GSLC (GIAC Security Leadership)
GSLC covers governance and technical controls for protecting against, detecting, and responding to security issues. Topics include program structure, policy, risk frameworks, SOC management, vendor management, and the management of AI and cloud security. Security managers and IT managers with leadership responsibilities are the audience, and SANS LDR512 is the aligned course.
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
18 domains| Domain |
|---|
| Cryptography Concepts for Managers |
| Incident Response and Business Continuity |
| Managing a Security Operations Center |
| Managing Application Security |
| Managing Artificial Intelligence |
| Managing Cloud Security |
| Managing Encryption and Privacy |
| Managing Negotiations and Vendors |
| Managing Projects |
| Managing Security Awareness |
| Managing Security Policy |
| Managing System Security |
| Managing the Program Structure |
| Network Monitoring for Managers |
| Network Security Architecture |
| Networking Concepts for Managers |
| Risk Management and Security Frameworks |
| Vulnerability Management |
DoD 8140 Work Roles
13 work rolesThe DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix V2.1 lists GSLC 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.
Certification Lists
Related Tool Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the GSLC exam?→
GSLC has 115 questions with a 3-hour limit. The passing score is 70% for versions released on or after June 17, 2023.
Who is GSLC for?→
GIAC lists information security managers, security professionals with leadership duties, and IT and other managers.
How much does GSLC cost?→
A GSLC 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
Exam details are checked against official GIAC pages. Fees, exam versions, and renewal rules change; confirm with GIAC before registering. GSLC is a trademark of its owner. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by GIAC.