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Why is GIAC switching to a single exam format?

After careful review, GIAC determined that there are benefits for both the candidates and to the GIAC program moving to a single exam format. Some of these benefits include:

  • More streamlined and efficient grading, which will help make the certification granting process smoother
  • Compliance with industry standard practices
  • More convenient for exam and proctor scheduling, which will help reduce the time and effort GIAC and the candidates will need to expend
Will I still need to take a proctored exam for a recertification?

Yes; recertifications will be handled in the same manner as initial certification exams. This helps ensure that the exam format is consistent and fair for all candidates.

Will I have to pay additional fees to take my proctored exam at a KRYTERION testing center?

No, candidates will not have to pay any additional fees when using an established KRYTERION proctored test site. If you choose to use a different proctored testing facility, there may be additional costs, which may vary depending upon your circumstances. Within this new exam policy, all GIAC certification attempts associated with attendance at a SANS training event are priced at $499. The price of a challenge exam will remain at $899.

Where are the specific proctored test sites, and what if there is not one in my area?

GIAC has selected KRYTERION as our primary partner to deliver proctored exams through their network of host locations. KRYTERION has nearly complete coverage in the United States, as well as many sites throughout the rest of the world that are in line with locations of current GIAC certification holders and candidates.

In cases where a KRYTERION test center location is not available to a candidate in a particular geographical area, GIAC will work with candidates to follow procedures similar to those outlined in the current GIAC proctor program. Please rest assured that GIAC will work with every candidate to set up an approved proctored environment to take their certification exams.

Please click here to find a KRYTERION testing center near you. It is possible for GIAC to work with KRYTERION to add additional test sites where there are defined coverage gaps. If you will be taking a GIAC proctored exam in the future and do not see a site near you, please fill out the form provided with your location specifics, so that we can work to get a site added near you.

Why is GIAC shifting to a fully-proctored certification policy?

Although the GIAC certification program has been certifying individuals over the past 7 years, recently established testing standards have been adopted by the industry at large, raising the bar for high stakes certification granting organizations. The move to full proctoring will bring GIAC in line with the established international standards, such as the ISO 17024 standard.

Will I have to take my exams proctored if I register before the switch-over date of 12/1/07?

The switch-over date is not specifically tied to registration dates or exact dates candidates take the exams. It is tied to when the certification attempt is made 'active' or available in your portal account. Any certification attempts that are activated on or after 12/1/07 will need to be proctored in accordance with the new program.

For example, if your certification attempt was activated in your portal account in November 2007 and you planned on taking your exams in February 2008, you will have the option to take your exam under the standards set forth by the new proctor program, but it will not be required. If your certification attempt is activated on or after December 1st, 2007, it will fall under the new program requirements. Because GIAC certification attempts have a four month validity period, there will be a four month transition phase after December 1st, 2007.

Is the testing format going to be the same, where you can see how many questions you have answered right or wrong and the time bars showing how much time you have left?

The test format will be basically the same, allowing you to see how much time you have left on the exam and giving real time notification of correct and incorrect responses. You will still be able to see right away if you pass or fail the exam.

Will we still be allowed to take our exams in open-book format?

The exams will still be open book, but not open internet or open computer. Candidates will be allowed to bring one back pack or briefcase filled with course books, reference material, printed notes, printed spreadsheets, etc., but no electronic devices such as extra computers, CD-ROM or USB flash drives will be allowed. Candidates will not be able to access anything stored electronically during the exam. We recommend that you print any study guide materials and bring them as hard, paper copies.

Proctored exam locations do have some space limitations, requiring the need to limit the volume of reference material allowed to a reasonable level. The testing process will only allow one connection out to the GIAC exam engine; it will not allow connections to private web pages, so any material posted to private web pages will not be accessible during the exams. Again, all study material must be in printed form.

Will the change to a single exam with no Internet access make the exams more difficult to pass?

Part of what makes a credential valuable is the differentiating point regarding who is able to achieve a passing score and who is not. Another part of what makes a credential valuable is the amount of work that individuals put into attaining it. GIAC exams are based on Certification Objectives that are derived from knowledge that holders of the certification must posses. The amount of study that individuals put into attaining certification prior to their exam date is valuable and often a deciding factor. Careful review of materials and preparation in advance of your exam will be a key to success.

How long will the new exams be? How many questions will there be?

For most certifications this will be 150 questions and four hour time limit. For GSEC it is 180 questions and five hour time limit.

I have already passed my first exam, what happens if I fail the second half after December 1st? Do I have to take the single proctored exam?

No. Since you were previously authorized to take two certification exams you will still be able to do that if you purchase a retake or extension.

I am planning to take the GSE soon, how will recertification under this new policy affect my existing certifications?

This is one of the major benefits of the platinum program. If you earn the GSE next year, all of your other GIAC certifications will remain valid, as long as the GSE is in good standing. You will need to recertify the GSE after four years and this will be a multi-faceted test that covers portions of all of the material; again this is one of the huge benefits of the platinum program for people who hold platinum certifications.

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