SANS Certifications

[lucktsm]

Has anyone done any of the SANS online certifications?

Are they worth getting? Do they look good on the resume? I am interested in several, but the $4000.00 total is really making me ask the questions.

Anyone have any feedback?

Thanks

[str34m3r]

I don't know much about the online courses, but if they're anything like the actual conferences, then they'll be well worth the money. I've been to two SANS conferences, and they were both very educational. So if you have the time, the conferences are definitely worth it.

[prana]

I like CISSP or CCSA or CCSE or Cisco Security. I heard about them alot than SANS Cerficattion. I havent done with those online. You can check it out on www.globalknowledge.com I m sure they will be expensive. I agree with Str34m3r that the conferences are definitely worth it!

[draziw]

Not to get in to the "Me Too" trend, but it's been my experience that both SANS and USENIX tends to be aimed at the "more advanced" topics od system/network admin as well as security and, as such, tend to be well-worth the price paid. Yeah, some of the tutorials can be good, but the break-out BoF sessions and the technical sessions towards the end of the conferences can often be extremely useful. And, if the certifications follow the conferences, they are more than likely worthwhile (though I really haven't seen many in the industry with them, as of yet - which, again, is double-edged... either like some of Cisco's top-rated certifications (ie. tough to get, impressive on a resume) or like Microsoft's (ie. not worth it for a real security person) - which I would tend to doubt (more like, lull in economy = no one paying for those things right now).

[lucktsm]

I wanted to thank everyone that replied to my message about the online SANS training. Just to give anyone considering these classes a heads up. I have recently completed the GIAC Certification for Windows NT Security offered online from the SANS Institute. It was a $1500 course and I found it to be worth the money and effort.

I am working on the another called Certified Network Security Officer (sounds official enough)
I think that I will continue to do these courses as the money becomes available. If anyone is interested I would be happy to elaborate about them.


Luck

[redxyzzy]

I recently attended the SANS "Security Essentials" course.

Very good, overall. A huge amount of material is covered, content was excellent and it was well presented. I am intending going for the certification.

The online material is the same stuff which is presented at the course, i.e. very good IMHO.

Does a SANS certification look good on the resume? Well, it won't hurt, but whether it has the clout of CISSP or one of the Cisco certs, I don't know.

[lewzer]

yes, ive been looking into sans aswell, i wasnt sure if i should take it. but the testimonials seem good enuff, a little bit more homework and maybe ill do it. (yes. i know i cant spell)

[m0use]

I've been thinking about self studying the SANS "Security Essentials". My budget doesn't allow for courses but there is a local testing/training center that lets me run study groups at the training center. I was thinking of just doing a group study thing. Any of you that have taken the exam have an opinion on the feasability of self/group studying for this exam. I did real well self studying CCSA and CCSE and am working on CCNP and soon to start Cisco Security Specialist. But I think GSEC may just be too much. Opinions?

[droby10]

the giac and cissp are different types of testing paths than what you have taken with checkpoint, microsoft, cisco, etc. they are platform or implementation independent (or as much as possible outside of any specific examples) - while offering a broad range of topics; but they're only ankle or knee-deep rather than 'balls-in' with regard to a technical point of view. they are heavier on principles (which isn't bad) that should surround security from any given technical standpoint and also with particular attention to business-oriented objectives. i don't think it's too much - you have 9 years of experience. if it's all been spent in one place, then you might have problems with some of the sections. if you've been able to use the years with application in multiple areas - then you're much better off.