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GIAC · Cybersecurity · Entry

GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) exam guide

Exam GFACT

GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) proves core computing and security knowledge: hardware, operating systems, networking, programming logic, Linux and Windows basics, and exploitation and forensics concepts. Aligned with SANS SEC275, it is GIAC's entry-level credential.

Questions75
Time limit120 minutes
Passing score71%
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

Career changers, students and IT staff starting in cybersecurity, including SANS academy and cyber range participants.

What the exam covers

Computer Hardware & Virtualization—
Operating Systems, The Web, & Data Storage—
Linux Foundations—
Windows Foundations—
Networking & Servers—
Logic & Programming—
Security Concepts—
Exploitation & Mitigation—
Forensics & Post-Exploitation—

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

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: None required; SANS SEC275 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

  • Computer architecture and virtualization basics
  • Linux and Windows command line
  • Networking fundamentals
  • Basic programming logic
  • Security concepts and controls
  • Introductory exploitation and forensics

Job roles

Junior Security AnalystIT Support SpecialistSOC Analyst TraineeSecurity Operations InternSystems Support Technician

Where it fits in your path

You are here

GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT)

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

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Hardware, OS and web/data storage fundamentals.
  2. Week 2: Linux and Windows foundations with hands-on labs.
  3. Week 3: Networking and programming logic.
  4. Week 4: Security, exploitation and forensics concepts; 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.
  • Practise the command-line labs; questions often show command output to interpret.
  • Do not skip programming logic; it trips up many beginners.
  • 75 questions in 2 hours is comfortable if your index is good.

Key terms for this exam

All 4 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

Pass mark?

71%.

Is GFACT entry level?

Yes, it is GIAC's foundational exam.

GFACT vs Security+?

Security+ is more widely required by employers; GFACT is more hands-on with computing fundamentals.

Renewal?

Every four years with 36 CPEs.

What next?

GSEC or Security+, then GCIH.

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.