GICSPGIAC Global Industrial Security Professional
Created per CertMap methodology · Updated 12 May 2026 · About the editorial team →
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Overview
What is GICSP?
The GICSP is the leading certification for cybersecurity in industrial control systems (ICS) and OT environments, developed in collaboration with industry partners. It specifically targets professionals at the intersection of IT and Operational Technology – individuals who must secure SCADA, PLCs, or critical infrastructure. The exam is open-book, consistent with GIAC's principle: apply knowledge rather than memorize. Without prior knowledge of OT systems, the material is challenging; the associated SANS training (ICS410) is expensive but very high-quality. For government agencies, energy providers, and industrial companies, this certification is often explicitly required.
Quick facts
Key details
Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal
Cost over 5 years
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. Associated SANS course strongly recommended.
Exam format
82 questions + CyberLive, 3 hours, Open-Book, Proctored via Pearson VUE. Passing score: 71%.
Renewal & maintenance
Valid for 4 years. Renewal via 36 CPE credits or renewal exam ($479 USD). Each GIAC cert separate.
Classification
CertMap score and matching roles
Rating
Matching NICE roles
More certifications
More certifications
From GIAC
GAIPSGIAC AI Platform SecurityGASAEGIAC AI Security Automation EngineerGCFAGIAC Certified Forensic AnalystGCIHGIAC Certified Incident HandlerGOAAGIAC Offensive AI AnalystGPENGIAC Certified Penetration TesterGSEGIAC Security ExpertGSECGIAC Security Essentials CertificationGSLCGIAC Security Leadership CertificationThis page follows CertMap methodology: editorial content is curated by hand. Score, costs and NICE mapping are aggregated from official provider documents. Score methodology → · TCO methodology →
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From the knowledge base
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CISM oder CISA? Zwei ISACA-Wege, eine Richtungsentscheidung
Beide kommen von der ISACA, verlangen fünf Jahre Erfahrung und kosten fast dasselbe. Der Unterschied liegt nicht im Preis, sondern in der Rolle: steuern oder prüfen. Der Vergleich mit den Zahlen und der Rollen-Abbildung.
CC oder Security+? Der Gratis-Einstieg und der Arbeitsmarkt-Klassiker
Beide sind Einsteiger-Zertifikate ohne Zulassungshürde, beide decken die Grundlagen der Cybersicherheit ab, und trotzdem stehen sie für verschiedene Strategien: das eine als niedrigschwelliger, zeitweise kostenloser Start, das andere als etablierter Nachweis mit Gewicht im Arbeitsmarkt. Der Vergleich mit den Zahlen und der gegenläufigen Kostenlogik.
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