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GIAC · Cloud · Associate

GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) exam guide

Exam GCLD

GIAC Cloud Security Essentials (GCLD) proves foundational, multi-cloud security knowledge: shared responsibility, IAM, cloud networking, logging, data protection and compliance across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Aligned with SANS SEC488, it is an entry point into cloud security.

Questions75
Time limit120 minutes
Passing score61%
Exam feeSee official page
Valid for4 years
DeliveryRemote proctored (ProctorU) or Pearson VUE test center

Format: Proctored web-based multiple choice; open book. Fee note: GIAC shows the price at checkout; attempts bundled with SANS training cost less than standalone attempts. Includes practice tests.

Who it's for

Security and IT professionals new to cloud security, and cloud engineers who need a security foundation.

What the exam covers

Understanding Shared Responsibility and Threat Informed Defense—
Cloud Account Fundamentals—
External Access and IAM Best Practices—
Cloud Networking Technology and Securing Cloud Networks—
Secure Compute Deployment—
Containers and Cloud Storage—
Discovering, Storing and Using Sensitive Data—
Secrets Management—
Cloud Logging Fundamentals and Network Security Monitoring—
Cloud Automation—
Risk Management and Compliance—
Attacking the Cloud and Responding to Intrusions—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: Basic security knowledge and some cloud console experience; SANS SEC488 is the aligned course.

Keeping it active

Valid four years: earn 36 CPEs in the cycle and pay GIAC's certification maintenance fee, or renew by retaking the current exam.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Applying shared responsibility models
  • Cloud IAM best practices
  • Securing cloud networks and compute
  • Secrets and sensitive data management
  • Cloud logging and monitoring
  • Cloud incident response basics

Job roles

Cloud Security AnalystCloud EngineerSecurity EngineerDevSecOps EngineerCloud Administrator

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Shared responsibility, accounts and IAM across AWS, Azure, GCP.
  2. Week 2: Networking, compute, containers and storage.
  3. Week 3: Data protection, secrets, logging and automation.
  4. Week 4: Compliance, cloud attacks and IR; practice tests and book.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • GIAC exams are open book (printed notes only); build a tabbed index of your course books before the exam.
  • The exam is multi-cloud; know equivalent services across AWS, Azure and GCP.
  • At 61% the pass mark is lower than most GIAC exams, but questions are broad.
  • Use the practice tests to calibrate pacing at 75 questions in 2 hours.

Key terms for this exam

All 5 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

Pass mark?

61%.

GCLD vs CCSK?

Both are foundational; CCSK is cheaper and framework-focused, GCLD is more hands-on across providers.

Is it open book?

Yes.

Renewal?

Every four years with 36 CPEs.

What next?

CCSP or a provider security specialty such as AWS Security.

Official page: www.giac.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.