Starting out in security
GSEC GIAC Security Essentials
You know networking and some Windows or Linux and want a broad, hands-on base before you specialize.
On-demand GIAC exam prep
GIAC puts you in a live VM on exam day. Practice like it.
Self-paced prep for GSEC, GCIH, GCFA, GPEN and GCIA with labs in every module, mapped to GIAC's published objectives. Start tonight and work at your own pace.
- 5 GIAC certs covered
- Hands-on labs for CyberLive
- Air Force COOL Approved certs
Why GIAC
What GIAC is and why employers want it
GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification) runs practitioner exams for security work. Teams hiring for SOC, incident response, forensics and pen testing roles look for these letters because the exams make you prove it.
It tests what you can do
GIAC exams include CyberLive questions. You get a real virtual machine with real tools and have to do the work, not pick from four answers.
Hiring managers know it
A GIAC cert tells a security team you've already handled the tools they use every day. That shortens the interview.
It counts for DoD 8140
GIAC certifications are part of the DoD 8140 qualification framework. Check the 8140 work role matrix for the role you hold or want.
It's a real investment
GIAC lists a certification attempt at $999 and a retake at $899. Showing up ready the first time matters.
Exam details and pricing per giac.org, checked October 2026. GIAC sets its own prices and formats, so confirm on giac.org before you buy.
Find your cert
Which GIAC cert fits you
Start with the work you do now, or the job you want next.
SOC and security analyst
GCIA GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst
You live in alerts, packet captures and IDS rules and want to read traffic the way a senior analyst does.
Incident response
GCIH GIAC Certified Incident Handler
You get the call when something breaks and need to know how attackers work and how to run the response.
Digital forensics
GCFA GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst
You work memory images, timelines and Windows artifacts and want to prove you can find what happened.
Penetration testing
GPEN GIAC Penetration Tester
You scope and run tests, from recon to password attacks to Active Directory and Azure, and write it up.
How it works
How our on-demand prep works
- 1
Pick your cert
Use the chooser above or tell us your role and we'll point you to the right one.
- 2
Work the lessons on your schedule
Self-paced video lessons tied to GIAC's published objectives. Start, pause and replay whenever it fits.
- 3
Get your hands on the tools
Labs in every module, so the CyberLive questions aren't the first time you've opened the tools.
- 4
Build your index and book the exam
GIAC exams are open book. We help you build and test the index you bring in, then practice at exam pace.
Exam facts
The five exams at a glance
| Cert | Questions | Time | Pass mark | Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSEC | 106 | 4 hours | 72% | $999 |
| GCIA | 106 | 4 hours | 67% | $999 |
| GCIH | 106 | 4 hours | 69% | $999 |
| GCFA | 82 | 3 hours | 71% | $999 |
| GPEN | 82 | 3 hours | 73% | $999 |
All five are proctored, open book and include CyberLive hands-on questions. Figures per GIAC's certification and pricing pages, October 2026. Attempt price is paid to GIAC.
Funding
Using military education benefits?
GSEC, GCIH, GCFA, GPEN and GCIA are Air Force COOL Approved certifications. Contact us about funding options.
Tell us where you are and we'll map out your GIAC prep
Which cert, how long it should take you, what it costs and whether funding applies. You'll hear back from a real person, usually within one business day. Prefer email? info@accumentum.net
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Questions people ask before they start
Is this a SANS course?
No. Accumentum is an independent training provider. We aren't affiliated with, endorsed by, or a partner of GIAC or the SANS Institute. SANS course names and materials belong to SANS and only SANS teaches them. This is our own on-demand prep built from GIAC's published certification objectives.
Does the price include the GIAC exam attempt?
Ask us when you request a quote. GIAC sells certification attempts and practice tests directly at giac.org, and we'll walk you through what you need to buy and when.
Which GIAC cert should I start with?
If you're new to security, start with GSEC. If you already work in a SOC, incident response, forensics or pen testing, go straight to GCIA, GCIH, GCFA or GPEN.
Are the exams really hands-on?
Yes. GIAC includes CyberLive questions that run in real virtual machines. That's why every module in our prep has labs.
Can I bring notes into the exam?
GIAC exams are open book, so you can bring printed notes and books. A good index matters more than a big stack of paper, and we help you build one.
How do I take the exam?
GIAC exams are web-based and proctored. GIAC offers remote proctoring through ProctorU or onsite testing at Pearson VUE.
Are these GIAC certs on Air Force COOL?
Yes. GSEC, GCIH, GCFA, GPEN and GCIA are Air Force COOL Approved certifications. Contact us about funding options.
How do I get started?
Fill out the form on this page or email info@accumentum.net and we'll get back to you with a plan, pricing and next steps.
Your GIAC exam is open book. Your prep shouldn't be a guess.
Pick a cert, get your hands on the tools and walk in ready.
Accumentum is an independent training provider and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or a partner of GIAC or the SANS Institute. GIAC, GSEC, GCIH, GCFA, GPEN, GCIA and CyberLive are trademarks of their owners.