What's everyones take on these? They seem to be pretty decent.

I keep re-reading their site as it seems confusing, maybe someone here can help me out. You can take the tests online, anytime, from any computer then pass and get a certificate. But if you take a SANS course and pass then you receive a 'gold' certificate? Is that the idea?

Ohhh, ok, thanks... and that's pretty much the same for any of them then?

Alright, and to take and pass the exam, it's nothing more than registering on their website right? You don't go to a testing center? That just amazes me that these would be such respected certifications if they give you the ability to sit there with a book and look up the answers while taking the test.

I think it'd be beneficial to writing the paper to receive the Gold certification.

I'll have to look into the 'mentor-led' training you're talking about. I was looking for the online/OnDemand option as that'd work out best... I noticed it was the same price as the Sans@Home course though. I saw 'challenge the cert' but I thought that meant take the test.. is it something different?

I think I got it. Just to make sure, let me go over it one last time...

So I can sign-up for a ~ $2,000-$2,500 self-study course with certification attempt and study on my own. Then pass the first exam, and the second exam (both of which are open book/notes according to the GIAC site). If I pass both with a 70% avg, I receive a silver certification. Then if I want to receive a gold certification I can fill out an application and send it in, then pay a $300 fee, and then write up a technical paper.

Haha, do I have it 

Awesome! Congrats 

Congrats dude good work!!!!