Updated March 6, 2024
Exam Integrity Policy
For GIAC’s exams to remain consistent, fair, and sound for all candidates, we must require a high level of integrity across the program. As such this Exam Integrity Policy was created to outline the expectations of candidates and actions GIAC may take if violations are detected.
All candidates must read and understand this policy before embarking on their journey to certification, and must attest to understanding and agreement of this policy through the Candidate Agreement prior to examination.
Expectations of Candidates
- Candidates are expected to complete exams independently, based on information mastered through individual preparation
- Candidates may not aid others or receive assistance in the execution of a GIAC examination
- Candidates must not share or accept knowledge of test content including questions, answers, or scenarios experienced during CyberLive simulations for both Certification Exams and Practice Tests
Examples of Exam Integrity Violations
- Entering, copying, transcribing, transmitting, or otherwise making a copy of GIAC exam content (e.g., questions, explanations, images, solutions, etc.) into any web-based location including artificial intelligence sites such as ChatGPT, and study sites such as Quizlet, Anki, etc.
- Using unauthorized materials during exams such as cell phone, second computer, virtual machines, electronic software, etc.
- Using illegally obtained and copyrighted material from GIAC or a third-party source such as training providers in preparation for and in attempt of GIAC examinations
- Any use of or reference to “exam dump” sites which contain actual or possible GIAC questions and/or answers
- Copying, screen capturing, disclosing, sharing, publishing, selling, posting, distributing, or discussing (verbal or written) specific exam content before, during, or after an examination
- Using any type of recording device during examinations whether analog or digital regardless of intention for future use of the copied items
- Memorizing or recording exam questions
- Impersonating another individual or allowing another person to impersonate you during an examination or in any way falsifying your identity or misrepresenting yourself or another’s identity before, during, or after an examination
- Colluding with test proctors, exam content developers, or any other third party related to examination content
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain improper access to examination content from any source which gives you an unfair advantage over other candidates
Violations of Exam Integrity Policy
GIAC examination content is the sole property of GIAC and is protected under United States Copyright Law. Therefore, GIAC maintains the right to pursue legal action – both civil and/or criminal – against candidates in all applicable cases of abuse.
If a candidate or several candidates acting together are found to be in violation of any prohibited action(s) outlined in this policy, or other action that GIAC deems violates the integrity of the certification program, the candidate(s) may be immediately dismissed from an examination site and/or disqualified from completing an examination in progress.
If any exam anomalies are detected before, during or after a GIAC exam attempt GIAC reserves the right to require the candidate to retest. Please note that a request to retest is not a formal sanction nor an accusation of wrongdoing. GIAC reserves the right to issue sanctions on candidates deemed complicit against this Exam Integrity Policy by means of:
- Legal action
- Revocation of previously issued GIAC certifications effective to the date the certification was issued
- Bans against participating in future GIAC programming or attempting future GIAC certifications
Examination results will only be invalidated if a request for retest or a formal sanction is issued.
Complaints
Any applicant, candidate, certification holder, or member of the public may express dissatisfaction relating to the activities of either the certification body or a GIAC certification holder. Complaints must be submitted in writing through the GIAC Complaint Form and follow the instructions included on this form for submission in accordance with the GIAC Formal Complaint Procedure.
Appeals
Certification holders may request reconsideration of any decisions made by the certification body related to the status of their individual certification for actions taken due to ethical violations. Appeals must be submitted in writing through the GIAC Appeals Form and follow the instructions included on the form for submission in accordance with the GIAC Formal Appeals Procedure.
Note, the appeals process does not apply to exam failures, challenges to individual examination questions or answers, or retesting requests.