Proctor: Program Details

GIAC Proctor Program Overview

All GIAC exams are required to be proctored. The cost of a GIAC certification attempt is $999, a certification attempt taken in conjunction with the associated SANS training course is $549 * and a recertification attempt is $399.

Certification Exam Format

One Exam Format

All GIAC certification attempts are comprised of a single exam that will cover all certification objectives. Certification exams are 2-5 hours in length, depending on the specific certification attempt. For details on individual certifications, go to http://www.giac.org/certifications/categories

Open Book Policy

GIAC certification exams are open book format, but not open internet or open computer. Candidates are allowed to bring one arm full of books and notes into the testing room, leaving all other personal belongings outside of the testing room. An erasable noteboard and pen will be provided for you. Workstation space is limited, so please plan accordingly. 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.

Finding a Proctor for your GIAC Certification Exam

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 testing center will utilize this option. Please click here to find a Pearson VUE testing center near you.

If you will be taking a GIAC proctored exam in the future and do not see a testing center within a reasonable driving distance (1-2 hours), please email proctor@giac.org.

Please do not attempt to schedule a testing appointment with Pearson VUE before you have registered for a GIAC certification and have received access to your certification attempt through your portal account.

The scheduling process for Pearson VUE will be web-based through your SANS/GIAC portal account. The specific steps for scheduling a proctored exam through Pearson VUE can be viewed at: How to Schedule Your GIAC Proctored Exam

Exams slots are available on a first come, first serve basis. A good rule of thumb is to schedule your appointment at least one month before you wish to take your exam.

Should you need to cancel or reschedule your scheduled exam appointment, you must do so at least one business day (24 hours) prior to your exam appointment by logging into your SANS/GIAC account and clicking on 'Certification Attempts,' 'View Proctor Details' and then 'Change.' If you need to cancel or reschedule your exam less than 24 hours in advance, you will forfeit your appointment and be charged a $150 seating fee. (If you have an exam appointment still scheduled through Kryterion that you wish to cancel or reschedule, you must do so at least 72 business hours prior to your exam appointment. To reschedule, please log into your SANS account and click on 'Certification Attempts,' 'View Proctor Details' and then Reschedule.' To cancel, please call our customer service line at 301-654-7267.)

Please be prepared to show two (2) forms of personal ID. Both must have your signature and both must be current. One of the two must have your photo. The ID bearing both your signature and photo must be government-issued.

If you have questions regarding scheduling your proctored exam, please email proctor@giac.orgor call 301-654-7267.

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy

If you wish to cancel or reschedule your exam, you must do so at least one business day (24 hours) prior to your exam appointment by logging into your SANS/GIAC account and clicking on 'Certification Attempts', 'View Proctor Details' and then 'Change.' If you need to cancel or reschedule your exam less than 24 hours in advance, you will forfeit your exam appointment and be charged a $150 seating fee. (If you have an exam appointment still scheduled through Kryterion that you wish to cancel or reschedule, you must do so at least 72 business hours prior to your exam appointment. To reschedule, please log into your SANS account and click on 'Certification Attempts,' 'View Proctor Details' and then Reschedule. To cancel, please call our customer service line at 301-654-7267.)