GIAC GMOB Certification: The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Mobile Security Mastery

Published: November 11, 2025 | 5 min read

Introduction to GMOB

If you want to break into mobile security, the GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst (GMOB) certification is one of the clearest paths. It’s practical, respected, and focused on the real-world skills employers look for in iOS and Android security testing.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything you need to pass the GMOB exam on your first attempt—what’s on the test, how to prepare, how much it costs, and how it fits your career goals. Along the way, you’ll find a step-by-step study plan, recommended tools, and tips for making the most of your time and budget.

Whether you’re a student, bootcamp grad, or early-career professional pivoting into AppSec, this guide will help you decide if GMOB is right for you and map out a smart route to certification.

What Is the GIAC GMOB Certification?

The GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst (GMOB) certification validates your ability to assess and secure mobile devices and applications across iOS and Android. It blends device management and hardening with application analysis, runtime manipulation, secure communications testing, and risk mitigation for theft and malware—plus using standards like OWASP MASVS to structure assessments.

In short, GMOB proves you can think and work like a mobile security professional, not just memorize definitions.

Who Is GMOB For?

Mobile app security testers and pentesters
Red, blue, or purple teamers focusing on mobile attack surfaces
Security engineers or admins responsible for BYOD, MDM/EMM, or mobile fleets
Auditors and risk analysts seeking hands-on mobile security validation

A common training path is the SANS course SEC575: iOS and Android Application Security Analysis and Penetration Testing, which maps closely to the GMOB objectives.

Actionable takeaway:
If you’re unsure whether to pursue GMOB, skim the exam objectives and SEC575 overview to see if the lab themes excite you. If they do, you’re likely a good fit.

Why GMOB? The Unique Value for Students and Early-Career Pros

Here’s why GMOB stands out:

Mobile-first, vendor-neutral: Covers both iOS and Android from device and app perspectives, including rooting/jailbreaking, reverse engineering, dynamic analysis, and secure communication testing.
Real-practice alignment: SANS SEC575 emphasizes hands-on labs that prepare you for real-world assessments.
Open-book and proctored: The exam allows printed materials, emphasizing mastery and organization over memorization.

Actionable takeaway:
Start building a concise, objective-mapped index from day one. GMOB’s open-book format rewards organization more than anything else.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for GMOB. However, candidates typically have:

Intermediate technical skills in security
Familiarity with Linux/macOS/Windows
Basic scripting knowledge

The exam can be taken at Pearson VUE centers or via remote proctoring. After activation, you have 120 days to schedule and complete the exam.

Actionable takeaway:
If you’re a student, schedule your exam during academic breaks to create a focused 4–8-week study window.

Exam Structure and Format

Exam Fast Facts:

One proctored exam
75 questions
2-hour duration
Passing score: 71%
120-day window from activation

Open-Book Rules:

Hardcopy materials allowed (printed notes, books)
No electronic devices or internet access
Limited desk space—keep materials compact

Exam Mechanics:

You can skip up to 10–15 questions strategically
One 15-minute break allowed
Unanswered questions count as incorrect

Exam Topics Overview:

Android and iOS device management and controls
Rooting/jailbreaking and related risks
Mobile app analysis and reverse engineering
Runtime behavior manipulation
Network traffic interception and encryption analysis
Mobile malware and theft mitigation
Applying OWASP MASVS and MASTG during assessments

Actionable takeaway:
Turn each GMOB objective into both an index tab and a lab checklist. If you can demonstrate one lab per objective, you’re ready.

Costs and Budget Planning

Exam and Fees (as of 2025):

Exam attempt: $999
Retake: $899
Practice exam: $399
Extension (120 days): $479
Renewal every 4 years: $499
36 CPEs required for renewal

Training Costs:

SANS SEC575 OnDemand: around $8,780 (varies by event)
When bundled with SANS training, GMOB attempt: $999

Actionable takeaway:
If you’re on a budget, self-study using OWASP MASVS/MASTG and invest in one or two practice exams. Schedule your official attempt only once your practice scores exceed your goal.

30–60 Day Study Plan for GMOB

This plan assumes 1–2 hours of study on weekdays and 4–6 hours on weekends.

Week 1–2: Foundations and Indexing

Read through courseware or notes and build your index by GMOB objective.
Set up a lab environment:
- Android emulator or test device
- iOS test device/simulator
- Install Frida, Objection, and MobSF

Week 3–4: Hands-On Practice and First Test

Complete one lab per exam objective.
Take your first official practice exam.
Update your index and notes based on weak areas.

Week 5–6: Targeted Review

Deep dive into weak objectives.
Take your second practice exam only when ready.
Finalize exam logistics and allowed materials.

Final 3–5 Days: Light Review

Skim your index and high-miss topics.
Organize notes neatly and tab them for quick access.

Actionable takeaway:
Treat each practice exam as a coach. Use its objective-level feedback to refine your study—not as a pass/fail verdict.

Core Study Resources and Tools

Standards and Frameworks

OWASP MASVS (Mobile Application Security Verification Standard)
MASTG (Mobile Application Security Testing Guide)

Tools to Master

Frida: Dynamic instrumentation and hooking
Objection: Runtime exploration without writing hooks
MobSF: Static and dynamic app analysis

Training Options

SANS SEC575: Deeply aligned with GMOB objectives and lab work

Actionable takeaway:
Create a “tool quick-start” sheet—10–20 commands or snippets you can reference instantly during the exam.

Exam-Day Strategy

Key Tips

Lead with your index: Search the keyword first, then flip to the correct page.
Use skips wisely: Don’t waste time on hard lookups.
Manage your break: Hydrate, stretch, and review your top 3 weak areas.
Watch time: 90 seconds per question is a good rhythm.
Keep references lean: Bring only your index and a small glossary.

Actionable takeaway:
Run a 90-minute mock exam a week before test day with printed notes only. It’ll reveal missing tabs and clunky sections in your index.

Career ROI and Real-World Value

Where GMOB Shines

Mobile AppSec: Prove you can test and secure mobile applications.
Red/Purple Teaming: Understand how mobile clients and APIs are attacked.
Enterprise Device Security: Manage BYOD and MDM/EMM securely.

Market Demand

Employers increasingly list GMOB among preferred certs for mobile security and red-team roles. It’s often grouped with GPEN, GCIH, and OSCP as a technical validation.

Compensation Snapshot

Mobile security engineers typically earn $100K–$130K+ depending on role and region. GMOB helps differentiate you for these specialized roles.

Actionable takeaway:
Build a small portfolio with sample assessments or MASVS-aligned reports. A cert + tangible work sample is powerful proof in interviews.

Renewal and Long-Term Growth

Renewal Cycle

Every 4 years
36 CPEs required
Renewal fee: $499
Additional renewals within two years of a full renewal: $249

Actionable takeaway:
Create a simple CPE tracker from day one. Log every webinar, lab, or publication you complete to avoid scrambling later.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Over-focusing on tools: Understand the why, not just the commands.
Skipping practice exams: They reveal objective-level gaps.
Bringing too many books: Desk space is limited; go minimal.
Delaying scheduling: Exam slots fill up fast—book early.

Actionable takeaway:
After your first practice test, write a one-page “exam script” listing your time checkpoints and lookup strategy.

10-Minute Quick-Start Checklist

Decide on SEC575 or self-study path
Activate your GMOB attempt and book your exam
Download OWASP MASVS/MASTG
Start your objective-mapped index
Complete one lab per objective
Take practice exam #1, revise notes
Take practice exam #2 when ready
Finalize materials and mock exam
Rest well the night before
Earn your GMOB!

FAQs

Q1: Is the GMOB exam open-book?
Yes, but only hardcopy materials are allowed. No electronics or internet access.

Q2: How many questions and how long?
75 questions, 2 hours, passing score 71%.

Q3: How long is my exam window?
120 days from activation to complete the exam.

Q4: What does it cost?
$999 per attempt, $899 for retake, $399 per practice exam.

Q5: How often do I renew?
Every 4 years with 36 CPEs and a $499 fee.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about mobile security, GMOB offers a focused, hands-on standard to prove your expertise. Choose your learning path (SEC575 or self-study), commit to a 4–8-week plan, build a sharp index, and let your practice exams guide your progress. Use MASVS and MASTG to structure your approach and build a portfolio of labs you can showcase.

Start today—schedule early, stay consistent, and go earn your GMOB.

About FlashGenius

FlashGenius helps certification learners master complex domains through AI-powered tools and gamified learning. Whether you’re studying for GIAC, AWS, CompTIA, or (ISC)² certifications, FlashGenius accelerates your prep with:

Learning Path: AI-guided step-by-step progression
Domain Practice & Mixed Practice: Focused questions across specific or all domains
Exam Simulation: Realistic mock exams to test readiness
Flashcards & Smart Review: AI-driven concept reinforcement and mistake analysis
Common Mistakes: Learn from patterns of thousands of test-takers
Pomodoro Timer: Stay productive during study sessions
Question Translation: Instantly translate questions into 9 languages
Study Resources: Curated guides, cheat sheets, and tips for every certification

Master your next certification faster at FlashGenius.net.