How Much Does the SEC504 Exam Cost?

  • SEC504 exam cost
  • Published by: André Hammer on Jan 30, 2024

Are you thinking about taking the SEC504 exam? Are you unsure about the costs? Knowing the financial side of getting certified is important. Let's look at the typical cost of the SEC504 exam. This will help you plan and budget. By the end, you'll know what to expect financially for this certification exam.

Exploring the GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) Certification

Understanding hacker tools and techniques is important for GCIH certification in incident handling. It helps to know the methods used by cyber adversaries. The SEC504 exam has multiple-choice questions and tests candidates' cybersecurity skills. To pass, candidates need a minimum score of 70%. If they don't pass, they can retake the exam after waiting for two weeks.

The Importance of Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Exploits Awareness in Incident Handling

It's very important for incident handlers to know about hacker tools, techniques, and exploits. Without this knowledge, organisations can't effectively deal with cyber threats. Knowing about the latest hacker tools helps incident handlers to detect and respond to cyber attacks. This reduces the impact of security incidents. Organisations can help incident handlers by providing regular training, access to updated resources and tools, and encouraging continuous learning.

This helps incident handlers improve their capabilities and make cybersecurity stronger.

Understanding the SEC504 Exam Structure

Overview of Exam Content and Competency Level

The SEC504 exam tests a person's skills in spotting, evaluating, and handling cyber threats. It covers incident response, penetration testing, and network security, and requires solid knowledge of defensive cybersecurity.

To pass, candidates need to understand advanced cybersecurity concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios. The exam includes multiple-choice questions, hands-on labs, and a written report. This approach ensures candidates are tested on theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The SEC504 exam has no specific language requirements and is available globally at different testing centres. This makes it inclusive and representative of the diverse cybersecurity talent pool.

SEC504 Exam Duration and Question Format

The SEC504 exam lasts for 4 hours. It's recommended to spend 1 hour on each section. The exam includes multiple-choice and scenario-based questions. Topics covered include security protocols, network defense, and forensics. Questions include situational ones to test incident analysis and knowledge-based ones to assess understanding of security principles. The exam is only available in English (UK) and not offered in other languages.

Duration of the Exam

The SEC504 exam lasts for three hours. There are about 150 questions, and it happens in a timed and proctored environment. You don't get designated break time during the exam.

You don't have specific time limits for each question or section. But it's important to use your time well to finish the exam within three hours. It's recommended to pace yourself during the exam to make sure you can answer all the questions carefully.

It's a good idea to get familiar with the exam format and practice managing your time so you're ready for the exam duration.

Types of Questions and Question Format

The SEC504 exam has different question types, such as multiple-choice, true or false, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions. Each type tests different levels of knowledge. For instance, multiple-choice questions give options to pick from, while true or false questions check if a statement is true. Fill-in-the-blank questions test recall, and essay questions need a detailed response.

The SEC504 exam is mostly in English, but candidates can ask for language accommodations or bilingual formats. This ensures a fair assessment for all candidates.

Language Availability for the SEC504 Exam

Candidates interested in taking the SEC504 Exam have the option to choose from a variety of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese. However, there may be extra costs for taking the exam in a language other than English.

To request the SEC504 Exam in a different language, candidates must follow a specific process. This may involve submitting a formal request and showing proof of language proficiency. This ensures that candidates can take the exam in a language they are comfortable with and which accurately reflects their abilities.

SEC504 Exam Cost

Base Cost of Taking the SEC504 Exam

The base cost of the SEC504 exam is around £1,450. There might be extra costs for an exam voucher and preparation materials. Additional fees could be for training and study materials, both digital and physical. It's important for candidates to consider the cost of retaking the exam when budgeting for the SEC504 certification. The expenses can differ based on the training provider and whether the materials and exam voucher are part of a bundled package or bought separately.

Additional Costs Associated with SEC504 Certification

When pursuing SEC504 certification, there are extra expenses to consider. These include fees for study materials, which can vary based on their source and format, and potential retake fees if the exam isn't passed on the first try. It's important to budget for the cost of study materials, such as textbooks, practice exams, and online courses.

Additionally, it's wise to account for the possibility of retaking the exam, which may involve added fees. Researching study material options and understanding retake policies is recommended to plan financially for these additional costs.

Training Material Fees

The fees for SEC504 certification training materials usually cover study guides and practice exams. These materials are meant to help candidates prepare for the exam and understand the subject. Candidates may also need to pay for exam registration and retake fees if they don't pass the first time. The cost of retaking the SEC504 exam can vary, so candidates should consider this potential extra expense.

Budgeting for these training and exam-related fees is important when pursuing the SEC504 certification.

Retake Fees

The retake fees for the SEC504 exam is £300, on top of the original exam cost. Candidates should also think about extra costs like study materials and training courses for the retake.

If you need to retake the SEC504 exam, there's a waiting period of 14 days. This gives you enough time to review and prepare. However, if you're ready sooner, you have the flexibility to retake the exam.

Passing Score and Retake Policy

Minimum Passing Score for SEC504 Exam

The SEC504 Exam requires a minimum passing score of 60%. However, this passing score may vary, so candidates should confirm the minimum when registering. If unsuccessful on the first attempt, candidates must wait 30 days before retaking the exam. This policy maintains the validity and reliability of exam results. It's vital to use approved study materials, as unauthorized materials are strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification.

Adhering to these policies ensures adequate preparation for the SEC504 Exam.

Policy on Retaking the Exam

If you don't pass the SEC504 exam, you can take it again. But, there's an extra cost for retaking the exam. You need to get a minimum score of 74% to pass the SEC504 exam.

Dumps and Preparation Material Validity

Reliability of Dumps and Study Guides

When evaluating the reliability of study materials for the SEC504 exam, here are a few key factors to consider.

  • Look for updated preparation materials aligned with the current exam version. This ensures relevance and accuracy.
  • Consider the reputation of the provider. Choosing materials from trusted sources greatly impacts trustworthiness.
  • Official resources and guidelines from the SEC504 exam board can be valuable indicators of reliability.

By following these guidelines, individuals can make informed decisions about their exam preparation materials.

Conclusion

Taking the SEC504 exam can cost differently based on SANS Technology Institute membership and location.

SANS members can pay between $1,599 and $7,020. Non-members should expect to pay $1,699 to $7,645.

Extra fees might be required for certification attempts and study materials.

Readynez offers a 5-day GCIH Course and Certification Program, providing you with all the learning and support you need to successfully prepare for the exam and certification. The GCIH course, and all our other GIAC courses, are also included in our unique Unlimited Security Training offer, where you can attend the GCIH and 60+ other Security courses for just €249 per month, the most flexible and affordable way to get your Security Certifications. 

FAQ

How much does the SEC504 exam cost?

The cost of the SEC504 exam is $999.

What is the cost of taking the SEC504 exam?

The cost of taking the SEC504 exam is $729 for the GIAC Certification Attempt.

How expensive is the SEC504 exam?

The cost of the SEC504 exam is $2,700 for the standard registration. This price may vary depending on the location and early bird discounts.

What is the price of the SEC504 exam?

The price of the SEC504 exam is $1,699 for the standard registration fee. Discounts may be available for early registration or through industry partnerships.

How much do I have to pay to take the SEC504 exam?

The cost of the SEC504 exam varies depending on whether you are a member of SANS. For members, the exam cost is $1699, and for non-members, the cost is $1899.

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