Exin ISMP Practice Exam Questions & Answers
7 Free Questions
· Last reviewed: October 17, 2026
· Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team
Exam Facts
Exin ISMP Exam Details
Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline
30
Practice Questions (Our Bank)
90 minutes
Exam Duration
65% (20 out of 30 questions)
Passing Score
- Exam Code
- ISMP
- Full Name
- Information Security Management Professional based on ISO/IEC 27001
- Issuing Body
- Exin
- Question Format (Our Bank)
- Multiple Choice
- Eligibility
- Basic knowledge of Information Security is recommended, for instance through the EXIN Information Security Foundation based on ISO/IEC 27001 certification
Practice Questions
Free ISMP Practice Questions
Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right
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Every question and its answer is checked by our ISMP exam
preparation team, who also write the explanation shown with each one.
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What is the main reason to use a firewall to separate two parts of your internal network?
Correct Answer:
D
Explanation
A firewall separating internal network sections is a technological control that enforces different security policies based on data sensitivity levels. The correct answer recognizes that network segmentation protects confidential areas by preventing unauthorized access from less secure zones. Other options might mention general firewall benefits like blocking external attacks or improving performance, but the core security principle here is isolating areas that handle information requiring different protection levels.
A security architect argues with the internal fire prevention team about the statement in the information security policy, that doors to confidential areas should be locked at all times. The emergency response team wants
to access to those areas in case of fire.
What is the best solution to this dilemma?
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
This question tests understanding of how to balance competing security and safety requirements through design. Automatic door release during fire alarms solves both problems. The doors remain locked to protect confidential areas during normal operations while ensuring emergency responders can access them when needed. A permanent solution of simply keeping doors unlocked would compromise confidentiality. Disagreeing with fire safety teams or involving management escalation doesn't actually solve the underlying conflict.
The information security manager is writing the Information Security Management System (ISMS) documentation. The controls that are to be implemented must be described in one of the phases of the Plan-Do-
Check-Act (PDCA) cycle of the ISMS.
In which phase should these controls be described?
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
The PDCA cycle structures the ISMS. Plan is where objectives are set and controls are designed to address identified risks. Do involves implementing those controls. Check means monitoring and measuring effectiveness. Act covers reviewing and improving the system. Since controls must be described before they are implemented, the Plan phase is correct. Describing them during Do would mean planning after implementation, which is backwards and ineffective.
A risk manager is asked to perform a complete risk assessment for a company.
What is the best method to identify most of the threats to the company?
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
Identifying threats requires input from multiple perspectives because different areas of an organization face different risks. A brainstorm with stakeholders from across the company surfaces threats that any single person or department might miss. Expert consultation is valuable but limited to one viewpoint. Historical data might miss emerging threats. Following industry standards provides a framework but doesn't identify specific threats unique to this organization.
What is a key item that must be kept in mind when designing an enterprise-wide information security program?
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
An enterprise-wide security program must be tailored to the specific risks the organization actually faces, not generic best practices. Determining controls based on identified risks ensures resources go to real threats rather than nice-to-have measures. Applying all available controls regardless of relevance wastes money and creates complexity. Focus on compliance alone may miss material risks. Without connecting controls to specific risks, the program becomes disconnected from business needs.
Zoning is a security control to separate physical areas with different security levels. Zones with higher security levels can be secured by more controls. The facility manager of a conference center is responsible for security.
What combination of business functions should be combined into one security zone?
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
Physical zoning groups areas with similar security needs and access requirements. A lobby and public restaurant both serve visitors who don't need access to sensitive areas, so they can share the same security zone with basic controls. Combining a lobby with a secure server room would require conflicting access policies. A restaurant with a finance office would expose confidential areas to unnecessary foot traffic. Pairing areas with different sensitivity levels creates security problems rather than solving them.
What needs to be decided prior to considering the treatment of risks?
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
Before deciding how to treat a risk, you must first establish what level of risk is acceptable to the organization. Acceptance criteria define when a risk can be left as is versus when it must be reduced, avoided or transferred. Without these criteria, you cannot evaluate whether treatment options actually achieve the organization's goals. Identifying risks comes before this step. Risk appetite statements and stakeholder analysis inform the criteria but don't replace the need to decide the criteria themselves.
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- 30 questions covering all exam domains
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Domain 1: Information security perspectives
10%
Information Security Managers and Information Security Officers get comprehensive knowledge about customers' perspectives on governance, business interests related to information security, and suppliers' responsibilities in security assurance.
Domain 2: Risk management
30%
Principles related to risk management are covered, including concepts of residual risks and control risks. Information Security Managers and Information Security Officers gain comprehensive skills to identify, analyze, and manage risks within organizational contexts.
Sample questions from this domain above:
Q4Q7
Domain 3: Information security controls
60%
Organizational, technological, physical and people controls are addressed. Candidates gain knowledge about how to implement and manage diverse types of security controls across different areas of the organization.
Sample questions from this domain above:
Q1Q2Q3Q5Q6
FAQ
ISMP Exam FAQ
Common questions about the exam itself
What experience do I need before taking the ISMP exam?
Basic knowledge of information security is recommended, and the EXIN Information Security Foundation based on ISO/IEC 27001 certification is a suggested prerequisite. However, experience requirements may vary, and candidates with sufficient self-study can attempt the exam even without formal prerequisites.
How many questions are on the ISMP exam and how long do I have?
The ISMP exam contains 30 multiple-choice questions and you have 90 minutes to complete it. This means you have an average of 3 minutes per question, though you can allocate your time as needed.
What score do I need to pass the ISMP exam?
You need to achieve a passing score of 65%, which means getting at least 20 out of 30 questions correct on the exam.
Which part of the ISMP exam do candidates find most challenging?
Information security controls make up 60% of the exam weighting and cover organizational, technological, physical and people controls across different contexts. This is the largest objective area and often requires practical understanding of how to implement diverse types of controls in real-world scenarios.
How long should I study to prepare for the ISMP exam?
Preparation time varies based on your background, but candidates typically spend 20 to 30 hours studying with quality materials. Your timeline may differ depending on your existing knowledge of ISO/IEC 27001 and information security management practices.
What is the ISMP exam format on test day?
The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you must answer within 90 minutes. You cannot use reference materials, take notes, or use electronic equipment during the exam.
How does ISMP fit within the Exin information security track?
ISMP builds on the EXIN Information Security Foundation based on ISO/IEC 27001 (ISFS) and is aimed at Information Security Managers and Officers who need to demonstrate professional-level knowledge of implementing and managing information security programs according to ISO/IEC 27001 standards.
What job roles typically take the ISMP certification?
The ISMP is designed for Information Security Managers, Information Security Officers, Line Managers, Process Managers, and Project Managers with security responsibilities who need to demonstrate expertise in managing organizational information security programs.
Can I retake the ISMP exam if I don't pass on my first attempt?
Yes, you can retake the ISMP exam. Specific retake policies such as waiting periods between attempts and the number of allowed retakes are determined by the exam delivery provider.
