GCTI
GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence
Structured threat intel production, ATT&CK, analytic tradecraft.
› Quality score
Four-axis SecProve rubric, each 0–10. SecProve editorial assessment — each axis carries a written justification so you can push back on any single call without dismissing the whole score.
› Market signals
public, citable inputs to the recognition score› Built for these roles
› Exam format
Open-book MCQ exam, 75 questions over 2-3 hours, online proctored.
30-day wait. SANS course bundles typically include 2 attempts.
› Recertification
36 CPE credits over four years (avg 9/yr) plus the $499 renewal fee per cycle.
› NICE Framework work roles
The NIST NICE work-role IDs this cert maps to. NICCS lookup.
› Core domains covered
The 2 domains this cert is centrally about. Passing the exam demonstrates working knowledge of each.
› Also touched
Present in the blueprint but not the primary focus — you’ll be introduced but shouldn’t expect depth.
Influence operations, cognitive warfare, counter-intelligence, OSINT/SOCMINT, PSYOP/MISO, foreign malign influence, hack-and-leak operations, narrative warfare, DISARM framework.
Static/dynamic analysis, sandbox analysis, assembly/disassembly, packer analysis, YARA rules, malware family classification.
› Prerequisites
SOC or IR background helpful. Often paired with SANS FOR578.
- MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Structured analytic techniques (ACH, hypothesis testing)
- Cyber intel lifecycle
› Progression
requiredrecommendedWhere this cert fits in the typical learning path. Required edges are vendor-gated; recommended edges reflect de facto industry progression.
No vendor-gated prereqs.
No certs require this one.
No follow-on certs reference this one yet.
› Study materials
Curated starting points. Not exhaustive — vet each against your learning style and the current exam version.
- SANS FOR578 Course Materials — SANS
- GIAC Practice Tests (2 included with exam)
› Version & lifecycle
› Salary signal
Threat intelligence analyst, US, 3-5 years.
Robert Half Salary Guide + Glassdoor 'CTI Analyst' aggregations · 2024 · US base only · p25–p75 range
› How it compares
GCTI is hands-on CTI methodology (SANS-style); CREST CCTIM is management-tier CTI program.
↔ Compare side-by-side› Careers that commonly pursue this cert
Analyze adversary behavior, track threat actors, and produce actionable intelligence that drives defensive decisions.
See this cert’s domains highlighted on the interactive map, or compare it against the rest of the catalog.