Explore GIAC® Courses at Readynez: Train with the Best in Cybersecurity

Founded by the SANS Institute in 1999, the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC®) program has become a gold standard in the world of cybersecurity certification. With more than 173,000 certifications issued to date, GIAC credentials are globally recognized across government, defense, finance, and enterprise sectors. They are known for one thing above all: validating practical, hands-on expertise in the most critical and specialized areas of cybersecurity.

From penetration testing and digital forensics to cloud security, industrial control systems (ICS), and cybersecurity management, GIAC certifications go far deeper than broad, theory-based credentials. Each exam is meticulously designed to test your ability to apply knowledge in real-world environments - ensuring that those who pass are fully equipped to tackle the most demanding security challenges in the field.

At Readynez, we offer intensive, expert-led GIAC-aligned training designed to get you certified - and more importantly, job-ready. Our courses are built around real-world use cases, up-to-date labs, and immersive, hands-on learning that helps you retain knowledge, build confidence, and walk into your exam with clarity and competence.

Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or advancing into a leadership or specialized technical role, our GIAC training portfolio is your launchpad for success. Let’s dive into the certifications we offer and how Readynez can help you prepare, pass, and thrive.


GIAC® Courses Offered by Readynez

GIAC certifications are designed for job-ready performance. Each course we offer focuses on one of the core areas of cybersecurity and is taught in an immersive bootcamp format with expert instructors, hands-on labs, and focused exam prep.


GIAC® Security Essentials (GSEC)

For: New IT Security Professionals and Generalists

The GSEC course is the ideal starting point for those beginning a cybersecurity career. You’ll build a h4 foundation in network security, cryptography, risk management, Linux and Windows hardening, and cloud security.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Introduction to cybersecurity fundamentals
  • Defense in depth strategies
  • Operating system hardening (Linux and Windows)
  • Networking protocols and security
  • Cryptography and secure communication
  • Risk management and incident response fundamentals

GIAC® Penetration Tester (GPEN)

For: Offensive Security Professionals and Blue Teamers

This course delivers a deep dive into ethical hacking and network penetration testing using real-world tools and tactics. You’ll also perform hands-on labs in a safe environment using Hack The Box-style exercises.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Penetration testing methodology
  • Reconnaissance and scanning
  • Exploitation and password attacks
  • Active Directory and Kerberos attacks
  • Post-exploitation and persistence
  • Using Metasploit and PowerShell

GIAC® Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD)

For: Cloud Security Engineers, Risk Managers, System Admins

Covering Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, the GCLD course is the only vendor-neutral certification that teaches both offensive and defensive cloud security tactics.

Focus Areas:

  • IAM best practices in the cloud
  • Monitoring cloud environments
  • Secrets management and encryption
  • Secure containers and cloud automation
  • Government and legal considerations

GIAC® Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)

For: ICS Engineers, OT Security Professionals

Designed to bridge IT, cybersecurity, and engineering, the GICSP course prepares you to defend Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA environments.

Topics You’ll Explore:

  • ICS/SCADA protocols and architecture
  • Network segmentation and zoning
  • Operating system hardening in ICS
  • Wireless security in OT environments
  • Disaster recovery and incident response in ICS

Why GIAC® Certifications Are Trusted Globally

GIAC® certifications have earned global respect for one simple reason: they prove real capability in high-stakes environments. Unlike many certifications that test only conceptual knowledge, GIAC exams are built around the skills that cybersecurity professionals need to perform under pressure—whether that’s investigating a breach, securing critical infrastructure, or responding to advanced persistent threats.

What sets GIAC apart is its rigorous exam development process. Each certification is created through expert-led psychometric design, ensuring that every question is fair, technically sound, and deeply tied to real-world scenarios. This process is overseen by GIAC’s in-house psychometrician and supported by industry veterans who review and validate the content to ensure relevance and technical accuracy.

In addition, GIAC certifications are fully compliant with the ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation standard—one of the most prestigious international benchmarks for certification bodies. This means the program follows globally recognized best practices in credentialing, reinforcing both its credibility and consistency.

GIAC also aligns with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, making it easier for organizations to map certification outcomes to specific job roles. Whether it’s a SOC analyst, penetration tester, forensics expert, or ICS security engineer, employers can trust that a GIAC-certified professional is qualified to step in and deliver from day one.

This high standard of quality is why GIAC certifications are recognized and required by top employers across critical sectors, including energy, defense, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. For professionals, it’s a signal of technical excellence. For hiring managers, it’s a mark of trust.


Digital Badging and Career Recognition

Once certified, you’ll receive a digital badge issued in partnership with Credly, enabling you to showcase your achievement on LinkedIn, email signatures, resumes, and more. GIAC badges make your expertise visible to recruiters, peers, and hiring managers worldwide.


Certification Renewal Made Simple

GIAC certifications remain valid for four years. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to:

  • Earn Continuing Professional Experience (CPE) credits
  • Submit your CPEs within your certification period
  • Pay the certification maintenance fee

GIAC accepts a wide variety of professional development activities as CPEs, making the renewal process flexible and accessible.


Join the Community of Certified Cyber Experts

Passing a GIAC exam connects you with a global community of skilled professionals. High scorers are invited to join the GIAC Advisory Board, and all certificate holders gain access to exclusive resources, networking, and continuing education opportunities through the SANS and GIAC ecosystem.


Start Your GIAC® Journey with Readynez

Our GIAC-aligned bootcamps include:

  • 90% hands-on labs, 10% slides
  • Up-to-date training materials
  • Small group sizes and 1:1 instructor interaction
  • Bonus prep material to help you pass on your first try

With Readynez, you’ll get all the tools, training, and mentorship you need to pass your GIAC exam and accelerate your cybersecurity career.

👉 Explore all GIAC® Courses here

💬 Or chat with our team directly to find the right course for you.


Disclaimer

GIAC® is a registered trademark of the Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies, Inc. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by GIAC®.

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