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CPE Information

CPE Information

GIAC accepts many different types of CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits to accommodate your busy lifestyle. Combine categories to earn 36 CPEs over four years.

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GIAC Screen

NEW! Your Renewal Status, Now in One Place

We've redesigned how certification renewal information is presented in the GIAC portal, bringing together everything that was previously scattered across separate pages into a single unified view. Expiration dates, CPE totals, progress tracking, and renewal purchasing now live in one place. We've also added CPE submission directly to the main navigation, so it's now easy to locate.

Man Typing on Laptop

GIAC Certification Holders

That one-screen view means fewer surprises as an expiration date approaches, and no more piecing together your status from memory or guesswork. CPE submission is now just a click away from the main navigation instead of a search, which is the kind of thing that sounds small until it's the reason you’re able to meet a deadline on time.

CPE Information

CPE Category
Example Activities
Number of Certifications
Max Credits

GIAC/SANS Affiliated Programs

  • SANS training courses, including Live Online and OnDemand
  • New GIAC certifications

Can be applied to 5 certifications

Up to 36 CPEs

Career Development Activities

  • Other accredited professional training or certification
  • Graduate level courses
  • Published technical work

Can be applied to 3 certifications

Up to 36 CPEs

Other Industry Training

  • BlackHat
  • RSA
  • ShmooCon
  • DerbyCon
  • And more!

Can be applied to 3 certifications

Up to 18 CPEs

SANS NetWars

  • NetWars tournament
  • NetWars continuous

Can be applied to 3 certifications

Up to 12 CPEs

Cyber Ranges

  • Hands-on cyber range activities
  • CTFs

Can be applied to 3 certifications

Up to 12 CPEs

Work Experience

  • Relevant technical and management experience

Can be applied to 3 certifications

Up to 12 CPEs

Community Participation

  • SANS Webcasts
  • Participating in GIAC exam development activities
  • Writing an article for an information security publication

Can be applied to 3 certifications

Up to 12 CPEs

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