GCLD (GIAC Cloud Security Essentials)
GCLD covers cloud security across providers: identity, networking, logging, secrets, storage, infrastructure as code, and basic incident response in public cloud. Its audience is security engineers, analysts, auditors, administrators, and anyone responsible for securing cloud environments. For DoD 8140, GIAC pairs it with SANS SEC502.
Exam Details
Open-book, web-based exam, proctored remotely through ProctorU or onsite at a Pearson VUE test center.
Price of one certification attempt with 120 days of access. A retake after a failed attempt is $899, a 45-day extension is $479, and a practice test is $399. Prices exclude sales tax.
Requirements and Renewal
Prerequisites
None. GIAC sets no prerequisites for any certification attempt but recommends a training course first.
Renewal
Earn 36 CPEs during the four-year cycle (or retake the exam) and pay the $499 maintenance fee. Additional renewals within two years of a full-price renewal cost $249.
Exam Domains
16 domains| Domain |
|---|
| Attacking the Cloud and Responding to Intrusions |
| Cloud Account Fundamentals |
| Cloud Automation |
| Cloud Logging Fundamentals |
| Cloud Networking Technology |
| Containers and Cloud Storage |
| Discovering and Storing Sensitive Data |
| External access and IAM Best Practices |
| Frameworks for Built-in Security |
| Network Security Monitoring in the Cloud |
| Risk Management and Compliance |
| Secrets Management |
| Secure Compute Deployment |
| Securing Cloud Networks |
| Understanding Shared Responsibility and Threat Informed Defense |
| Using Sensitive Data |
DoD 8140 Work Roles
8 work rolesThe DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix V2.1 lists GCLD as a foundational qualification option for these DoD Cyber Workforce Framework work roles, up to the proficiency level shown. Lower levels of the same work role are also covered.
Related Certifications
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the GCLD exam?→
GCLD has 75 questions with a 2-hour limit and a minimum passing score of 61%.
Which cloud providers does GCLD cover?→
GIAC's coverage includes evaluating similarities and differences between cloud service providers and securing single and multi-cloud environments.
How much does GCLD cost?→
A GCLD attempt costs $999. Renewal every four years requires 36 CPEs and a $499 fee.
What happens if you fail a GIAC exam?→
Candidates can buy a retake within 30 days after the attempt deadline and must wait 30 days before sitting again. After three failed attempts the attempt ends, and a new one cannot be bought for one year.
Sources
Exam details are checked against official GIAC pages. Fees, exam versions, and renewal rules change; confirm with GIAC before registering. GCLD is a trademark of its owner. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by GIAC.