Upholding the Integrity of GIAC Certifications
GIAC-certified professionals play a pivotal role on the frontlines of cybersecurity, defending against threats, breaches, and attacks that can impact individuals, organizations, and even national security. The risks are too high to allow someone to falsely claim the ability to handle these critical responsibilities.
As the certifying body, GIAC is committed to holding the highest standards of fairness, consistency, and validity in its exams. Protecting the integrity of our certification process is not just a priority—it’s a responsibility we take seriously. Cheating undermines that integrity, and we at GIAC are dedicated to preserving the value and credibility of GIAC certifications.
Prohibited Activities That Constitute Cheating
The following actions are strictly prohibited under GIAC’s Exam Integrity Policy:
Using Unauthorized Exam Materials
- Accessing or studying from stolen or unauthorized copies of exam content, often known as “exam dumps.”
- Even unintentional use of such materials can have consequences.
Collaboration or Assistance During an Exam
- Receiving help from or providing help to another person while taking the exam.
Accessing Unauthorized Resources
- Using the internet, digital materials, or online tools during the exam.
Impersonation
- Taking an exam on someone else’s behalf or allowing someone to take the exam for you.
Reproducing or Sharing Exam Content
- Memorizing, writing down, or reproducing exam questions in any form.
- Sharing exam content with others, even with the intent of helping them prepare.
Creating or Sharing Unauthorized Study Materials
- Using GIAC exam content to create flashcards, notes, or other study resources for distribution.
- Entering GIAC questions into online tools or AI solutions.
Using Unauthorized Tools and Resources
- Bringing prohibited items, such as cell phones, additional computers, virtual machines, or electronic software, into the exam environment.
Protecting Our Intellectual Property
GIAC practice tests and exam questions are protected under copyright law. Violating this protection may result in legal consequences.
- Do not screenshot, record, or replicate practice test questions in any form.
- Writing down or sharing practice exam content is not allowed.
How We Monitor Exam Integrity
GIAC and our partners actively monitor certification exam attempts using advanced tools like data forensics, monitoring systems, and AI-enabled detection. Suspicious activity is thoroughly investigated and addressed.
Consequences of Cheating
- Legal action may be taken in cases of copyright infringement.
- All previously earned certifications may be revoked, not just the one in question.
- Permanent disqualification from obtaining GIAC certifications or engaging in future GIAC-related business.
- If your exam was sponsored by your employer, they may be notified of the violation and resulting sanctions.
Integrity and Preparation Equal Success
The effort spent trying to circumvent the system far outweighs the time it takes to study and prepare properly. Focus your energy on legitimate resources like GIAC practice tests and hands-on learning to build mastery in the skills you need to succeed. Take advantage of GIAC’s recommended test preparation strategies—they’re designed to help you succeed the right way.
Choose integrity. Choose preparation. Your hard work will pay off!