Exam Preparation
SANS provides plenty of information on its Web site to help you get ready for its various exams. Be sure to check out the following items:
- SANS offers topical overviews of exam contents and objectives, as well as pre-course warm-up information. Check this out as you prepare for your exams; you'll find it on the GIAC Training and Certification Program page. Also, for an excellent summary of this material, be sure to download the file "The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Program: Objectives and Curriculum."
- SANS is famous for its top-flight instructors and training classes. Check out http://www.sans.org for the conference schedule or to locate classes in a location convenient for you. Course materials usually make great exam preparation materials as well.
- SANS offers exam-specific study guides for a limited number of certifications. In addition, SANS provides pointers to security books and other publications. The SANS "Reading Room" area lists more than 65 categories for security articles; each points to one or more articles or papers and provides easy access to additional information. If you visit the SANS bookstore, you can also peruse the organization's publications and course materials.
It would be a shame to pursue SANS certification without ever attending a conference, even though this soon will be quite possible. Be sure to check the state of your budget and schedule, and see if you can't somehow squeeze in one of SANS's outstanding conferences. Everyone we've talked to who has gone to one says that it's an experience not to be missed!