How to Become a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner

In 2024, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received 859,532 complaints regarding various internet scams, resulting in actual losses of $16.6 billion and an average loss of $19,372. Compared to 2023, this represents a 33 percent increase [1]. As the incidence of cybercrimes and cyberattacks continues to rise, the demand for professionals who prevent and investigate these crimes remains high, with the job outlook for information security analysts expected to increase much faster than average through 2033 [2]. 

The global shortage of over four million cyber professionals underscores the need for well-trained practitioners across the industry [3]. As a certified forensic computer examiner, you can help meet this demand. 

Explore the daily responsibilities of this role and discover certification options to set you on the path to becoming a certified forensic computer examiner.

What does a certified forensic computer examiner do?

Forensic computer examiners—also known as computer forensic analysts, digital forensic examiners, and cyber forensic analysts, among other titles—analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security issues and cyber attacks to determine how they occurred and who was responsible. While cybersecurity professionals focus on preventing cybercrimes, forensic computer examiners investigate crimes that have already taken place. 

As a forensic computer examiner, you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time on internet crimes. Still, you may also examine computers and other digital devices to find evidence of criminal activity across a range of suspected crimes. You may spend weeks, months, or even years working to extract or recover the evidentiary data, making technical skills like patience and attention to detail essential for becoming a certified forensic computer examiner.

Typical responsibilities

Depending on where you work and the nature of your job, your responsibilities as a certified forensic computer examiner can vary. From collaborating with law enforcement and legal teams to extracting metadata from videos, your daily responsibilities will likely center on uncovering digital evidence that can help solve crimes. The following list outlines only some of the many tasks you may encounter in your role as a forensic computer examiner:

• Collect and preserve digital evidence.

• Analyze digital evidence and artifacts.

• Perform intrusion and incident analysis.

• Recover and restore data.

• Identify security vulnerabilities.

• Document and communicate findings.

• Provide testimony and support to legal teams.

Forensic computer examiner certifications

You can find various certifications to verify your skills as a forensic computer examiner. The following industry-standard certifications, offered by professional organizations not affiliated with a specific product or service, apply to the overall field of forensic computer investigation. Consider prerequisites, eligibility requirements, and the associated costs of becoming a certified forensic computer examiner when deciding which option is best for you.

Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)

The International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) offers the CCE as a globally recognized and highly regarded certification with a rigorous and standardized testing process. Familiarity with topics related to computer hardware, operating systems, file systems, network communication, data format identification, and metadata extraction, as well as digital evidence handling, forensic reporting, and presentation, will likely help you to pass the exam. 

Target audience: The CCE is suitable for those currently in a forensic computer role or looking to transition into this area of information security.

Prerequisites: To qualify for the CCE exam, you must satisfy one of the following: complete the ISFCE online training course or a comparable training program, possess at least 18 months of professional experience conducting digital forensics examinations, or have completed a previous certification within the field. ISFCE requires documentation and verification by a third party if applicable.

Requirements: In addition to the CCE testing requirements and prerequisites, you will need to sign the ISFCE code of ethics, submit a notarized statement validating you completed your work independently, obtain a criminal background check, and receive approval from the ISFCE Certification Board.

Exam cost: $495 [4]

Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)

The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS), offers the CFCE certification. This credential covers competencies such as computer fundamentals, partitioning schemes, Windows file systems, Windows artifacts, and data recovery, as well as pre-examination procedures, legal issues, and training in presenting findings. The CFCE is the only digital forensic certification program accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board, the organization that oversees the certification of forensic specialists. 

Target audience: The IACIS does not identify a specific target audience for the CFCE certification. However, given the prerequisites and other requirements, this certification will likely be more appropriate for you if you have some experience in the field.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites include a background check and 72 hours of computer or digital forensics training, which you can satisfy by completing the Basic Computer Forensics Examiner (BCFE) training or a comparable course. If you choose a different training course, you can purchase a CFE certification study guide as part of your exam registration fee.

Requirements: The CFCE certification program consists of two phases: peer review and certification. To become CFCE certified, you must complete both phases. The peer review phase involves solving practical, scenario-based problems under a forensic professional’s guidance. The certification phase includes a practical exercise and a final exam, which you must complete independently. To earn your CFCE credential, you must complete this phase.

Exam cost: $800 [5]*

*Includes a study guide and background check fees may apply; fee waived with enrollment in the BCFE training course

GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)

The GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner certification offers hands-on, real-world practical testing through CyberLive. This format allows cyber professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills using virtual machines and actual programs to code in a lab environment that mimics job roles. The exam covers Windows forensics and data triage, Windows registry forensics, email forensics, log analysis, and advanced web browser forensics. Earning this credential helps validate your overall expertise in computer forensic analysis, emphasizing data collection and analysis related to Windows computer systems. 

Target audience: This certification is available for anyone with a computer background interested in Windows forensics. Candidates with advanced experience may consider the GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) certification. 

Prerequisites: Although you are not required to complete any requirements before attempting any GIAC exam, the organization recommends preparation options such as training courses and practice tests. Work experience can also help you develop proficiency in the skills necessary to pass the exam. 

Requirements: To take the exam, you must create a GIAC account and complete an application. The exam is web-based and must be completed in a proctored environment, either remotely via ProctorU or on-site with Pearson VUE.

Cost: $999 [6]

How to become a forensic computer examiner

The career path for a certified forensic computer examiner typically follows a similar trajectory to many other career paths: earning a bachelor’s degree in computer forensic science or a similar field, acquiring certification, securing a job, and advancing as you gain experience. 

Gaining experience in a more general entry-level position within the information technology field may make it easier for you to transition into a forensic computer role. Depending on the role, some employers prefer candidates with graduate-level degrees.

Required skills for a certified forensic computer examiner

Workplace skills such as collaboration, communication, attention to detail, and adaptability, as well as a host of technical skills, will likely benefit you in your career as a certified forensic computer examiner. Consider specific details about some common (and some not-so-common) skills you may use in forensic computer science.

• Technical and analytical skills: Knowledge of operating systems, programming, networks, cloud infrastructure, and digital storage devices

• Legal and ethical competencies: Understanding of digital evidence admissibility, ethical considerations, jurisdiction-specific laws, chain of custody, and data privacy laws

• Research and learning skills: Learning new concepts, tools, and investigative techniques, and adapting to evolving cyberthreats

• Communication and collaboration: Providing courtroom testimony and technical debriefings; explaining complex concepts; working with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement, attorneys, IT professionals, and cybersecurity personnel

• Attention to detail, adaptability, and perseverance: Uncovering subtle or hidden information in complex data sets or system logs; sustaining focus and problem-solving abilities in long-term, high-pressure situations

Certified computer examiner salary and job outlook

The role of a computer examiner falls under the broader umbrella of information security roles. The median annual pay for information security professionals is $124,910, with job opportunities in the field expected to grow by 33 percent through 2033 [2]. With no data specifically on the salary of computer examiners holding certifications versus those who don’t, it’s difficult to say how much of a salary increase certification may garner. However, many employers seek computer forensic examiners with professional certifications, which can provide you with bargaining power when negotiating your salary. 

Learn more about computer forensics on Coursera

To build a strong foundation for your computer forensics career, you can learn more about new and emerging technologies, their application and integration, and the administrative practices used for effective technology management in the Bachelor of Information Technology degree program from Illinois Institute of Technology, offered on Coursera.

If you want to enhance your cybersecurity skills as you work toward a career as a certified forensic computer examiner, consider Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to identify and mitigate common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities.