How to Pass Any SANS / GIAC Certification on Your First Try

0:00 - Introduction
0:56 - Exam backstory
4:23 - Tips and tricks

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[aaronwhite]

I had a similar method for the GSEC. I made a spreadsheet that was 30 pages horizontally. On each line I had a definition written down from each of the 6 books, and I had a unique color code for each (red for Windows security, Blue for Linux Security, etc). Then I made sure to put a page number at the end of the definition just in case I needed to actually find the page to get more information.

In each book I highlighted the definition or sentence in the book with the same color highlighter that the book belonged to, just to make it easier to find the line once I got to the right page.
It ended up working pretty well. I had the books next to me in a pile, and if I got to something I didn't know, I would reference my sheets and then if that answer wasn't enough, I would check the page number and open the book and start scanning.

I initially had tabbed each of the definitions/things I noted with color-coded tabs, but eventually realized after the first practice test that I got more used out of just having a tab every 10 pages so that it was easier to just say "Oh, this is on page 17 in the Green book, I'll open at page 20 and go back".

The test itself went pretty well, and I'm glad I took the practice test, as it was a pretty faithful representation of the actual exam, including the labs.

[jeg]

I've only taken the GSEC so far, but open book open notes is a bit of a trap. If you need to look up everything you'll fail. Just not enough time. I took my first practice exam using no notes then the second to test my notes.

[lotharofthedeepmine]

So I have take a few of the SANS courses. I have seen a couple of different ways to create the index. My personal belief is that the index should be like a firewall. It should get you through most of the test without having to look up material within the SANS books. This saves you time, which allows you to use that extra time on the harder questions or on the exercises.

I create my index by initially using Excel with a 4 column table. The first column is the name of the topic. The 2nd column is the also known as column. The 3rd column is where the term is located by book then page number. The last column is going to be the description of the term. Once I have completed the table, I sort the table by column 1. This makes it easy to search for the term. Once I have gone through all of the books, I then take the table into Word. The next section within the index is going to be any from this versus that or the steps in which something needs to be completed. This is basically the section of the index that is a lot of bullet points or steps. This can also be where I put any pictures. The final section is going to be any commands broken down by the OS (if there is multiple OS). This type of index allows me to quickly look up material within my index without having to go search the books. This is important because most people face a time crunch. The downside to creating this type of index is the amount of time it takes to create it. On average, creating this type of index is about 40-50 hours.

Another format for index creation is just a pure table where terms are listed and their location in the books is listed. I personally don't like this way because I am wasting a lot of time searching through the books. However, it does significantly decrease the amount of time that you need to index.

Another way, if you are taking the SANS course as a group, I have seen people take different books and index those books. For example, if there are 3 people, each person would be assigned 3 books. This cuts down greatly on the amount of books that you would need to index. They then combine the indexes together. The issue with this style of indexing is that you are relying upon other people for a very expensive exam.

No matter the style of index, I recommend using both of the practice tests with your index. This gets you familiar with the test and taking the test with your index. Another reason, it that you can see where your index needs to be improved upon.

[pamelaarmstrong]

Great video as usual! I have done many GIAC courses. I have done work/study which I highly recommend because you get to see behind the scenes. SANS is extremely bent on providing great training live and the reviews you put in daily are acted upon immediately so you get the best experience. I have also taken courses while working for govt. entities. They get a huge discount on these courses. Some pay for testing, some do not. It seems like the places that are afraid of you training and leaving don't like to pay for the tests. :) Corporate pays full price for these puppies plus the test. Unless you can be a host site for a course, then you might get a discount for a seat or two. Paying for classes yourself is insane. But if you make a ton of money, why not. THey are good courses. But a lot is smashed into a small amount of time.

[upupdavedave]

Great video! Leslie's index/tab method helped me get a 96% on the GWAPT many moons ago.

[sshhxr]

If you are accepted in their school the cost is $4, 000 per certification.
I'm doing the Masters degree and it's been fantastic.

[ibnathebeliever]

The only reason why I love watching this guy is because he is not hesitate to say things he feel not right/dislikes .. like he is a really honest guy. Honesty wins me and is really what I really appreciate. Thanks Cyber Mentor!

[DavidAlvesWeb]

Awesome video as usual! Don’t know if I’m ever going to have the chance to do a SANS certification tho 😅
I’m really digging this new video set up with the clean background and close up camera !

[ajhill]

The spreadsheet is a great idea! And it's great to know the practice tests are similar to the real test.

[yuchuuba-naritai]

Good info on GIAC certs. I wouldn't call it out of pocket when you are a business owner though. Rather qualifying TCMsec for PCI audit.

[jamesleecoleman]

I am 100% thinking about paying for SANS certs out of pocket because I want to get into Information Assurance and a lot of companies won't pay for it. I think paying out of pocket is sort of the best way to not be 'chained' to a company for a couple of years and could provide a little more freedom to move around.

[thesouthpole]

I’ve done 5 GIAC exams, last one on Saturday. 4 of them with score 90%+. If I would know that you’re recording this video I could share my experience with you :)

[solidstatealchemy]

Taking the GIAC GAWN next week. Time to break out the index tabs!!

[wolfofthewilds]

how helpful are the practice exams? is it worth taking notes during the practice test? are there overlap of the topics covered in the actual exam?

[priyankadeCTS]

This is a very helpful content. Thank you. I am thinking of a SANS course GWAPT, i am in two minds, should I take the self paced training or instructor driven virtual one?
Will i be given materials if i take virtual instructor driven training? Its 8 hours for 5 days - not sure how much can be learnt on that fast pace . I really want to focus on the training n certification, I am planning to this for a long time, however, because its pretty expensive i somehow postponed it before, now i feel its important. Please suggest.

[innocentrage]

Step 1. Profit, Step 2. ???, Step 3. Pass the SANS exam

[mohamedkaddouri]

Is there a blockchain related security cert SANS offer ?

[jimitgandhi]

How to get the books directly...without training..

[agentdelete]

Sir, Can i5 12th gen desktop CPU(6 cores/12 threads) do well as a professional cyber security engineer for next 5 years?
Plz tell me sir