Passed the GCIA with an 86% this afternoon. I only had about a week to prepare (difficult to study through major re-constructive thumb surgery, working 80 a week, and traveling) so I'm completely pleased with my score.
It was by-far the most difficult of the SANS certs I've challenged and comprised of elements from the GCFW, GSEC, and GCIH. It was the most technically demanding of the courses and I feel that without a strong understanding of TCP/IP you're screwed. I have observed that about 40% of the questions on my previous SANS exams were lay-ins but this test made you fight for every answer, almost literally. I have traditionally challenged the exams in two hours (about half of the alloted time) but this one took me to the limit with about 5 minutes to spare.
GSE is only one paper or exam challenge away now..
