Overview
GCIA: Certified Intrusion Analyst is a GIAC credential. Prep for GIAC GCIA. TCP/IP and packet analysis, tcpdump, Wireshark, Snort and Zeek IDS rules, and network forensics. This PathKey™ guide summarizes the domains, format, cost signals, eligibility, and renewal pattern so you can decide before you book. Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. We teach preparation for the GIAC exam. GIAC sets exam content, fees, and policies.
Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. We teach preparation for the GIAC exam. GIAC sets exam content, fees, and policies.
Who it is for
- SOC analysts and intrusion detection staff.
- Network engineers and administrators.
- System and security analysts.
Exam domains
Weights follow the official outline.
- 01
TCP/IP and the Link Layer
The TCP/IP model, and Link layer operations.
- 02
IP Headers, Fragmentation and IPv6
Dissecting IP headers for normal and odd values, Fragmentation and fragmentation attacks, and How IPv6 differs from IPv4.
- 03
TCP, UDP and ICMP
Typical and anomalous behavior for each protocol.
- 04
tcpdump and Wireshark
Writing tcpdump filters, and Analyzing normal and malicious traffic in Wireshark.
- 05
Application Protocols
Dissecting and analyzing application layer protocols.
- 06
IDS Fundamentals and Network Architecture
IDS placement and architecture options, and Strengths and weaknesses of common IDS tools.
- 07
IDS Rules and Tuning
Writing rules that catch real malicious activity, and Tuning and correlation.
- 08
Packet Engineering, Flow Analysis and Network Forensics
Packet crafting and manipulation, SiLK and other flow tools, and Pulling together packet capture, netflow and logs.
Exam format and cost
- Questions
- 106
- Duration
- Confirm on the vendor site
- Format
- Confirm question format on the vendor outline
- Passing score
- 67
- Cost
- Confirm the current exam fee on the vendor site before you register
- Delivery
- Vendor-approved test center or online proctoring (confirm on the vendor site)
- Languages
- Confirm available languages on the vendor site
Experience and eligibility
There are no enrollment prerequisites and GIAC doesn't require any to sit GCIA. You should be solid on networking. Network+, Security+ or GSEC level knowledge helps.
Renewal
Renewal rules for GCIA: Certified Intrusion Analyst are set by GIAC. Many credentials use a multi-year cycle with continuing education, a renewal fee, or a newer exam. Confirm the current cycle on the vendor site.
Roles this credential fits
- TCP/IP and the link layer, IP, TCP, UDP, ICMP and IPv6, fragmentation, tcpdump and Wireshark, application protocols, IDS architecture, rules and tuning, packet engineering and network forensics, aligned with GIAC's published GCIA objectives.
- Network Defense
- Teams standardizing on this credential for hiring or compliance
GCIA questions
Is GCIA worth it?
GCIA is worth it when employers or contracts in your market ask for GIAC proof, or when the domains match work you already do or want next. Common roles include TCP/IP and the link layer, IP, TCP, UDP, ICMP and IPv6, fragmentation, tcpdump and Wireshark, application protocols, IDS architecture, rules and tuning, packet engineering and network forensics, aligned with GIAC's published GCIA objectives., Network Defense, and Teams standardizing on this credential for hiring or compliance. Read the roles and domains on this page, then decide against your timeline and budget.
How hard is GCIA?
You get 106 questions in Confirm on the vendor site. Format: Confirm question format on the vendor outline. Passing score: 67. There are no enrollment prerequisites and GIAC doesn't require any to sit GCIA. People who pass usually mix domain study with timed practice, not reading alone.
Does GCIA expire?
Renewal rules for GCIA: Certified Intrusion Analyst are set by GIAC. Many credentials use a multi-year cycle with continuing education, a renewal fee, or a newer exam. Confirm the current cycle on the vendor site.
How does Accumentum help with GCIA?
We offer Expert-led training mapped to the GCIA domains, PathPay® payment options, PathPass™ practice where the exam is in our catalog, and military funding support where you qualify. We are an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Our pass rate across Accumentum certification attempts since August 2022 is 98.8% (2,412 certified of about 2,441 attempts).
How much does the GCIA exam cost?
Published pricing for GCIA: Confirm the current exam fee on the vendor site before you register. Vendors change voucher prices without notice, so confirm on the official store before you buy. PathPay® can spread Accumentum course tuition when you train with us.
What are the GCIA prerequisites?
There are no enrollment prerequisites and GIAC doesn't require any to sit GCIA. You should be solid on networking. Network+, Security+ or GSEC level knowledge helps.
What should I take after GCIA?
After GCIA, pick the next credential that matches the job you want, not a generic ladder. Use the roles on this page and neighboring PathKey™ guides from the same vendor to plan the sequence. If you need a readiness check first, start with ReadyScore™ when we offer one for this exam.
Official sources
Always confirm fees, dates, and eligibility on the vendor site before you register. Vendors change outlines and prices without notice.