Graduate Course
Relevant graduate-level courses from an accredited institution can be used to demonstrate ongoing competency in the Information Security field related to the certification(s) being renewed.
- Each 3-5-hour course can earn 12 CPEs.
- A maximum of three courses can be used to earn the 36 CPEs needed to renew one certification.
- Each course can be applied to a maximum of 2 certification renewals.
- The course(s) must be completed within the four-year period in which your certification is currently valid.
Required Supporting Documentation:
- Course description(s)
- Student transcript that includes:
- Student's name
- Name of educational institution
- Name of course(s)
- Dates of course(s) completed
- Final grade earned
If documentation is not provided at time of submission, it will be rejected. You may resubmit once you have the proper documentation.
United States-Based Accredited Institutions:
- A list of United States based accredited institutions can be found at: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home
Non-US based accredited institutions:
- Worldwide Education Services (WES) is used to validate credentials from international institutions to US standards, and is required for courses to earn GIAC CPEs.
- To begin, visit: https://www.wes.org/about-wes-credential-evaluation/ to learn about the evaluation process, fees and requirements. For GIAC CPE purposes, you will choose the Course-by-Course evaluation option.
NSA's Centers of Excellence:
- Graduate or Doctorate/PhD-level courses taken through NSA's Centers of Excellence are also eligible for CPEs.
- Visit http://www.nsa.gov/ia/academic_outreach/nat_cae/institutions.shtml
