www.giac.org




GIAC Proctor Program Overview

All GIAC exams corresponding to new certification attempts and new recertification attempts are required to be proctored. The cost of new GIAC challenge certification attempt is $899, certification attempts taken in conjunction with the associated SANS training course are $499, and recertification attempts are $325.

Certification Exam Format

One exam format — All GIAC certification attempts are comprised of a single exam that will cover all certification objectives. Certification exams are four or five hours in length, depending on the specific certification attempt.

GSEC and GISP certification attempts- 5 hour certification exam

All other GIAC certification attempts-4 hour certification exam

Open book policy — GIAC certification exams are open book format, but not open internet or open computer. Candidates will be allowed to bring one back pack or briefcase of course books, reference material, printed notes, spreadsheets, tables of content, etc., but no electronic devices such as extra computers, CD-ROM or USB flash drives. Candidates will not be able to access anything stored electronically on any computer 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.

Finding a Proctor for your GIAC Certification Exam

The primary method for taking a proctored exam is through our testing partner KRYTERION. KRYTERION has nearly complete coverage in the USA and many testing centers throughout the world, and it is expected that any candidate within a reasonable driving distance (1-2 hours) from a KRYTERION center will utilize this option. KRYTERION is also adding GIAC testing sites as coverage gaps are identified. The list of KRYTERION sites is updated frequently.

Please click here to find a KRYTERION testing 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.

Please do not attempt to schedule a testing appointment with KRYTERION before you have registered for a GIAC certification and have been administered access to your certification attempt through your portal account.

All KRYTERION scheduling will be handled through the web interface linked from your portal account. GIAC offers a complete web-based solution which enables you to schedule your proctored exam through KRYTERION via the GIAC/SANS portal interface.

* Please DO NOT CONTACT KRYTERION with questions on scheduling or exam appointments. You must contact a GIAC representative, by either writing in to proctor@giac.org or calling a customer support representative at 301-654-7267. *

Should you not be able to attend your appointment as scheduled, for any reason, please send an email to proctor@giac.org within 72 hours.

The specific steps for scheduling proctored exams through KRYTERION test sites can be reviewed at: How to Schedule Your GIAC Proctored Exam

Please be prepared to present two forms of ID when you show up to your scheduled testing appointment. One form of ID must be a valid photo ID such as a driver's license; the other form of ID can be something such as a credit card, membership card, library card, etc. Your name must appear on all forms of ID.

You will need to schedule your exam appointment with KRYTERION at least 72 hours in advance. Scheduled date and time slots are available on a first come first serve basis; a good rule of thumb is to get your appointment locked down at least 1 month before you are ready to take your exam. If you have questions about this process, please email proctor@giac.org.

Rescheduling Policy

If you need to reschedule your exam appointment, you may do so before 72 hours of your exam appointment by logging into your portal account and clicking on the yellow GIAC Exam Engine bar, "Cert Attempts," "View Schedule Details" and then the "Reschedule" button. Please be aware that you will be charged a $150 seating fee if you reschedule or cancel your exam appointment within 72 hours of your exam appointment or do not show for your exam appointment. If you wish to cancel or reschedule your exam within 72 hours of your appointment, please call our customer support line at 301-654-7267 to pay the $150 Kryterion seating fee and reschedule or cancel your exam appointment. Do not attempt to contact Kryterion or the testing center directly.

Non-KRYTERION Proctor Registration

If you select an alternative to standard proctoring with KRYTERION, you must understand that it is ultimately your responsibility to locate a suitable proctor and ensure they have filled out the necessary paperwork and have been approved by GIAC as an official proctor, well in advance of your exam. We will work with you to locate a proctor if necessary, but GIAC is not responsible for arrangements made between an independent proctor and yourself. If your proctor has not received official confirmation from GIAC that they are approved as a GIAC proctor, that means they are not. The first step is for your desired proctor to fill out the GIAC Proctor Code of Ethics and Agreement form.

Alternative Options

GIAC is strongly committed to ensuring the integrity and security of our exams. When using an alternative proctor option, the candidate and the proctor must understand that there are specific guidelines that must be adhered to. GIAC maintains a zero tolerance policy with regard to candidates who cheat on an exam, and / or proctors who allow candidates to cheat or otherwise subvert proper procedures. Strong sanctions will be applied to candidates and proctors who are found to have violated the GIAC code of ethics.

In the event a Kryterion Testing Center is not available in your location, the following options may be available to you:

  1. Human Resources Staff or Training Staff for an established Corporate or Government Facility

    You may be able to utilize your company's Human Relation's representative as a GIAC proctor. The size of your organization is an important factor in the eligibility of this option.

  2. Educational Administrator (Community College, University, High School)

    You may be able to take your exam at a local college or university. Many colleges have testing centers with proctors on site or classroom space available.

  3. DANTES ETO

    If you are a DepAartment of Defense employee you may be able to use your local Education and Training Office personnel. Proctored exams are offered through the DANTES network.

  4. GIAC Advisory Board Member

    Please contact proctor@giac.org and provide your location.

  5. SANS Staff Member/Instructor/Mentor

    Proctoring services are available at most SANS conferences and events.

Please note that you cannot sit for a GIAC exam immediately following the corresponding SANS training course. Only pre-existing GIAC exam attempts are eligible to be taken at a SANS event. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, send an email to proctor@giac.org with a subject line of "Proctoring at SANS events" and include the following information:

  1. Name
  2. Email address
  3. The conference where you would like to take your exam
  4. Certification exam(s) you will need to take
  5. Dates and times during the conference that you will be available

Steps for establishing an alternative proctor:

  1. The candidate is responsible to make contact with a local individual that agrees to act as a GIAC proctor and is aware of the outlined GIAC proctor responsibilities.
  2. The candidate is responsible to deliver the GIAC proctor form to the potential proctor.
  3. The potential proctor must completely fill out the form provided and have it verified by a third party that has been authorized by their government to witness and authenticate documents (these individuals are called Notary Publics in the United States). Many local and regional government websites maintain a list of people authorized to act in this capacity. Additionally, this service can also be offered by some postal services. The potential proctor then faxes the completed form to GIAC and sends an email to proctor@giac.org letting us know the form has been faxed.
  4. When the form is approved by GIAC, GIAC will contact the proctor, help set up a proctor portal account and provide a quick proctor training session.
  5. The proctor will create a GIAC proctor password that will be used to unlock the candidate's exam.
  6. The proctor will then be able to administer the exam.

Setting up a new proctor in the GIAC system must be initiated at least 5 business days in advance of when you plan to take your exam.

Please note that each of these options have conditions that may apply, which may render them unsuitable for your specific purposes. GIAC reserves the right to reject any individual or organization as a proctor at its own discretion. Additionally, GIAC cannot be responsible for any additional costs you may incur if you take a proctored GIAC exam outside of a Kryterion testing center. GIAC is unable to provide compensation for alternative proctors.

Also, please keep in mind that any alternative proctor option will need to take conflict of interest into account. GIAC cannot approve a proctor that has something to gain from you passing the certification exam. Proctors cannot be someone in your direct reporting chain. This means you cannot proctor your direct employees and your direct supervisor cannot act as a proctor for you.

Proctor Responsibilities

Number of certified professionals: 29,874
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