of Information Assets
- Converged Security
Domain 7: Operations Management
- Business Metrics
- Finance Management
- Human Resources Management
- Identification and Liability Insurance
Domain 8: Stakeholder Management
1 External Stakeholder Management
- Liaison with Law Enforcement
- Networking with industry leaders
2 Internal Stakeholder Management
- Managing your team
- Managing your boss
- Managing influencers
3 People Management and Leadership
- Basic Principles of Effective Leadership
- Managing and Leading
Official CSM® Certificate
A globally recognized credential validating security management responsibility
Why Top Professionals Choose CorpSecurity
A globally trusted certification authority for corporate and physical security professionals
Globally Recognized Certification Authority
CorpSecurity establishes internationally consistent, role-aligned certification standards trusted by security professionals and employers across regions and industries.
Structured Professional Progression Framework
A clearly defined certification pathway — from security fundamentals to specialist expertise, management responsibility, and executive leadership — aligned with real-world career stages and experience milestones.
Practitioner-Governed Certification Standards
All certifications are designed and governed by experienced security practitioners, ensuring relevance to real corporate security responsibilities rather than academic or theoretical models.
CorpSecurity Global Professional Network
Certified professionals gain access to the CorpSecurity Global Professional Network, enabling peer recognition, professional engagement, and cross-border knowledge exchange.
Independent Governance & Proven Trust
CorpSecurity operates under independent certification governance, supported by sustained global adoption, consistent candidate feedback, and verified professional trust.
CSM® Success Stories
Professionals who validated their management capability with CSM®
Nezha Soussan CSM
Head of protective security governance
United Arab Emirates, HSBS
Amana Moses
Chief Security Office, NIPCO PLC
Nigeria
Greater Sibanda
Security Manager, Safeguard Security, Bulawayo,
Zimbabwe