CSM® – Certified Security Manager
The Management Standard for Corporate Security
Certifies management-level competence in overseeing corporate security functions, teams, and programs.
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.
Pathway to CSM® Certification
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.
CSM® – Certified Security Manager
Management Level
| Pathway | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Standard | Minimum 10 years of verifiable security experience, with demonstrated management or supervisory responsibility |
| Fast-Track (CSA only) | Minimum 8 years of verifiable security experience, with demonstrated management or supervisory responsibility, and active CSA® |
| Fast-Track (CSA + Specialist) | Minimum 7 years of verifiable security experience, with demonstrated management or supervisory responsibility, active CSA®, and one specialist certification (CSS® or CSI®) |
Notes (CSM):
- Management or supervisory responsibility is assessed based on authority, accountability, and scope, not job title alone
- Maximum experience reduction permitted is 3 years
- Additional certifications do not reduce requirements further
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.
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 |
| Pass Percentage | A minimum score of 80% on the final examination is required to successfully pass the CSM assessment. |
The exam evaluates decision-making, governance, and management judgment, not tactical skill execution.
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.
Book CSM® Certification Exam
$400
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 & physical security.
Globally Recognized Certification Authority
CorpSecurity International establishes internationally consistent, role-aligned certification standards trusted by security professionals and employers across regions and industries.
Structured Professional Ascent Framework
A clearly defined certification pathway — Professional → Specialist → Management → Executive — aligned with real-world career progression and experience milestones.
Practitioner-Governed Standards
All certifications are designed, reviewed, and governed by experienced security practitioners, ensuring relevance to real corporate security responsibilities — not academic theory.
CorpSecurity Global Professional Network
Certified professionals gain access to a global professional network supporting peer recognition, leadership engagement, and continuous professional development.
Global Security Insights
Members receive curated CorpSecurity Global Security Insights — practitioner-led intelligence, trends, and analysis for modern security professionals and decision-makers
Independent Governance & Proven Trust
CorpSecurity operates under independent certification governance, supported by sustained global adoption and verified professional trust.
CSM® Certified Professionals
A selection of professionals holding the CorpSecurity CSM® certification.
Victor Guembes, CSM®
Vice President – Security Ops
United States
Pedro Augusto Schaeffer, CSM®, CSI®
Security Manager
Switzerland
Nezha Soussan, CSM®
Regional Head of Security & Governance
United Arab Emirates
Vali Ahmed Qhamer, CSM®
Chief of Security
India
Yaroth Chhay, CSM®
Security Vice President & Head of Info Sec
Cambodia
Mahesh Makhamale,CSM®
Security Manager
Pune, India
Manoj Kumar Yadav, CSM®, CSI®, CSS®
Chief Security Officer
India
Nilesh More,CSM®
Security Head
India
Eddy E Omokhodion, CSM®, CSI®, CSS®
Regional Security Advisor
Nigeria
Amana Moses, CSM®, CSI®, CSS®
Chief Security Officer
Nigeria
Sepadi Lucas Ngoasheng, CSM®
Security Manager
South Africa
