GIAC Security Essentials credential artwork

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) Courses

Validates knowledge of access control, networking, cryptography, Linux and Windows security, cloud security and incident handling.

GSEC covers networking, Linux, Windows, cryptography, cloud and incident handling, and the exam is open book with hands-on CyberLive tasks. We compared the options on coverage, hands-on practice, usefulness for your index and price.

Take SANS SEC401 if your employer pays; it is the course GSEC is written from, but at $8,780 it is not a self-funded option. Otherwise pair Ric Messier's exam guide with Cyvitrix's Udemy course, and add hands-on practice for the CyberLive questions.

CourseBest forFormatPrice
SANS SEC401: Security EssentialsEmployer-funded studyLive online$8,780
GSEC Masterclass – Build a Complete Cybersecurity FoundationLow-cost video courseVideo$20
GSEC All-in-One Exam Guide, 2nd editionPrinted reference to indexBook$22
Employer-funded study

SANS SEC401: Security Essentials

SANS's six-day course, or 46 hours self-paced, with 20 hands-on labs and the books GSEC is written from. It carries 46 CPEs, and OnDemand access lasts four months.

Great fit if your employer funds training and you want the books the exam is written from

Poor fit if you are paying yourself; the course costs almost nine times the exam, so choose Messier's guide and Cyvitrix's course

Low-cost video course

GSEC Masterclass – Build a Complete Cybersecurity Foundation

4.9(13 ratings)

An independent 15-hour video course across the GSEC topic areas, last updated in October 2025. It gives a broad overview before or alongside the books.

Great fit if you want a low-cost overview before or alongside the books

Poor fit if you need lab practice for CyberLive; add hands-on work or choose SEC401

Printed reference to index

GSEC All-in-One Exam Guide, 2nd edition

4.3(61 ratings)

Ric Messier's chapter-by-chapter guide to the GSEC topics, with review questions in each chapter. Its printed pages suit the open-book exam, because you can tab and index them yourself.

Great fit if you study without SEC401 and want a printed reference to index

Poor fit if you want material written for the current objectives; choose SEC401

How to choose a GSEC course

  • Build your index. GSEC is open book for printed books and notes. Whatever you study from, write your own index as you go, because laptops and electronic files are not allowed.
  • Practise the CyberLive tasks. The exam includes tasks in live virtual machines. Only SEC401 includes labs, so add your own Linux and Windows practice if you study from a book or video course.
  • Check the objectives. Messier's guide was published in 2019, before newer objectives such as AI essentials. Use it as a reference and read GIAC's current objectives for what it misses.
  • Weigh the price. SEC401 costs $8,780, with the GSEC attempt at $999 on top. The Messier guide and the Cyvitrix course together cost under $100.

Recommended GSEC course combinations

  • Lowest cost: Ric Messier's guide (from $22) and Cyvitrix's course ($20), adding GIAC's GSEC Practice Test ($399) only if you want to rehearse the exam engine.
  • Employer pays: SEC401 ($8,780) with the GSEC attempt added for $999, which includes two GIAC practice tests.
  • Already working in IT: Messier's guide as a reference and GIAC's GSEC Practice Test ($399) to build and test your index.
  • Need hands-on practice: Cyvitrix's course ($20) for the topic overview plus your own Linux and Windows labs for CyberLive.

Compare all GSEC practice tests →

GSEC course FAQ

What is the best GSEC course?

SANS SEC401 if your employer pays, since GSEC is written from it. If you pay yourself, Ric Messier's exam guide with Cyvitrix's $20 Udemy course is the low-cost route.

Do I need SEC401 to take GSEC?

No. You can buy the $999 attempt on its own. SEC401 is the affiliated course and costs $8,780.

How long does a GSEC course take?

SEC401 runs six days live or 46 hours self-paced, and Cyvitrix's course is 15 hours of video. Plan for about 100 hours of preparation in total.

Is GSEC open book?

Yes, for printed books and notes. Laptops, phones, electronic files and printed practice questions are not allowed.