GDSA (GIAC Defensible Security Architect)
GDSA covers architecting defenses that balance prevention, detection, and response through a combination of network-centric and data-centric controls. Topics include layer 1 to layer 3 defense, IPv6, network proxies and firewalls, data loss prevention, cloud and container security, and zero trust networking and endpoints. Security architects, network engineers and architects, senior security engineers, and CND analysts are among the audience, and SANS SEC530 is the aligned course.
Updated
Exam Details
- Issuer
- GIAC
- Level
- Intermediate
- Exam type
- Multiple choice
- Questions
- 75
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Passing score
- 63%
- Exam fee
- $999
- Validity
- 4 years
- Tracks
- Security Architecture, Security Operations
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
13 domains| Domain |
|---|
| Cloud-based Security Architecture |
| Data Discovery, Governance, and Mobility Management |
| Data-Centric Security |
| Fundamental Layer 3 Defense |
| Fundamental Security Architecture Concepts |
| IPv6 |
| Layer 1/Layer 2 Defense |
| Network Defenses |
| Network Encryption and Remote Access |
| Network Proxies and Firewalls |
| Zero Trust Endpoints |
| Zero Trust Fundamentals |
| Zero Trust Networking |
DoD 8140 Work Roles
6 work rolesThe DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix V2.1 lists GDSA 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GDSA stand for?→
GDSA stands for GIAC Defensible Security Architect. GIAC's pricing page lists it as GIAC Defensible Security Architecture.
How long is the GDSA exam?→
GDSA has 75 questions with a 2-hour limit. The passing score is 63% for versions released on or after August 3, 2019.
How much does GDSA cost?→
A GDSA certification attempt costs $999 and a retake $899, excluding tax.
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
- GIAC: GIAC Defensible Security Architect (GDSA)
- GIAC Knowledge Base: Proctor Program Overview (open book guidelines)
- GIAC: How to Renew
- GIAC Certification Pricing and Fees
- GIAC Knowledge Base: Renewal
- GIAC Knowledge Base: Retakes and Extensions
- GIAC: DoD 8140 Directive
- GIAC Company Info
- GIAC Proctoring
- GIAC Blog: Applied Knowledge exams compared with Practitioner exams
Exam details are checked against official GIAC pages. Fees, exam versions, and renewal rules change; confirm with GIAC before registering. GDSA is a trademark of its owner. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by GIAC.