Information Security Management Certification Guide

Certification Overview

Information Security Management (情報セキュリティマネジメント) is a national certification in Japan that evaluates knowledge for properly managing organizational information security. This certification confirms the ability to assess security risks and plan, implement, evaluate, and improve countermeasures.

This certification covers practical knowledge of information security management. It evaluates knowledge across information security management, including security threats and countermeasures, security policy establishment and operation, security incident response and recovery, and security education and awareness. The goal is to develop personnel capable of systematically managing organizational information security.

Job Application Guide

The Information Security Management certification is beneficial for information security-related positions.

Information Security Manager: Suitable for roles overseeing organizational information security management. Security policy establishment and operation abilities are required.

Security Operator: Advantageous for security system operation and monitoring roles. Security incident response and recovery abilities are important.

Compliance Officer: Helpful for information security-related legal compliance work. Understanding of security-related laws and regulations is necessary.

IT Auditor: Serves as a foundation for information security audit roles. Security management system evaluation abilities are required.

Security Consultant: Suitable for roles involving client information security improvement proposals. Knowledge of security management methodologies and best practices is necessary.

Required Knowledge

Information Security Basics

• Basic concepts and principles of information security
• Types and characteristics of security threats
• Basic principles of security countermeasures

Security Management

• Security policy establishment and operation
• Security organization and role assignment
• Security education and awareness

Risk Management

• Security risk assessment methods
• Risk analysis and response prioritization
• Business continuity planning

Security Technologies

• Encryption and authentication technologies
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
• Security patch management

Security Incident Response

• Security incident response procedures
• Incident analysis and root cause identification
• Recovery planning and execution

Laws and Regulations

• Personal information protection laws
• Information security-related laws
• Compliance requirements

Preparation Methods

Step 1: Basic Learning (2-3 months)

Learn basic concepts and principles of information security. Study security threats and countermeasures, and basic principles of security management using textbooks.

Step 2: Learn Security Management Knowledge (2 months)

Learn security management knowledge including security policy establishment and operation, security organization and role assignment. Deepen understanding through actual cases.

Step 3: Learn Risk Management (1-2 months)

Learn security risk assessment methods and risk analysis techniques. Also learn business continuity planning methods.

Step 4: Past Exam Practice (2-3 months)

Solve past exam questions from the last 5 years. Understand question patterns and focus review on frequently tested topics.

Step 5: Mock Exams (1 month)

Take multiple mock exams during the month before the test. Practice time management and focus on improving weak areas.

Pass Rates for the Past 5 Years

The average pass rate is approximately 19.5%, which is at the intermediate level. As practical security management knowledge is required, sufficient study time is necessary.

Practical Tips

Utilize Work Experience: If you have experience in information security management work, you can learn more easily by understanding based on that experience.

Study Security Cases: Researching actual security incident cases helps with the exam. Find and read published security incident cases.

Understand Security Policies: Understanding security policy establishment and operation is important. Study by referring to actual organizational security policies.

Stay Updated on Security Trends: As security threats and countermeasures continue to evolve, staying informed about the latest security trends is also important.

Join Study Groups: Participating in online communities or study groups to share information and ask questions can also be helpful.