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Talk With an Expert
Talk With an Expert

25% Off Your Applied Knowledge Certification

Applied Knowledge Certifications truly test your mettle and set you apart from your peers in the field of cybersecurity. *For a limited time only, score 25% off your Applied Knowledge certification with code: APPLIED25

GIAC Certifications

Cybersecurity Certifications That Set You Apart

GIAC’s 6 Applied Knowledge Certifications are designed to provide a more comprehensive and rigorous assessment of knowledge and skill. These certifications span cyber defense, DFIR, and offensive operations, requiring you to apply your expertise in a 100% virtual machine environment.

GIAC Experienced Cybersecurity (GX-CS)

Demonstrates that you’re qualified for hands-on IT systems roles, and validates your ability to solve complex multifaceted problems through new and diversified security practices and tasks.

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GX-CS Certification

GIAC Experienced Intrusion Analyst (GX-IA)

Demonstrates that you're qualified to solve complex and unique challenges that Intrusion Analysts encounter, and validates your ability to solve multi-step problems through concepts and methodologies to identify malicious activity

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GX-IA Certification

GIAC Experienced Forensics Expert (GX-FE)

Demonstrates that you’re qualified for a hands-on Windows forensic analyst role, and validates your ability to analyze a Windows host to uncover evidence that proves actions on a particular device.

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GX-FE Certification

GIAC Experienced Forensics Analyst (GX-FA)

Demonstrates that you’re qualified for digital forensic and threat-hunting roles, while validating your ability to process, analyze, and interpret enterprise host-based forensics artifacts, as well as mastery of threat and malicious activity detection.

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GX-FA Certification

GIAC Experienced Incident Handler (GX-IH)

Demonstrates your superior incident response skills and validates your mastery of hands-on attacker techniques combined with incident response tools and practices.

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GX-IH Certification

GIAC Experienced Penetration Tester (GX-PT)

Demonstrates that you’re qualified for red and purple-team penetration testing roles that require advanced skills, thorough comprehension of pen testing methods and approaches, and the ability to think critically in a time-restricted situation.

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GX-PT Certification

4 Things to Know About Applied Knowledge Certifications

Are ideal for candidates who are up for a challenge and looking to set themselves apart from other peers

Example Candidates

Cover a range of topics and are not tied to a SANS Affiliate Course. Multiple methods of study needed to succeed.

How to Prepare

Take place in a 100% virtual machine environment, requiring candidates to solve real-world, hands-on challenges.

Certification FAQs

Are stackable with Practitioner Certifications to become a GIAC Security Professional (GSP) and/or Expert (GSE)

Explore GSP & GSE

What Others Are Saying About Applied Knowledge Certifications

  • Slide 1 of 3
    The GX–CS exam questions are amazingly well designed. They require the candidate to combine and chain several actions, demonstrating not only usage of tools, but also understanding and real-world applicability.
    Bojan ZdrnjaChief Technical Officer INFIGO IS, SANS Certified Instructor
  • Slide 2 of 3
    I'm proud of all my certs, but the satisfaction I felt after passing the GX- CS exam was nothing like I had felt after any prior cert or exam. These exams will test your mettle!
    Bryan E. SimonChief Technical Officer INFIGO IS, SANS Certified Instructor
  • Slide 3 of 3
    The questions on the GX – IH challenged me, like I experience in my consulting work every day. It's hard to imagine a more real-world exam.
    Josh WrightSANS Author & Fellow
Slide 1 of 0

Offer can be applied one time to any single GIAC Applied Knowledge certification purchase. This offer is non-transferable and has no monetary value to buyer. This offer cannot be combined with other offers or voucher programs. Offer valid through August 18, 2025.