Self study for GSEC
Hi all,
I am aiming to get the GSEC later this year, but am planning to challenge the exam, as neither my employer nor I can fund the SANS course or SANS self-study materials. I know Work Study is an option, and have applied for it, but don't believe I will be offered a facilitator role.
Looking through the forums, it appears that it is possible by doing a range of things including:
- study material from SSCP, Sec+, Net+, Linux+
- study material from older SEC401 courses (this one may not be so helpful since specifics within the course and exam content changes frequently)
- use learning platforms like Cybrary, ImmersiveLabs etc.
I do not have much technical IT experience, and this will be my first exam attempt and certification. I know that this will make what I'm doing sound quite ambitious, but I believe I can do it. If anyone's got any further tips, or has experience with challenging exams without using SANS material please let me know about what you did and how you went.
I am aiming to get the GSEC later this year, but am planning to challenge the exam, as neither my employer nor I can fund the SANS course or SANS self-study materials. I know Work Study is an option, and have applied for it, but don't believe I will be offered a facilitator role.
Looking through the forums, it appears that it is possible by doing a range of things including:
- study material from SSCP, Sec+, Net+, Linux+
- study material from older SEC401 courses (this one may not be so helpful since specifics within the course and exam content changes frequently)
- use learning platforms like Cybrary, ImmersiveLabs etc.
I do not have much technical IT experience, and this will be my first exam attempt and certification. I know that this will make what I'm doing sound quite ambitious, but I believe I can do it. If anyone's got any further tips, or has experience with challenging exams without using SANS material please let me know about what you did and how you went.
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Comments
If you don't have much technical IT experience, what do you hope to gain from getting the GSEC certification? There are much better ways to learn how to secure and defend information systems.
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I'm working in GRC at the moment, so I do have information security knowledge, just not at a lower level. The reason I want to take the GSEC is so I get a more rounded view of infosec, and fill the gaps in my technical know-how.
It's interesting to hear that it's a hard cert exam, considering it is viewed as being an entry-level cert
One of the best books you can get is a CISSP study book. Seriously.
Pen Testing with Kali
Any cloud-based material that discusses Azure/AWS
That would at least get you probably over the passing line. That CISSP book will be a gold mine.
My advice is to either start with something smaller like the Security+ or CEH to build some foundation security knowledge
OR
Apply for the Work Study. For $1500 you'll get get the class, exam attempt, and two practice exams. The experience will be well worth it plus it's a great opportunity to network with those already in the industry. You said you already applied--did you apply for multiple dates/locations? I had to apply a handful of times before I was selected. If it was me, I would be patient and go this route.
Doable, but I'm not sure if you're going to get out of it what you think you are.