GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware
Validates hands‑on ability to reverse‑engineer Windows malware and malicious documents using real‑world labs.
- Exam fee
- $949–$1,299
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Passing score
- 73%
- Typical salary
- $120K–$170K
GREM is worth it for experienced malware analysts who need a hands‑on, industry‑recognized credential. If you lack solid Windows reverse‑engineering experience, a more foundational cert may be a better first step.
What GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware covers
Issued by GIAC (giac.org), backed by SANS Institute. GREM is the premier credential for malware analysts who reverse-engineer malicious code to understand attacker techniques.
Key topics covered: Malware Analysis Fundamentals, Assembly Language Basics, Static & Dynamic Analysis, Reverse Engineering Windows Malware, Obfuscation & Packing, Network Traffic Analysis of Malware, Anti-Forensics Techniques.
Best suited for: Incident responders, threat intelligence analysts, and SOC engineers analyzing malicious software.
Common career paths: Malware Analyst, Reverse Engineer, Threat Intelligence Analyst, Incident Response Engineer.
GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware exam details
1 proctored exam
Exam domains
- Analyzing Malicious Office Macros
- Analyzing Malicious PDFs
- Analyzing Malicious RTF Files
- Analyzing Obfuscated Malware
- Behavioral Analysis Fundamentals
- Common Malware Patterns
- Core Reverse Engineering Concepts
- Examining .NET Malware
- Identifying and Bypassing Anti‑Analysis Techniques
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $949–$1,299
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Passing score
- 73%
How to prepare for GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Familiarize with Official Objectives Read the GIAC objectives list and map each to your current knowledge gaps; prioritize areas like static analysis and anti‑analysis techniques. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Build Core Malware Analysis Skills Study Windows assembly basics, common API calls, and practice static/behavioral analysis on sample binaries in a lab VM. | Weeks 2‑3 |
| 3 | Hands‑On Lab Practice Use the CyberLive environment to reverse‑engineer Office macros, PDFs, RTFs, and .NET samples, focusing on unpacking and bypassing protections. | Weeks 4‑5 |
| 4 | Simulate Full Exam Scenarios Complete timed, performance‑based challenges that replicate the 66‑question, 3‑hour format, reviewing any missed objectives. | Week 6 |
Jobs and salary with GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $120K–$170K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware questions answered
What is the GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware certification?
Validates hands‑on ability to reverse‑engineer Windows malware and malicious documents using real‑world labs. It is issued by GIAC / SANS and sits in the Malware Analysis field.
Is GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware hard?
GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware is rated Advanced. It usually assumes several years of hands-on work, so most candidates prepare for longer.
How much does the GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware exam cost?
The listed exam fee is $949–$1,299. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with GIAC / SANS before you book.
How long is the GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware exam?
The exam runs for 3 hours.
What is the passing score for GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware?
The passing score is 73%.
What salary can I expect with GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware?
Professionals with GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware commonly report pay in the $120K–$170K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to GREM – GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| CMAE – Certified Malware Analysis Expert | EC-Council | Advanced |
| CSAM – Certified Security Analyst & Malware | Mile2 | Intermediate |
| BTL1 – Blue Team Labs Level 1 | Security Blue Team | Beginner |
| CTIA – Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst | EC-Council | Advanced |