NEW! GIAC Portfolio Certifications

Portfolio Certifications are built on the foundation of stackable certifications. Among other benefits, skill stacking can increase your value as an employee, make work more rewarding, and improve your ability to learn and adapt.

GIAC offers two categories of stackable certifications to meet the needs of different professionals: Practitioner certifications and Applied Knowledge certifications. Candidates can choose from a wide range of certifications to create a unique portfolio of credentials that demonstrate their expertise in a specific field or across multiple focus areas. Those who build portfolios to become GIAC Security Professionals (GSPs) may choose to advance to the highest level of GIAC certification, the GIAC Security Expert (GSE).

GIAC Portfolio Certifications

How to Earn a Portfolio Certification

Create a unique portfolio of credentials by focusing where you want.

Choose any of GIAC’s 40+ Practitioner Certifications like GSEC, GCIH, GCFA and GPEN.

Choose any of GIAC’s Applied Knowledge Certifications like GX-CS, GX-IA, and GX-IH.

GSP

GIAC Security Professional (GSP)

GIAC’s NEW Security Professional (GSP) illustrates your depth and breadth of knowledge. The GSP is a new milestone on your journey to becoming a GSE that proves mastery of multiple areas in the cybersecurity industry with hands on problem solving. Those holding the GSP have demonstrated they are some of the most experienced and capable practitioners in the field.

Prestige. Separate yourself from the vast majority of cybersecurity professionals.

Flexibility. Everyone’s path is different. Customize your journey to prove your expertise in the area that fits your career.

Timing. Take as long as you need to collect the pieces, just keep your certifications active.

Convenience. Co-termination of all other GIAC certifications to the expiration of your GSP.

Requirements. Complete any three Practitioner certifications and any two Applied Knowledge certifications.

GSE

GIAC Security Expert (GSE)

GIAC’s Security Expert (GSE) Portfolio Certification is the most prestigious credential in the IT security industry. Those who achieve the GSE certification have proven their elite status as top information security practitioners in the field.

Prestige. Prove your elite status at the top with the most prestigious industry credential.

Flexibility. Everyone’s path is different. Customize your journey to prove your expertise in the area that fits your career.

Timing. Take as long as you need to collect the pieces, just keep your certifications active.

Convenience. Co-termination of all other GIAC certifications to the expiration of your GSE.

Requirements. Complete any six Practitioner certifications and any four Applied Knowledge certifications.

GSE Testimonials

Here is what cybersecurity experts have to say about the GSE.
The GSE certification offered a specific challenge, a goalpost to intentionally pursue. It motivated me to learn skills outside my comfort areas & offered a framework within which I could grow as a security professional.
Lenny Zeltser
GSE #2, SANS Institute Fellow Instructor
Preparing for and taking the GSE exams was the most thrilling journey I have ever experienced, and the one that fills me with the most pride.
Shane Hoenke
GSE #337
Being able to demonstrate through a skill-based assessment the broad base of knowledge was important personally and professionally.
Timothy Brush
GSE #191
The GSE is a great way to challenge yourself, and from a certain perspective can help you overcome imposter syndrome.
Agostino Panico
GSE #304
Undoubtedly the most challenging & difficult exam series I have taken, but worth the effort earning the GIAC Security Expert! It's prepared me to be a technical leader within my organization & lead them into the future!
Matthew O'Rouke
GSE #319, Weapons & Tactics Director with U.S. Army Cyber Command future
    • The GSE is awarded upon earning any 6 GIAC Practitioner Certifications and any 4 GIAC Applied Knowledge Certifications.

      You will be contacted by email when you have earned the GSE Certification.

    • The GSP is awarded upon earning any 3 GIAC Practitioner Certifications and any 2 GIAC Applied Knowledge Certifications.

      You will be contacted by email when you have earned the GSP Certification.

    • To maintain GSP or GSE status, you'll need to maintain the minimum number of certifications for your certification portfolio --

      GSP: 3 GIAC Practitioner Certifications and 2 GIAC Applied Knowledge Certifications.

      GSE: 6 GIAC Practitioner Certifications and any 4 GIAC Applied Knowledge Certifications.

      More details are available here.

    • The GSP is awarded upon earning any 3 GIAC Practitioner Certifications and any 2 GIAC Applied Knowledge Certifications.

      The GSE is awarded upon earning any 6 GIAC Practitioner Certifications and any 4 GIAC Applied Knowledge Certifications.

      There are no prerequisites to attempt any GIAC exams.

    • No. The GSP is awarded upon earning any 3 GIAC Practitioner Certifications and any 2 GIAC Applied Knowledge Certifications. The GSE is awarded upon earning any 6 GIAC Practitioner Certifications and any 4 GIAC Applied Knowledge Certifications.

      There is no separate registration or fee required. You will be contacted by email when you have earned the GSP or the GSE Certification.

    • The new GSE and GSP coins will be made available to all GSE and GSP holders later this year.   Portfolio Certification holders will be notified via email to claim their coin.