What Is SANS?
SANS is an institute that provides some of the highest quality, expensive cybersecurity courses. You can find a course for any cybersecurity domain and job role.
Essentially, SANS is seen as the best cybersecurity training experience that money can buy today.
What’s The Difference Between SANS and GIAC?
Before we go on, it’s important to understand that SANS and GIAC are different entities.
GIAC = The institute that handles the Certificate
SANS = The institute that handles the Training
SANS and GIAC work closely together to bring you the full experience.
For example, GCIH is the certificate from GIAC, and SANS504 is the associated training from SANS.
Many professionals consider SANS the best Cybersecurity training that money can buy.
How Much Does It All Cost?
The price of a SANS course, plus the GIAC certification exam attempt, is around $10,000. Yes, Ten Thousand US Dollars.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, IF:
- Money is not an issue for you.
- Your company is paying for it.
- You’re lucky enough to land a SANS work-study discount.
- Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Training Focus: All Major Cybersecurity Domains
- SANS Training Pricing: USD 8525
- GIAC Certificate Pricing: USD 979 (if purchased with SANS training)
SANS & GIAC Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Industry Best Content – You can expect the best training. There is rarely a single wasted moment in a SANS class.
- Networking – You gain access to a network of fellow Cybersecurity professionals.
- Broad Content – There is something for everyone here, from Industrial Control Systems, Pentesting, Blue-teaming, Management, etc.
Cons:
- Expensive – Not affordable for the everyday person.
- In-Person Experience Is Best – SANS offers online or in-demand versions of their classes, however, you’ll miss a lot by not being in person.
- Best For Advanced Topics – While the entry-level content is solid, we’ve found the absolute best content belongs to the intermediate and advanced level classes.
Why Is It So Expensive?!
SANS training is among the industry’s best. Ask anyone who’s taken the course and they’ll say something like “the best cybersecurity course I’ve ever taken, by far”.
You can expect a course that is: up-to-date, modern, applicable, hands-on, concise, and well-crafted. SANS instructors are top-notch, and the overall experience reflects the price.
Although, it is common to hear professionals claim the training is too expensive. SANS has continued to increase its prices over the years.
Conclusion
If you are lucky enough to be able to attend a SANS training, know you are in for a treat.
Off the Record
Yes, it’s overpriced. SANS can charge this amount because of the reputation they’ve built over the years as the best training money can buy. And unfortunately, having a GIAC certificate on your resume will give you an advantage over your peers. There are plenty of great, affordable resources for learning out there. But very few will make a hiring manager salivate like SANS/GIAC does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need The SANS Training For GIAC Certificates?
Yes, you should take the SANS training if you’re aiming to pass a GIAC Certificate. More or less, they’re built to be a package deal. SANS and GIAC do not sell any course material separately. You must buy the training from SANS to (legally) obtain official training documentation.
Will SANS Help Land Me A Job?
GIAC Certificates rank highly on a resume. No certificate will immediately land you a job, however a GIAC certificate will help you stand out.