- Overview
- Certification Exam Format Changes
- Proctor Responsibilities
- GIAC Proctored Exams through KRYTERION Test Sites
- Cancellation Policy
- Non-KRYTERION Proctor Registration
- Alternative Options
Overview
Effective December 1, 2007, all GIAC exams corresponding to new certification attempts and new recertification attempts are required to be proctored. The cost of new GIAC certification attempts associated with SANS training is $499. Challenge certification pricing remains at $899, and recertification attempts at $325.
Certification Exam Format Changes
One exam format — All GIAC certification attempts purchased after December 1st, 2007 will be comprised of a single exam that will cover all the certification objectives. This new exam format is four or five hours in length, depending on the specific certification.
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, printed spreadsheets, 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 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.
Proctor Responsibilities
- The proctor will abide by the GIAC code of ethics posted at www.giac.org/overview/ethics.php.
- The proctor will verify two valid forms of identification (at least one with a photo) for every candidate.
- The proctor will ensure the candidate does not use a cell phone, telephone, calculator, camera, or any electronic devices as reference material during the exam.
- The proctor will ensure that the computer used to administer the online exam is only used to access the GIAC exam engine.
- The proctor will verify that the candidate has only one web browser open during the exam, and that browser is exclusively pointed at the GIAC exam engine.
- The proctor will verify that the candidate does not perform prohibited activities during the exam including: tabbed browsing, internet searches, copying exam questions to a local computer, instant messaging, and no use of other electronic reference materials (including pdfs).
- The proctor will allow the candidate to use no more than one standard size book bag of reference books during the exam. These references can include SANS course material, personal notes (including courseware indexes), other books and magazines.
- The proctor will report any attempt by the candidate to circumvent these guidelines to GIAC immediately.
GIAC Proctored Exams through KRYTERION Test Sites
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 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. The specific steps for scheduling proctored exams through KRYTERION test sites are detailed further in your portal account.
You will need to schedule your date and time slot with KRYTERION in advance of taking your exam. All exams must be scheduled 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 4 weeks before you are ready to take your exam.
If you have questions about this process, please email proctor@giac.org.
Cancellation Policy
In the event that you need to reschedule a confirmed testing appointment with KRYTERION, a $150 fee will be applied. In order to avoid additional fees, please make sure of your availability before you actually schedule an exam appointment. All requests for changes must be made well in advance of 72 hours of the originally scheduled appointment.
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
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.
Note that for all alternative proctored options it is the candidate's responsibility to identify a potential proctor and location for taking the exam. GIAC will then work with the candidate identified potential proctor to get them added to the system.
In the event that a Kryterion testing center will not be available in your location then the following options may be available to you:
- Proctored GIAC exams are offered at most SANS conferences and events. If you will be traveling to one of these SANS events (or if there is a SANS event near your location) and you are in need of taking a proctored GIAC exam, this is an option for you. Currently, the events that will be offering proctoring services include:
- SANS Security West 2009 (1/24/09)
- SANS 2009 (3/2/09)
- SANS Security East 2009 (5/4/09)
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:
- Name
- Email address
- The conference where you would like to take your exam
- Certification exam(s) you will need to take
- If your organization has an individual whose primary duties are human resources-related, then you may be able to utilize this person as a GIAC proctor. The size of your organization plays an important role in the eligibility of a Human Resources representative, so you will need to check with GIAC representatives before scheduling an appointment for testing.
- The candidate is responsible for identifying an individual that agrees to act as a GIAC proctor, within your organization's human resources or training department.
- Once a potential proctor is identified by the candidate, the candidate should provide the GIAC proctor form to the proctor and email proctor@giac.org with details of the person's position. GIAC will respond with clear instructions to follow, so that the proctor can become approved and trained. The training process is a simple presentation that should take no more than one hour to complete.
- 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. Please note that GIAC will only accept proctors from accredited institutions, and proof of accreditation may be sought before approval is granted. The candidate is responsible for identifying an individual on staff at a specific university that agrees to act as a GIAC proctor. Once a potential proctor is identified by the candidate, the candidate must provide the GIAC proctor form to the proctor and email proctor@giac.org with details of the person's position. GIAC will respond with clear instructions to follow, so that the proctor can become approved and trained. The training process is a simple presentation that should take no more than one hour to complete.
- If you are a Department of Defense employee you may also be able to use your local Education and Training Office personnel. Please contact your ETO directly to inquire about availability and scheduling examinations. Proctored GIAC Certification exams are offered through the DANTES network. For more information on the DANTES program please visit www.dantes.doded.mil/Dantes_web/DANTESHOME.asp
- Alternative proctored testing facilities may be used if no other option is available to you. This is a last resort. GIAC Advisory Board members are eligible to serve as proctors. It is possible that there could be a GIAC Advisory Board member in your area that can serve as a proctor. Email proctor@giac.org for more information about this option. Please provide your town, city, state, and country. The more details you provide, the easier it is to determine an appropriate proctor.
Steps for establishing an alternative proctor:
- 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.
- The candidate is responsible to deliver the GIAC proctor form to the potential proctor.
- 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.
- 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.
- The proctor will create a GIAC proctor password that will be used to unlock the candidate's exam.
- 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.
