SANS has terminated the practical requirement for all of its GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification) programs. GIAC was originally the Global Incident Analysis Center, a Web site to disseminate information on Y2K rollover threats. SANS will also no longer be able to offer practical assignments to the community. The organization has admitted to devaluing its certification — the new ‘exam only’ certifications are not as ‘prestigious’ as the original, practical oriented certifications.”]
Source: https://taosecurity.blogspot.com/2005/03/sans-ends-practical-requirement-for.html