GIAC Security Expert (GSE)
Credential: GIAC Security Expert (GSE)
Credentialing Agency: Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Renewal Period: 4 years
The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), GIAC Security Expert (GSE) is an advanced skill level certification for top security consultants and practitioners that is targeted to those pursuing an in-depth technical education in all areas of information security. Candidates must successfully complete three GIAC certifications with at least one Gold designation prior to earning the GSE. There are multiple combinations of prerequisite GIAC certification that will meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, candidates must have real world, hands on experience in relevant subject areas. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
GIAC Security Expert (GSE)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite: GSEC, GCIH, GCIA, GCWN, or GCUX + at least one Gold designation
- 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
Credential Pre-requisite REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must hold one combination of the following certifications in good standing with applicable Gold designation(s):
- GSEC, GCIH, GCIA with two Gold
- GSEC, GCIH, GCIA with one Gold and one substitute
- GSEC, GCIH, GCIA with no Gold and two substitutes
- GCWN, GCUX, GCIH, GCIA with one Gold
- GCWN, GCUX, GCIH, GCIA with no Gold and one substitute
GSE pre-requisite baseline is: GSEC, GCIH, GCIA with two Gold certifications.
Pre-requisite Substitution Options:
- GCWN & GCUX combined can act as a substitute for GSEC.
- Advanced level GIAC certifications can act as substitutes for Gold papers. Visit the GIAC Certification Roadmap for details.
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Although there is no specific number of years required, candidate must have real world, hands-on experience in relevent areas.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The GIAC Security Expert (GSE) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidate must agree to uphold and be bound by the GIAC Code of Ethics.
Written Exam
The GSE exam is given in two parts. The first part is a multiple choice exam. Passing this exam qualifies a person to sit for the second part, the GSE hands-on lab (practical exam). The written exam is a multiple choice exam that covers the following major groups:
- Intrusion Detection and Analysis Skills
- Incident Handling Skills
- General Security Skills
Practical Exam
After passing the written exam, candidates must complete a two day hands-on lab. The first day consists of an incident response scenario that requires the candidate to analyze data and report their results in a written report. The second day consists of a rigorous battery of hands on exercises drawn from all of the domains listed below.
- IDS and Traffic Analysis Domain
- Capture Traffic
- Analyze Traffic
- Interpret Traffic
- IDS Tools
- Incident Handling Domain
- IH Process
- Common Attacks
- Malware
- Preserving Evidence
- ITSEC Domain
- Windows Security
- Unix Security
- Secure Communications
- Protocols
- Security Principles
- Security Technologies Domain
- Firewalls
- Vulnerability Scanners, and Port Scanners
- Sniffers and Analyzers
- Common Tools
- Soft Skills Domain
- Security Policy and Business Issues
- Information Warfare and Social Engineering
- Ability To Write
- Ability to Analyze
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the GIAC Security Expert (GSE) 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 Expert (GSE) 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 Expert (GSE)
Renewal Period: 4 years