Digital forensics is a critical function for any enterprise. After a cyberattack, forensic professionals investigate how the attacker gained access, what systems were affected, and what actions were taken.
This work is both reflective and prescriptive: By uncovering the path of the breach, the ultimate goal is to prevent similar incidents in the future. Due to the complex nature of this mandate, digital forensics professionals must be detail-oriented, methodical, and collaborative, frequently interfacing with a diverse range of internal teams and external stakeholders.
While some enterprises are still developing their forensics programs, demand for this expertise is growing rapidly across the cybersecurity sector. Professionals who want to specialize in this field should consider obtaining a certification to sharpen their skills, maximize the value of their forensic toolkit at work, and stand out in the market.
When evaluating certifications, it’s important to consider whether they are vendor-neutral or vendor-specific. For example, the EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator is vendor-neutral, whereas the Exterro AccessData Certified Examiner is tied to a specific toolset. Others, such as the Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner, offer a combination of general forensic practices and product-specific training.
Professionals should also decide whether to pursue a specialization. Beyond computer forensics, mobile forensics is the most common specialization, reflecting the prevalence of mobile devices as an attack vector.
With that in mind, here are a dozen certifications that can help accelerate your digital forensics career.
Top 12 digital forensics certifications
Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME)
Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA)
EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
Exterro AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics Certification (GASF)
GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
GIAC Cloud Forensic Responder (GCFR)
GIAC Network Forensic Analysis (GNFA)
Magnet Certified Forensics Examiner (MCFE)
Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME)
Out of all the vendor certifications on this list, CCME is the most neutral. It provides general instruction on mobile device forensics and investigations, as well as product knowledge about Cellebrite’s Inseyets UFED technology and Inseyets Physical Analyzer. These tools are used for extraction, analysis, and report preparation. The written exam consists of 75 questions related to the prerequisite courses or database analysis. The practical exam tests the candidate’s ability to examine a known data set. To pass, candidates must score at least 80% on both the written and practical exams. The certification is valid for two years, and holders must renew by taking 21 continuing education (CE) credits. Although there are no enforced prerequisites, Cellebrite recommends that candidates take the Cellebrite Mobile Forensics Fundamentals (CMFF) course. Even without CMFF as preparation, CCME provides foundational pre-work during the program to make it beginner-friendly.
Training and exam fees: Cellebrite encourages candidates to log into their Cellebrite account to view fees. Third-party sources report that the CCME training and exam cost starts at US$3,850.
Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
The International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners offers the CCE. This vendor-neutral certification encompasses multiple areas of digital forensics, including PC hardware knowledge, network fundamentals, cybersecurity principles, file systems, and report writing. This course is designed for cybersecurity professionals seeking to advance their careers in corporate security or explore opportunities in law enforcement or legal consulting. The CCE exam consists of two parts: an online assessment on digital forensics and a hands-on examination of three media sources, for which candidates must produce a comprehensive report.
To qualify for the exam, candidates must complete the online training with ISFCE and via a partner, verify 18 months of professional experience conducting digital forensics through a third party, and receive appropriate certification from a relevant industry organization detailing the candidate’s background. The CCE is valid for two years, after which holders must complete 40 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE), agree to the organization’s code of ethics, and conduct at least three digital forensics examinations.
Training fees: US$4,995 for the digital forensics course
Exam fees: US$495
CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA)
Administered by the CyberSecurity Institute, the CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst Certification teaches professionals how to conduct a forensic examination of a computer or digital device, including CDs, DVDs, USBs, and mobile phones, and communicate their analysis to stakeholders. The three-day exam is held on-site at Edmonds College in Lynnwood, Wash., and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and a hands-on scenario. Candidates are given a hard drive and, in some cases, additional media and must produce an affidavit, declaration, or other response depending on the scenario. To earn a CSFA, the professional must score 85% across the two sections, with the practical scenario accounting for 70% of the grade weight and the written score for the remaining 30%. Professionals who pass are prominently displayed on a public database of the CyberSecurity Institute alongside more than a hundred CyberSecurity forensic analysts. The last exam was held in August 2024; interested professionals should follow CyberSecurity’s website for announcements of the next date.
While there are no formal prerequisites, the CyberSecurity Institute recommends experience in the administrative side of digital forensics, such as writing the verbiage for subpoenas and motions. Candidates must also pass an FBI criminal background check, a process that can take up to three months.
Training fees: Edmonds College hosts an instructor-led CSFA study group over Zoom in advance of the exam. Professionals interested in joining are encouraged to contact cyberdefense@edmonds.edu for more information.
Exam fees: US$750 — waived for Edmonds College students
EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
Although EC-Council is most known for its Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) program, the organization also offers a strong program in computer forensics, known as Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator. This certification is ideal for cybersecurity professionals seeking roles in digital or computer forensics or incident response. Across 15 modules, candidates will learn how to conduct a forensic investigation, prepare and handle evidence, and understand relevant threats, attacks, and technologies. The four-hour exam consists of 150 questions, and candidates must score at least 70% to pass. According to the Salary Survey Report 75, cybersecurity professionals with the CHFI certification earn an average of six figures, the only forensics program to achieve this distinction. The CHFI also qualifies holders for government roles, including those as a forensics analyst, cyber defense forensics analyst, and cybercrime investigator, under the Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework. To renew the CHFI, holders must complete 120 EC-Council Education Credits during the 3-year validity period of the certification through coursework with the organization or other professional development activities, such as attending conferences.
To qualify for CHFI, candidates must complete official training from EC-Council or demonstrate two years of relevant work experience in information security.
Training fees: US$1,699, on-demand video course for one year, e-book, and online labs for six months; live online training option also available
Exam fees: US$500
EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
The EnCE certification attests a holder’s mastery of computer investigation methodology through the Opentext EnCase Forensic software. The exam consists of two parts. To pass the two-hour written exam, candidates must score at least 80%. On passing, candidates progress to a practical exam consisting of 18 questions that they have 60 days to answer. The EnCE is valid for three years, and renewal costs US$250 if filed before the expiration date. To qualify for the EnCE, candidates must complete EnCase OnDemand Training, 64 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours in computer forensic training, or one year of relevant experience.
Training fees: OpenText offers a Security Edition standard learning subscription, which includes self-paced learning, hands-on labs, and one certification voucher for $5,000 per year. Additionally, a premium learning subscription is available, featuring three certification vouchers and live, instructor-led training, for $6,800 per year.
Exam fees: US$500
Exterro AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
For cybersecurity professionals seeking a vendor-neutral course, Exterro recommends that ACE accredit competency with Exterro’s Forensic Toolkit (FTK) and “not necessarily forensic investigation workflows.” Candidates must score at least 80% on the 30-question exam, and the ACE is valid for two years. To renew, holders must repurchase and retake the ACE exam. There are no prerequisites for ACE; however, Exterro recommends that candidates have familiarity with the tool or have completed the FTK Core Training Class.
Training fees: US$250, remote lab access plus a certification attempt
GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics Certification (GASF)
With the prevalence of remote and hybrid work, mobile devices are a frequent target for attacks. Cybersecurity professionals who may want to specialize in this channel should consider the GASF, which encompasses not only smartphones but also other endpoints, such as tablets. This certification is ideal for digital forensic examiners, media exploitation analysts, accident reconstruction investigators, and other information security professionals. The curriculum covers mobile forensics and application behavior, forensic exams, device file systems, event artifacts, and mobile device malware analysis. To earn the GASF, candidates must score at least 69% on a two-hour, 75-question proctored exam. There are no official prerequisites for the GASF. The affiliated preparatory course advises that some background in digital forensic file structures and terminology is helpful.
Training fees: GIAC offers on-demand and in-person options priced at local rates.
Exam fees: US$999; retakes, US$899
GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
The GCFA provides candidates with the ability to conduct threat hunting, digital and memory forensics, timeline analysis, anti-forensics detection, and advanced incident and APT intrusion incident response. Threat hunters, SOC analysts, digital forensic analysts, and other red and response team members should consider this certification. To obtain the GCFA, candidates must score at least 71% on a three-hour, 82-question exam. There are no official prerequisites for the GCFA. The affiliated preparatory course recommends its own class in Windows forensics as preparation, or equivalent experience in digital forensics and incident response policies.
Training fees: GIAC offers on-demand and in-person options priced at local rates.
Exam fees: US$999; retakes, US$899
GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
The GCFE focuses on computer forensic analysis, particularly of Windows systems and related registry forensics, including artifacts from USB devices, shell items, and email, as well as web browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. Candidates will be taught how to conduct end-to-end incident investigation from evidence acquisition and tracing user and application activities to forensic analysis and reporting. This certification is designed for cybersecurity professionals who require expertise in Windows forensics, including information security professionals, media exploitation analysts, and incident response team members. To earn the GCFE, candidates must score at least a 70% on a three-hour, 82-question exam. There are no official prerequisites for the GCFE or its affiliated preparatory course.
Training fees: GIAC offers on-demand and in-person options priced at local rates.
Exam fees: US$999; retakes, US$899
GIAC Cloud Forensic Responder (GCFR)
Cloud security is one of the skills most sought after by both colleagues and hiring managers. Cybersecurity professionals who wish to specialize in this area should consider obtaining the GCFR. The certification is cloud-agnostic, teaching candidates how to track and respond to incidents in Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Azure, and Microsoft 365. The course covers log generation and collection, identification of malicious and anomalous activity, and data extraction for forensic investigations. The target audience of GCFR includes SOC analysts, threat hunters, digital forensic analysts, and other team members involved in incident response and investigation. Candidates must earn at least 62% on a three-hour, 82-question exam. There are no official prerequisites for GCFR. The affiliated preparatory course recommends its own coursework in forensic analysis, cloud security, or incident response, threat hunting, and digital forensics for preparation, or equivalent experience.
Training fees: GIAC offers on-demand and in-person options priced at local rates.
Exam fees: US$999; retakes, US$899
GIAC Network Forensic Analysis (GNFA)
The GNFA provides candidates with instruction on how to conduct an analysis of network forensic artifacts. The audience for this certification includes network specialists, such as engineers and defenders, as well as more general threat hunters, forensic analysts, and SOC personnel. Candidates will learn network protocols, architecture, analysis, attack visualization, and security event and incident logging. Candidates are given a three-hour, 66-question exam that they need to score at least 70% to pass. While there are no official prerequisites for the GNFA, the affiliated preparatory course recommends that candidates have experience with networking and forensic techniques and methodologies.
Training fees: GIAC offers on-demand and in-person options priced at local rates.
Exam fees: US$999; retakes, US$899
Magnet Certified Forensics Examiner (MCFE)
Magnet Forensics is a vendor of over a dozen forensic solutions for service providers, enterprises, and federal agencies. The MCFE accredits cybersecurity professionals based on their competence with Magnet AXIOM Process and AXIOM Examine. Prior to the exam, candidates must download digital evidence items and process them. During the two-hour, 120-question exam, students must answer questions pertaining to these files through the Magnet products and general product knowledge. Candidates must score 80% or higher to pass, and the certification is valid for two years. To qualify for the exam, candidates must have taken AX200, CY200, BCERT as a prerequisite course, or a custom course with components from AX200 and AX250 or AX300.
Training fees: Magnet Forensics offers a free self-paced, online course.
Exam fees: Free for anyone who has completed a prerequisite course, which starts at US$3,499.
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