GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional
GIAC's vendor-neutral, practitioner-focused certification for securing industrial control systems across their lifecycle. It is aimed at the people who engineer or support control systems and share responsibility for their security, bridging IT, engineering, and cybersecurity. GIAC is an ANAB-accredited ISO/IEC 17024 certification body.
What you'll prove
- Apply security controls across the full industrial control systems lifecycle
- Bridge IT, engineering, and cybersecurity practices to protect OT environments
- Take shared responsibility for securing the control systems you engineer or support
Frequently asked
How much does GICSP cost?
The exam is $999 for a first attempt and $899 for a retake. Renewal runs on GIAC's standard cycle: 36 CPE credits every 4 years plus a $499 renewal fee.
GICSP vs Security+ or GSEC for ICS roles?
Security+ and GSEC are general security certifications, strong as broad foundations but not specific to operational technology. GICSP is purpose-built for industrial control systems and the IT, engineering, and security bridge that OT work demands. For an ICS or OT security role, GICSP is the more targeted signal; many candidates hold a general credential first and add GICSP for the specialization.
How do I prepare for GICSP?
GIAC does not require a specific course. SANS pairs GICSP with its ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials course as a preparation path, and the exam is open to anyone who registers, so self-study with relevant OT experience is also viable.
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