9/19/2007 -- The SANS Institute's Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) program will soon be moving to a proctored exam model, the organization announced recently.

Currently, most GIAC exams, aimed at IT security professionals, are only available via the organization's Web site. However, the organization said it will move to a proctored model -- where candidates will need to go to an authorized testing center in person to take the exam -- starting Dec. 1.

"Administering all certification exams in a proctored environment will raise the credibility of the GIAC program and the GIAC certifications that individuals hold," the organization said of the change.

GIAC has not yet said what provider it will be using to deliver its exams worldwide. The announcement of the testing locations is expected soon.

The change will also mean some limits will come to the the organization's current "open-book" policy for its current Web exams: "The exams will still be open-book, but not open-Internet or open-computer. Candidates will be allowed to bring one backpack or briefcase of course books, reference material, printed notes, printed spreadsheets, etc., but no electronic devices such as extra computers, CD-ROM or USB flash drives. Candidates will not be able to access anything stored electronically during the exam. We recommend that you print any study guide materials and bring them as hard, paper copies," the organization said in a FAQ posted on its Web site.

The program also said that it is considering a move to a one-exam format for most of its certifications: "We understand that from a studying perspective, the two-exam format is preferred by some candidates, but it is important to factor in things like drive times to proctored sites, scheduling multiple exams with the proctored sites, the cost per exam sessions at proctored sites, time away from work for candidates, etc."

The changes will not affect GIAC certification already earned or those acquired before the end of November; all these certifications will remain valid. It will change recertification, however, but these details have yet to be announced. As for those who fail their first test between now and deadline, the organization said it is working on a transition phase in order to accommodate its four-month retake policy.

The prices for the GIAC exams will not change: Those purchased in conjunction with training will cost $499 and those purchased without training will cost $899.

More information on this announcement can be found here. CertCities.com will bring you more on this story as information becomes available. -Becky Nagel