GIAC Program Overview

2015 Q4 Version

Program Overview - GIAC Certification 2015 1

 What is GIAC?

GIAC is the Global Information

Assurance Certification program
GIAC assesses candidate knowledge in
specific subject areas and grants
credentials in the field of IT Security
GIAC has issued more than 75,000
credentials since 1999

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 The GIAC Certification Program:

Validates real-world competency

Focuses on hands-on concepts
Offers specific skills based certifications
aligned with critical infosec job duties
Is highly respected among both industry
leaders and technical practitioners

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 Benefits of Certification

Personal Perks
Increased salary and upward mobility
Prestige, confidence and demonstrated ability
Industry Benefits
Confirms individuals have specific technical skill sets
Stronger community bonds
Reinforcement of Education
Management Tool
Dusty books help no one

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GIAC Earns SC Magazines Award for Best
Professional Certification Program

The prestigious, performance-based GIAC

Security Expert Credential was named 'Best
Professional Certification' by SC Magazine
in 2011

GIAC Credentials have been finalists in

SC Magazines 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014, & 2015 Best Professional
Certification Program category
(GCFA, GSEC, GCIA, GWAPT, GSE)

Program Overview - GIAC Certification 2015

 GIAC Certifications
GSEC - Security Essentials GISF - Information Security Fundamentals
GPPA - Perimeter Protection GSLC - Security Leadership
GCIA - Intrusion Analyst GSNA - System & Network Auditor
GCIH - Incident Handler GISP - Information Security Professional
GCFA - Forensics Analyst GAWN - Auditing Wireless Networks
GCUX - Unix Security GREM - Reverse-Engineering Malware
GCWN - Windows Security GPEN - Penetration Tester
GSSP - Secure Coding GWAPT - Web App Pen Testing
GCED - Enterprise Defender GCPM - InfoSec Project Management
GCFE - Forensics Examiner GLEG - InfoSec Legal Issues
GWEB - Web App Defender GMOB - Mobile Device Security Analyst
GXPN - Advanced Pen Test GICSP - Industrial Control
GNFA - Network Forensics GCCC - Critical Controls
GMON Continuous InfoSec Monitoring
Complete Certification list: www.giac.org
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GIAC Certification Options

GIAC Certification
Multiple choice exam
GIAC Gold Status
Add a research project and
technical report
GIAC Expert Status
Highest certification level

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 Registration

Register for GIAC certification at the

conference
Only $659, after the conference ends the
price goes up to $999
Go to the conference registration desk or
call (301) 654-7267
You have four months to complete the
certification

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 ISO/ANSI 17024 Accredited

ISO/IEC/ANSI 17024 is a quality standard for

organizations granting certifications
The GIAC program was accredited by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
17024 standard in 2007, GSEC and GSLC
In 2009 added GCIH, GCIA, and GCFA
In 2013 added GPEN, GCED and GSNA
In 2014 added GCFE, GICSP and GMOB

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 US Department Of Defense 8570

DoD Directive 8570 provides guidance and

procedures for the training, certification, and
management of the DoD workforce conducting
Information Assurance functions. It also
provides guidance on reporting metrics.
The GIAC certification program has multiple
certifications included on the official 8570 list
GSEC, GCIA, GCIH, GSLC, GSNA, GCED, GCFA

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 GIAC Exam Details
All GIAC certification exams are taken at Pearson-VUE
testing centers
Exams are open book and notes (think paper), not open
electronic devices (no Google or pdfs)
Common GIAC Exam formats:
75 question, two hour exams
115 question, three hour exams
150 question, four hour exams
GSEC is 180 question, five hour exam
You receive 2 complimentary practice tests ($258 value)
Certification exams associated with this conference must
be completed within 120 days of account activation

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Preparing for Your GIAC Exam

Be familiar with exam objectives

Reread all the slides and notes
sections from your course material
Build your hands-on skills by
revisiting in-class exercises
Listen to the course audio mp3 files
Utilize your practice tests
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 Study Time

Put in regular study time, dont cram

On average, students who pass their
GIAC exams put in 55 hours of study
time, in addition to classroom training
For GSEC the average is higher, over 70
hours
Take time to prepare, it will pay off!

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 Youre Certified!
Name and expiration dates for ALL GIAC
certifications are posted on the GIAC Certified
Professionals website
Utilize the official GIAC logos: http://
www.giac.org/certified-professionals/business-
card-logos
Claim your Digital Badge: https://
www.giac.org/digitalbadges

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 GIAC Advisory Board

Open to anyone who earns an exam

score of at least 90% when obtaining a
GIAC certification
More than 2,000 active members
Honors and demonstrated interest
Opportunities
Benefits

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 Certification Maintenance
Security changes rapidly!
GIAC certifications are valid for four years
$399 certification renewal fee due once every four
years, includes option for current training material
from SANS
Multiple renewal options
Retest, continuing education, published technical paper
Discounts available for multiple certifications due
within the same two-calendar-year period
After first one, all others within 2 calendar years are $199
Benefits to maintaining your certification:
The longer you hold the certification, the more valuable it is
www.giac.org/certification-renewal/
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 GIAC Certification
SANS Training Not Required
Attempting GIAC Certification without
training from SANS
Subject matter experts
Industry experience
Same requirements apply, price is $1,149
Practice exams are provided
Available for most certifications

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SANS Technology Institute

GIAC is one of the assessment and grading

arms of the SANS Technology Institute
STI is a Masters degree program
STI is accredited by the Middle States
Commission on Higher Education to award
MS Degrees
Applications are being accepted
http://www.sans.edu for more info

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Where Do I Go for Information?
GIAC web site: http://www.giac.org
SANS web site: http://www.sans.org
Copy of this presentation:
http://www.giac.org/overview/program_overview.pdf
GIAC FAQ page:
http://www.giac.org/FAQ.php
GIAC general e-mail address:
info@giac.org
GIAC proctor questions:
proctor@giac.org

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 QUESTIONS?

Now is a time for you to ask any

questions you have about
SANS, GIAC, or the
certification process
OR
E-mail any time to info@giac.org

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