Taking the GSE
One of the primary reasons that I went to Las Vegas for NS2011 was to take the GIAC GSE hands-on lab exam. A huge motivation for me is that I hold several certifications, all of which need to be re-certified every 4 years. Holding the GSE would mean only having to re-certify one.
As of the time of writing this entry, I do not know whether I passed or not. If not, then I am hoping to be in Orlando in spring of 2012 to do a re-take.
Earning the GSE requires both a written exam and a hands-on lab exam. I passed the written exam in late summer. That qualified me to sit for the lab exam.
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There were 11 of us who took the lab exam. It was quite a mix of folks. My brother and I both sat for the exam. Most of us were from the U.S., but there was also representation from Egypt, Australia and New Zealand. I really believe the most enjoyable part was getting to know some of the other test-takers.
I really cannot share much about the lab exam itself. We were required to agree not to share details. The GIAC GSE webpage does give a pretty decent high-level listing of what you need to know and be able to practice.
How did I feel about the exam? It was tough. I choked on some things that should have been very simple. My time management was terrible. The most difficult part was not knowing exactly what we would be expected to demonstrate.
Yep. I’ll do it again if I didn’t pass. It’s worth the work of preparation and the stress of taking the exam.
- Dan
