How Much Does It Cost to Sit the Security Incident Handling (GCIH) Exam by GIAC®?

Thinking about sitting for the Security Incident Handling (GCIH) exam by GIAC®, but unsure about the total cost?

You’re not alone - and it’s a smart question to ask upfront.

Earning a cybersecurity certification is a serious investment, not just in money, but also in time, energy, and focus. For many professionals, one of the biggest roadblocks is understanding how much the process will actually cost from start to finish. Beyond the standard exam registration fee, there can be additional expenses for training, study materials, practice exams, and even retake attempts.

In this article, we take a closer look at all the potential costs involved in preparing for and taking the GCIH exam by GIAC®. Whether you’re self-studying, considering a live training course, or exploring cost-saving bundles, you’ll get the clarity you need to confidently plan your certification journey.

Let’s break it down - so you can move forward with a clear roadmap and no surprises.

Why Cybersecurity Certifications Matter

In today’s hyper-connected world, cyber threats are growing more sophisticated - and more frequent - than ever before. Organizations of all sizes are facing increased pressure to protect sensitive data, maintain regulatory compliance, and respond quickly to incidents when they occur. In this environment, cybersecurity professionals must demonstrate not just experience, but proven expertise backed by industry-recognized credentials.

That’s where certifications come in. Cybersecurity certifications are no longer optional for serious professionals. They serve as credible proof of your skills, offering measurable benchmarks that employers, clients, and teams can trust. Whether you’re applying for a new job, aiming for a promotion, or transitioning into a specialized role like incident response or threat hunting, having the right certification on your resume can be a game-changer.

Certifications like the GCIH exam by GIAC® validate your ability to detect, contain, and remediate cybersecurity incidents - capabilities that are absolutely critical in enterprise, government, and military settings. They don’t just show that you understand the theory; they prove that you can apply real-world techniques under pressure.

In a competitive job market, a cybersecurity certification can set you apart. More importantly, it signals to your peers, employers, and industry that you’re committed to staying current in a fast-evolving field.

What Makes the GCIH Exam by GIAC® Stand Out?

The GCIH (GIAC® Certified Incident Handler) credential is designed for professionals focused on incident detection, response, and recovery.

It covers advanced topics such as:

• Attack vectors and threat actor tools
• Defense strategies and remediation
• Hands-on incident handling techniques
• Real-world scenarios and command-line tactics

Whether you’re part of a SOC team or an IT generalist handling security tasks, the GCIH exam by GIAC® is often regarded as a benchmark certification for incident responders.

Breakdown of GCIH Exam Costs

The standard exam voucher fee is $1,799 USD (or approximately £1,400 GBP, depending on exchange rates).

This includes:

• A single attempt at the exam
• Access to the exam platform
• Online proctoring support

Note: Exam prices may vary slightly depending on your location or purchasing channel.

Study Material & Training Costs

In addition to the exam voucher, you may want to invest in study aids or a formal training course:

Resource & Estimated Cost

GIAC® Practice Tests (Optional)
~$159 per test
Self-study Books & PDFs
~$100–$300
Instructor-led Training (Optional)
Varies by provider
Retake Exam (1st attempt)
$699
Retake Exam (2nd or more)
$899

How to Save on GCIH Exam Costs

Here are a few ways to manage or reduce your certification costs:

• Group Discounts:

  Some training providers offer discounts for teams or group enrollments.

• Military & Alumni Discounts:

  GIAC® offers discounts to active-duty U.S. military personnel and SANS Institute alumni.

• Training Bundles:

  Consider bundled training packages that include courseware, practice tests, and the exam voucher.

• Unlimited Training Offers:

  Platforms like Readynez offer Unlimited Security Training, which lets you attend 60+ cybersecurity courses, including GCIH-aligned programs, for just €249/month - making it one of the most flexible ways to prepare. 

Refund Policy

One thing to keep in mind: GIAC® does not offer refunds for exam registrations. Once you’ve paid, your seat is confirmed.

Final Thoughts

The cost of sitting the GCIH exam by GIAC® can range from $1,800 to $3,000, depending on how you choose to prepare. But the return on investment can be significant - from better job prospects to higher salaries.

If you’re ready to pursue this certification and want expert-led guidance, Readynez offers a 5-day live GCIH-aligned training course that includes everything you need to prepare, or you can explore our Unlimited Security Training plan for even more flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is the GCIH exam voucher?

A: $1,799 for a single exam attempt.

Q: Are there any hidden fees?

A: No hidden fees from GIAC® - but optional costs for study materials or retakes can add up.

Q: What’s the cost if I fail and need to retake the exam?

A: First retake: $699. Additional retakes: $899.

Q: Are any discounts available?

A: Yes - military personnel, SANS alumni, and groups may qualify for special pricing.

Q: Can I cancel or get a refund?

A: No, exam registrations are non-refundable.

Disclaimer

GIAC® is a registered trademark of the Global Information Assurance Certification. Readynez is an independent training provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by GIAC®. Our training programs help professionals prepare for GIAC® certification exams through live, instructor-led courses and hands-on labs.