New to GIAC and Sans Exams

clcurtis777

Hello Im considering doing SEC505: Securing Windows and PowerShell Automation - (GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN). I haven’t done any previous GIAC courses, so this will be my first.  My role is just beginning in Cyber Security.  I have a few years experience in Windows Server Admin and Cloud technologies (Azure etc), but by no means an expert.Not really familiar with powershell but that’s not a prerequisite, so I can learn that.  How difficult is this exam to pass?  Is it open book and can you study online or does it have to be in person? Hope you can help, failure is not an option for me

SteveLavoie

For any GIAC exam, everything you need to know is in the course book.  GIAC exam are open book and you can bring your notes and indexes. There are many blogs to be found on how to index for a GIAC exam. 

I can't tell you for this specific exam, but the difficulty of the GPEN exam I did was aligned with the practice test.  You can do your exam online with a remote proctor. 

If you are beginning in cybersecurity have you consider choosing SEC401: Security essentials Network, Endpoint, Cloud and write the GSEC exam instead?

What is your current role?

clcurtis777

Thanks so much for your reply.  I will have a look at the practice exams.  Cyber security specialist (enterprise, windows and ms)

SteveLavoie

When you buy a voucher for the exam, there is 2 practice tests included. Also dont forget to buy the exam voucher with the course. Bundled with the class, the exam voucher is "only" 800$, but if you buy it solo it is much expensive, 2K$ (from memory). 

E Double U

SteveLavoie said:

I can't tell you for this specific exam, but the difficulty of the GPEN exam I did was aligned with the practice test.  

To reinforce this comment, I have taken five GIAC exams and I felt that the two practice tests for each aligned with the real one in terms of difficulty level.