GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
Credential: GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
Credentialing Agency: Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Renewal Period: 4 years
The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), Security Essentials (GSEC) is an intermediate level certification that verifies a practitioner's knowledge of information security beyond basic terminology and concepts. GSECs are qualified to perform security-related hands-on IT systems roles. There are no prerequisites for the GSEC certification. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 4 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
11200 Rockville Pike
Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 654-7267
Fax: (301) 951-0140
Email: info@giac.org
Other REQUIREMENTS
The GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) credential has the following other requirements:
- All GIAC certification holders agree to abide by the GIAC Code of Ethics.
Written Exam
- Access Control and Password Management
- Active Defense
- Contingency Plans
- Critical Controls
- Cryptography
- Crptography Algorithms and Deployment
- Cryptography Application
- Defense in Depth
- Defensible Network Architecture
- Endpoint Security
- Enforcing Windows Security Policy
- Incident Handling and Response
- IT Risk Management
- Linux Security: Structure, Permissions and Access
- Linux Services: Hardening and Securing
- Linux: Monitoring and Attack Detection
- Linux: Security Utilities
- Virtualization and Cloud Security
- Vulnerability Scanning and Penetration Testing
- Web Communication Security
- Windows Access Controls
- Windows as a Service
- Windows Automation, Auditing, and Forensics
- Windows Security Infrastructure
- Wireless Network Security
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) examination:
- Best Sources
- General References
- Related Courses
- Related Training
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) testing process, visit the agency website.
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Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
Pearson VUE
The test centers are located in the U.S. They also have some test centers on military bases.
To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:
- Search for Testing Program
- Learn About Testing for Military Communities
- Agency/Certification Specific Testing Information
- Contact Pearson VUE
RECERTIFICATION
GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
Renewal Period: 4 years