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IMMUNITYSEC

GFACT (GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies)

GFACT covers foundational cybersecurity concepts and the practical skills in computers, technology, and security needed to start a cybersecurity career. Topics include hardware and virtualization, networking, operating systems, web, cloud, data storage, logic and programming, Windows and Linux, exploitation and mitigation, and forensics. The audience includes people new to cybersecurity, career changers, college and university students, and new hires in IT or cybersecurity. For DoD 8140, GIAC pairs it with SANS SEC275.

Updated

$399
Exam fee

Exam Details

Issuer
GIAC
Level
Entry
Exam type
Multiple choice
Questions
75
Duration
2 hours
Passing score
71%
Exam fee
$399
Validity
4 years
Tracks
Foundations

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 $199, a 45-day extension is $199, and a practice test is $189. 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 $199 renewal fee.

Official GFACT page→

Exam Domains

9 domains
Domain
Computer Hardware & Virtualization
Exploitation & Mitigation
Forensics & Post-Exploitation
Linux Foundations
Logic & Programming
Networking & Servers
Operating Systems, The Web, & Data Storage
Security Concepts
Windows Foundations

DoD 8140 Work Roles

9 work roles
DoD 8140 matrix→

The DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix V2.1 lists GFACT 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.

411 Technical Support Specialist (Intermediate)441 Network Operations Specialist (Advanced)451 System Administrator (Advanced)511 Cyber Defense Analyst (Basic)521 Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist (Basic)801 Program Manager (Advanced)802 IT Project Manager (Advanced)803 Product Support Manager (Advanced)804 IT Investment/Portfolio Manager (Advanced)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GFACT stand for?→

GFACT stands for GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies. GIAC itself was previously named Global Information Assurance Certification.

How much does GFACT cost?→

A GFACT certification attempt costs $399, and a retake after a failed attempt costs $199. Prices exclude sales tax.

How many questions are on the GFACT exam?→

The exam has 75 questions with a 2-hour limit. GIAC set the passing score at 71% for exam versions released on or after July 24, 2021.

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.

Exam details are checked against official GIAC pages. Fees, exam versions, and renewal rules change; confirm with GIAC before registering. GFACT is a trademark of its owner. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by GIAC.