SANS/GIAC
The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) was founded by the SANS (Systems Administration, Networking, and Security) Institute in 1999. GIAC certification is a more technical and hands-on certification than the CISSP certification. Candidates for GIAC certification must first complete a written practical assignment. Assignments that receive a passing grade are posted on the SANS website and qualify the individual to take a technical certification to complete GIAC certification. GIAC currently offers more than 20 individual certifications in the following six broad categories:
Security Administration
Forensics
Management
Audit
Software Security
Legal