Have you ever asked yourself how a GIAC exam and certification are created or how they are updated to stay relevant to real-world job skills? When it comes to professional certification, it’s not just about passing an exam—it’s about ensuring that certified professionals have the skills needed to succeed in the real world. You may have even wondered how the exam questions are written and how the test reflects real-world job skills. This is where a Job Task Analysis (JTA) comes in, playing an important role in the process to make our exams relevant and impactful. When a subject matter expert (SME) is invited to participate in a JTA, understanding its significance is key.
In this article, we’ll explore how JTAs work, why they are essential, and how you, as a professional, can contribute to the process that shapes certifications in the industry.
What is a Job Task Analysis?
When developing a new certification or updating an existing one, SMEs are often contacted to complete a short JTA survey. In this survey, respondents rate the importance, criticality, and frequency of the proposed certification objectives as they apply to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the job. This collected feedback directly shapes the structure of GIAC exams, ensuring they are relevant, fair, and based on real-world application.
The JTA process ensures that our exams are rigorous, psychometrically sound, and align with ANAB accreditation standards, keeping them current and effective in an ever evolving industry.
How GIAC Uses JTAs to Create Exams
GIAC follows a structured, data-driven approach to conduct JTAs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Collect Data from Industry Experts: GIAC collaborates with SMEs who are professionals actively working in the field. These experts provide insights into the most important tasks, knowledge areas, and skills they use daily.
- Structure the Exam Based on Real Needs: Those who participate in the JTA rate importance, criticality, and frequency of proposed certification objectives which are then used to build the outline of the exam. Question writing is based on the determined outline.
- Continuous Updates to Stay Current: JTAs are not static. As our industry evolves—through new technology, regulations, or changing best practices—certifications must also evolve. JTAs are done on a regular basis to verify that the certification is evolving with the field.
The Benefits of Participating in a JTA
When you participate in a JTA, you’re making a meaningful contribution to the quality and relevance of certifications in the cybersecurity field. Here are just a few benefits:
- Professional Development
Gain valuable insights into certification development, enhancing your understanding of how exams are constructed and validated. - Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
Participating in JTAs can open doors to work with other professionals and industry experts, broadening your network within the certification and cybersecurity community. - Eligibility for Further Exam Development Roles
After completing the JTA survey, you may be invited to participate in additional exam development activities, such as beta tests, item analysis panels, or standard-setting panels. - Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits
You’ll receive six (6) Community Participation CPEs for completing the JTA survey, recognizing your commitment to advancing certification standards.
Getting Involved: How to Participate
Ready to help shape the future of GIAC Certifications? It’s easy to get started:
- Log in to Your GIAC Account.
- Manage your JTA opt ins to Ensure you’re available to receive communications and participate when new JTAs are launched.
- Keep Communication Preferences Updated.
Please be sure to keep your communication preferences up to date to ensure you receive upcoming information on new and existing GIAC exam development opportunities. To update:
- Log on to your SANS account
- Select ‘GIAC Certifications & News’ under ‘Cyber Security and Security Awareness Training Emails.’
Be Part of our Certification Process!
Whether you are a professional looking to earn your first GIAC certification or an expert with valuable industry experience, participating in a Job Task Analysis is an excellent way to shape the future of our industry. By aligning certifications with the real-world tasks and skills needed on the job, JTAs ensure that certified professionals are well-equipped for success.
Interested in Becoming A Subject Matter Expert? Visit the Subject Matter Expert Application or FAQ page.
Get involved today—contribute to building certifications that truly reflect the demands of our profession!