GIAC Open Source Intelligence Certification (GOSI)
Signal your capability to provide actionable intelligence, efficiently collecting, processing, and analyzing vital information in a constantly changing field.
The GIAC Open Source Intelligence (GOSI) certification validates a practitioner’s strong foundation in OSINT methodologies and frameworks. GOSI certification holders are well-versed in data collection, reporting, and analysis of targets.
Areas Covered
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT) methodologies
- OSINT data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Harvesting data from the dark web
- Operational security fundamentals and considerations
Who is GOSI for?
- Cyber incident responders
- Digital forensics & incident response (DFIR) and security analysts
- Penetration testers and social engineers
- Law enforcement and Intelligence personnel
- Private investigators
- Insurance investigators
- Recruiters and Human Resources personnel
- Researchers
Instructor Testimonial
“Instructor Testimonial
The GIAC Open-Source Intelligence (GOSI) is a widely recognized and respected certification that demonstrates an individual knows how to collect, process and analyze information to provide actionable intelligence. In a constantly changing field, GOSI-certified individuals are well equipped to deal with emerging trends and adapt best practices.”
Exam Format
- 1 proctored exam
- 75 questions
- 2 hours
- Minimum passing score of 69%
Note: GIAC periodically reviews and may update certification specifications to ensure fairness, validity, and reliability. Using a psychometric standard-setting study, GIAC has set the passing score for the GOSI exam at 69% for all candidates who receive the exam version released on or after June 17, 2023.
To confirm the exam format and passing score that apply to your specific attempt, please refer to the Certification Information section of your GIAC account: https://exams.giac.org/pages/attempts.
Certification Delivery
GIAC certification attempts will be activated in your GIAC account after your application has been approved and according to the terms of your purchase. Details on delivery will be provided along with your registration confirmation upon payment. You will receive an email notification when your certification attempt has been activated in your account. You will have 120 days from the date of activation to complete your certification attempt.
NOTE: All GIAC Certification exams are web-based and required to be proctored. There are two proctoring options: remote proctoring through ProctorU, and onsite proctoring through PearsonVUE. Click here for more information.
Exam Certification Objectives & Outcome Statements
- Investigating BusinessesThe candidate will be able to collect, analyze, and report on information specific to a chosen organization using publicly available data and breach data to identify and mitigate risk to the organization.
- Investigating PeopleThe candidate will be able to collect, analyze, and report on personally identifiable information of individuals using publicly available data and social media platforms.
- Network Data and Infrastructure AnalysisThe candidate will be able to discover and analyze publicly available information about domains, IP addresses, certificates, and networks.
- OSINT MethodologyThe candidate will demonstrate a familiarity with the common goals and application of Open Source Intelligence and display an understanding of the requirements to execute a fact-based investigation process supported by detailed documentation.
- Privacy and Operational Security FundamentalsThe candidate will demonstrate an ability to identify confidentiality and integrity risks while performing OSINT investigations and implement operational security best practices to minimize exposure and vulnerability.
- Searching, Collecting, and Processing DataThe candidate will demonstrate an understanding of how to use search engines and simple automation to collect, process, and analyze data and metadata of varying sizes and formats.
Practice Tests
- Practice exams are a simulation of the real exam, allowing you to become familiar with the test engine and style of questions
- Practice exams can serve as a gauge to determine if your preparation methods are sufficient
- The bank of practice questions is limited, so you may encounter the same question on multiple practice tests
- Practice exams never include actual exam questions
- Purchase a GOSI practice test here
Other Resources
- Training is available in a variety of modalities including live training and OnDemand
- Practical work experience can help ensure that you have mastered the skills necessary for certification
- College level courses or self-paced study through other programs or materials may meet the needs for mastery
- Understand the procedure to contest exam results
- Use this justification letter to share key details of this certification opportunity with your boss