Certified Identity Management Professional (CIMP)®

Certification Overview

The Certified Identity Management Professional (CIMP)® designation is a registered international and vendor-neutral certification mark developed and administered by Identity Management Institute® (IMI) for technology professionals in cybersecurity and identity management who develop and implement technical identity and access management (IAM) solutions.

The changing cybersecurity and IAM threat landscape requires innovative IAM technology solutions which address the evolving identity and access risks.

The Certified Identity Management Professional (CIMP) program helps certification candidates become technical identity professionals based on industry guidelines for digital identity management and validates their IAM technology management expertise. CIMP experts demonstrate technical ability to support IAM processes and controls by developing and implementing system solutions that meet business needs and requirements.

Identity Management Technology Drivers

There are many factors contributing to the growing need for technical identity management professionals. Rising occurrences of unauthorized system access and related costs, changes in the business environment including the adoption of cloud solutions, blockchain, and IoT systems, the need for quick response to system intrusions with creative IAM solutions that incorporate technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, and, business needs to select and implement emerging IAM systems that meet compliance and business requirements necessitate the employment of qualified and certified technical IAM experts.

Identity and access management technologies ensure proper identification, authentication, and authorization for system access which are critical components of an organization’s overall cybersecurity program in today’s world. Identity management has been elevated to claim its unique status within many organizations due to changing digital identity environment and business drivers including process efficiency, user productivity, security, and compliance.

CIMP Certification Process

Interested and qualified members of Identity Management Institute may earn the Certified Identity Management Professional (CIMP) credential by taking and passing the online examination. Please apply for membership and submit the risk-free CIMP application for approval which lists the requirements for enrollment.

For examination and cost information, please continue to read this page.

Critical Risk Domains™

The following Critical Risk Domains (CRDs) are developed by IMI which organize the study guide chapters used for CIMP training, testing and certification:

Threat Management
Project Management
Product Selection and Implementation
Software Security
Cloud Security
IAM Architecture, Protocols and Standards
IoT and API Security
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Compliance Assurance
Digital Identity Guidelines (NIST 800-63)

Download the CIMP program overview document to learn more about each CRD. For an overview of the study guide chapters, download the study guide Table of Contents.

Who Should Become a CIMP

Certified Identity Management Professional (CIMP)® members are technical experts in gathering identity and access management requirements based on business needs, compliance requirements, emerging threats, and risk assessment results. CIMP is designed for information technology, cybersecurity, and technical identity management experts who through team collaboration design, develop, and implement IAM systems with a sound architecture and standard protocols to facilitate the authentication, authorization, and accounting of digital identities across their organizations.

Some identity and access management (IAM) job titles that CIMPs typically hold include:

System Architect
System Engineer
Software Programmer
Technical Consultant, Lead, or Analyst
Access Control Specialist
Project Manager or Director

Certified Identity Management Professional Certification Benefits

Certified Identity Management Professional (CIMP) members are technical experts in developing and implementing scalable identity management solutions and technologies which strengthen cybersecurity, streamline and automate IAM processes, improve access management controls and workflow, and ensure activity tracking and reporting. One of the CIMP study guide chapters leverages the NIST 800-63 (Digital Identity Guidelines) publication to align the certification with the standards for digital identity management.

Watch the CIMP certification overview video.

Certified Identity Management Professional Examination

The Certified Identity Management Professional (CIMP) examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass the exam and become certified. Registered candidates can take the exam up to 3 times at no additional charge which can be taken on any day and from anywhere on desktop computers or mobile devices with Internet access. Please take the practice test to become familiar with the final test format and content.

Take the Quiz

Certified Identity Management Professional Application Cost

The CIMP application cost is $295 for current IMI members which includes a comprehensive study guide, up to 3 free exams, and the CIMP digital certificate upon passing the exam. To become a member, please visit the membership page for more information. Annual membership fee is $95.

Apply Now

Payment Processing

IMI uses PayPal and other third party credit card processors to request and receive international credit card payments. Alternatively, candidates may print and mail the invoice with a check.

Certificate Maintenance

Certified professionals must earn continuing education, adhere to the IMI code of ethics, and be active members.