GIAC Certification Exam Overview
GIAC certification exams are based on validated objectives for the given certification knowledge area. All exams for GIAC certifications are delivered in a proctored environment. Please note that you cannot sit for a GIAC exam immediately following a corresponding SANS training course. GIAC exams that are registered for in association with SANS training events do not become available to candidates until 10 days after the corresponding training event concludes.
For detailed information regarding the proctoring requirements, please visit GIAC Proctor Program Details.
GIAC Certifications consist of a single exam that covers all Certification Objectives. The exams are 4 to 5 hours in length depending upon the specific certification. The results are given to you immediately after completing the exam.
Exams are delivered online through a standard web browser. For exams purchased with SANS training, access to the exam will be available 7-10 days following the end of the conference. Standalone challenge exams are issued within 24 hours upon receipt of payment. You will receive an email from GIAC when your exam has been issued to your portal account. You have 120 days to complete the exam from the time we send notice that it is available. All certification exams are proctored and should be scheduled using our proctored exam procedure.
NOTE: GIAC exams are NOT given the day after the conference ends.
Should you have problems during your exams, please email exam-support@giac.org with your Portal ID, registered email address, and as much information as you can provide (screen shots, what browser you were using, what version of the browser, what was the last thing that happened before you had a problem, etc.) The more information you provide, the better we are able to help you. The exam technology allows a student to mark any exam question for review by the GIAC Exam Team. For information regarding the feedback procedure, please see the Exam Feedback Procedure page.
