- Why is GIAC shifting to a fully-proctored certification policy?
- Why did GIAC switch to a single exam format?
- Will I have to pay additional fees to take my proctored exam at a KRYTERION testing center?
- Where are the specific proctored test sites, and what if there is not one in my area?
- Will we still be allowed to take our exams in open-book format?
- Will the change to a proctored, single exam with no Internet access make the exams more difficult to pass?
- What if I am unable to schedule an appointment to take my exam before its expiration date?
- If I am using an alternative proctor option, do I need to establish a testing appointment with GIAC?
- 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.
- Why did GIAC switch to a single exam format?
- After careful consideration, GIAC determined that there are benefits for both the candidates and the GIAC program by 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 schedule for exam and proctor, which will help reduce the time and effort GIAC and the candidates will need to expend
- 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 visit http://www.giac.org/proctor/kryterion to find a KRYTERION test 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. - 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 proctored, 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 possess. 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.
- What if I am unable to schedule an appointment to take my exam before its expiration date?
- We strongly advise all certification candidates to schedule their exam appointment as soon as possible, to avoid this problem. You can always re-schedule your appointment if your availability changes; as long as you do so at least 72 hours in advance of your originally scheduled appointment, there will be no charge to reschedule.
- If I am using an alternative proctor option, do I need to establish a testing appointment with GIAC?
- No, you only need to make arrangements with your proctor. As long as you take your exam before your certification attempt expiration date, you are free to schedule your appointment any time that works for you and the proctor.
