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GXPNGIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester

GIACSpecialty certificatePentesting / Red Team
Official certification page

Created per CertMap methodology · About the editorial team

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What is GXPN?

The GXPN certifies advanced offensive skills extending into exploit development. The exam covers network-based and cryptography-based attacks, escalation and client-side attacks, working in restricted environments, fuzzing and source code analysis, shellcode and memory fundamentals, and stack overflows and bypassing advanced stack protection mechanisms on Windows and Linux. It is aligned with the SANS course SEC660. According to GIAC it addresses network and system penetration testers, incident handlers, application developers, IDS engineers, and security staff who test target networks, systems, and applications for vulnerabilities.

Suitable for

Network and systems penetration testers
Incident handlers
Application developers
IDS engineers

Quick facts

Languages
RecognitionGlobal

Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal

Cost over 5 years

Exam fee (acquisition)€8,762
Renewal fees (5 years)€459
5-year total€9,221
How is TCO calculated?

CertMap score and matching roles

Rating

Market recognition
2/3
Scheme quality
2/3
Practice evidence
2/3
Maintenance
2/3

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