3/31/2004 -- The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) program, a division of SANS, recently added several new "certificate" titles to its certification program:

• GIAC HIPAA Security Certificate (GHSC) -- Tests candidates' knowledge of HIPAA security regulations and ability to apply them in a real-world environment.
• GIAC Solaris Gold Standard Certificate (GGSC-0200) -- Focuses on hardening Solaris 8 and 9.

These titles join the program's GIAC Windows 2000 Gold Standard Certificate (GGSC-0100), which debuted 18 months ago.

Obtaining these titles requires passing an online assessment exam as well as performing a practical assignment, just like GIAC's other security certifications. GIAC Deputy Director Lara Corcoran said the program calls these credentials "certificates" because "the certifications are for our full track courses which are five or six days long. The certificates are based on our one- or two-day classes. Obviously the amount of material and therefore the amount of effort required is much less for a certificate than a certification," she explained. "The certificates are like merit badges or specialty badges in those specific areas."

The amount of time allowed to earn each title is also less -- 10 weeks versus the standard six months.

Although the titles tie directly to SANS training courses, the training is optional for many of the program's credentials. When taken without the related training, the certificates cost $250 each.

Corcoran said that the program will be adding more certificates as the number of one- and two-day training courses SANS offers expands.

For more information on these certificates, go here. -Becky Nagel