Policies: Proctor

Effective December 1, 2007, all GIAC exams corresponding to new certification attempts and new recertification attempts are required to be proctored. The cost of new GIAC certification attempts associated with SANS training is $579. Certification attempt pricing remains at $999, and recertification attempts at $399. For full details please click here.

With the move to full proctoring there have been some changes to the exam format and open book policy as set forth below.

One exam format – All GIAC certification attempts are comprised of a single exam that will cover all the certification objectives. This exam format is 2-5 hours in length, depending on the specific certification.

Open book policy – GIAC certification exams are open book format, but not open internet or open computer. Candidates will be allowed to bring one backpack or briefcase of course books, reference material, printed notes, spreadsheets, tables of content, etc. Proctored exam locations do have some space limitations, requiring the need to limit the volume of reference material allowed to a reasonable level. No electronic devices are allowed such as extra computers, CD-ROM, USB flash drives, phones, calculators, cameras, etc. Candidates will not be able to access anything stored electronically on any computer during the exam such as searchable .pdf or Word documents. We recommend that you print any study guide materials and bring them as hard, paper copies.

The primary method for taking a proctored exam is through our testing partner Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE is an industry leader and offers more than 3,500 testing centers worldwide. It is expected that any candidate within a reasonable driving distance (1-2 hours) from a Pearson VUE center will utilize this option. Please click here to find a Pearson VUE testing center near you. Pearson VUE is adding testing centers as coverage gaps are identified. The list of Pearson VUE sites is updated frequently.

Once you have registered for and gained access to your GIAC certification, you may schedule it at a Pearson VUE Testing Center through your SANS/GIAC account for any date before your exam deadline. Please click on How to Schedule Your GIAC Proctored Exam for instructions.

If you will be taking your certification exam in a proctored environment outside of Pearson VUE testing centers, you will need to make sure that the computer you use meets the following minimum system requirements:

• Processor: Pentium or compatible, 300MHz or higher
• RAM: 128MB or greater
• Hard Drive: Minimum 100MB available space
• Video: Color VGA video display set to 1024x768 resolution or greater with a minimum of 256 colors.
• Pointing Device: Microsoft compatible mouse
• Internet Access: Internet access via broadband connection
• Applications: Current versions of Internet Explorer, Safari, or Firefox. Javascript and cookies must be enabled.
• Firewall: Ports 80 and 443 open

If you have any questions or concerns about meeting these requirements, please contact exam-support@giac.org.