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Rachel Drummond, MEd
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Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) Certification
How important is getting a good and enjoyable job that has great salary potential and that is in high demand? For most people, these are the types of things that they seek when they are trying to find work and figure out what to study in school. Working in the technological field is a huge advantage today, and those who have skills and an interest in computers may find that becoming a certified forensic computer examiner (CFCE) is just the type of occupation they might like.
The field is growing quickly, and those who enter it will be able to use the latest state-of-the-art technology to thwart criminals. This can be an exciting career with the potential to pay well.
How fast are careers in information security growing? The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) shows that information security analyst careers, the title that best matches the job description of a computer forensics examiner, are estimated to grow at a staggering rate of 32 percent between 2022 and 2032 (BLS 2024).
By comparison, in the same decade, the rate of growth for all other occupations is predicted to grow by 3 percent. The BLS estimates that an impressive 53,200 fresh new positions will be needed in the next ten years. For more detailed information about career outlook and salary estimates for computer forensics examiners, please read our Computer Forensics Examiner Job Outlook and Salary article to learn more.
Many of those who study to become a CFCE go on to find highly technical positions working for various types of groups ranging from law enforcement to private firms. Becoming a certified forensic computer examiner could open additional and even unimagined occupational doors for those wanting to enter the field.
Prerequisites for Becoming a CFCE
Those who are trying to receive CFCE certification should make sure they have the right background and education for the field. Different employers may require different levels of educational training. For example, some certified forensic computer examiners have only a high school diploma. CFCEs without an academic background in the field may have learned on the job in a police department as a sworn officer, undertaking computer forensics tasks out of necessity. Other employers may require that an applicant have a bachelor’s degree in computer forensics, computer science, or criminal justice.
It is always a good idea to have a solid education in the field of computer forensics—either through schooling or on-the-job training—before trying to become a certified forensic computer examiner.
Common Courses and Specializations For CFCE
Those who will take the CFCE exam should have certain skills and courses under their belts that will help them earn the certification. Some of the most common types of courses that people take include cryptography, forensic analysis, computer networks, and accounting fraud.
In addition, familiarity with various types of forensic software, such as EnCase Forensic may be a good idea because it will help students to be even more knowledgeable about the computer forensics field and better prepared for pursuing computer forensics certification.
Many schools offer computer forensics degrees that could be helpful in passing the CFCE test.
Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University, for example, offers a computer forensics degree that consists of a double major in computer information science and criminal justice administration. This degree program prepares graduates to work as computer forensic investigators for local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies, private computer investigative detectives, or working for information security teams in the private sector.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice; crime scene investigation; criminal procedure; criminal law; professional writing in criminal justice; crime scene investigation; ethics in criminal justice; computer networks; data structures; database management systems; and website administration, among others.
- Location: Joplin, MO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Students who want to focus more heavily on the security aspect of computer forensics could consider Utica College which offers a bachelor of science (BS) degree in cybersecurity which can be completed online or on-campus. Students who enroll in this program have three concentration options: digital forensics and incident response; cyber operations, and cybercrime and fraud investigation. These concentrations could be quite useful in learning the skills necessary to earn the CFCE certification.
This 120-credit degree program can be completed on-campus or online for transfer students and prepares students for information security careers through courses in economic crime theory; fraud prevention and detection technologies; payment systems and fraud; digital forensics; network forensics; incident response; malware analysis; cyber operations tools; software foundations for cybersecurity; programming for cybersecurity; and information assurance risk and compliance.
Utica also offers an online 30-credit master’s degree program in cybersecurity.
- Location: Utica, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: BS (four years); MS (two years)
Hybrid and Online CFCE Programs – Computer Forensics
The certified forensic computer examiner certification is an exam and not a program, per se. The exam that candidates take tests skills and knowledge that they’ve already gathered through academic or on-the-job training. The CFCE exam comes from the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) and consists of two phases: the peer review phase and the certification Phase.
Although there is not a dedicated CFCE training program there are schools such as Champlain College, that provide online training in computer forensics that could be helpful in passing the exam to receive this certification. In fact, this military-friendly school’s bachelor’s degree program is entirely online and was named among the best schools with accelerated bachelor’s degrees by Intelligent.com.
As well, Champlain College consistently ranks on the US News & World Report’s list of best online bachelor’s programs and holds the designation as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) Air Force Office of Special Investigations and is only the fifth college in the nation to earn this distinction.
This 120-credit program includes courses such as criminal law; criminal procedure; networking fundamentals; introduction to financial information; criminal investigation; malware forensics; digital forensic analysis; anti-forensics & network forensics; operating system forensics; and mobile forensics.
- Location: Burlington, VT
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 14 terms
Check out this detailed guide to computer forensics degree programs.
Preparing for The CFCE Exam
Any campus-based or online program, or a combination, could help computer experts train to test for your CFCE.
Whether or not an aspiring CFCE chooses to complete an academic program before preparing for the CFCE, it will be critical to dedicate time to studying for the exam specifically. Upon registration for the CFCE exam, examinees are provided with a detailed study guide to help them organize their study time.
In addition, there are a range of sources online, including online programs such as the InfoSec Institute’s Computer and Mobile Forensics Training Boot Camp, or the Computer Forensics Training Boot Camp. These programs do not lead to an academic degree but can help students train for and pass the CFCE exam.
Time to Complete the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) Certification
IACIS offers the CFCE certification program to prospective candidates who wish to attain the CFCE certification. The program is comprised of two phases:
Peer review phase – Candidates complete 4 scenario-based problems guided by forensic professionals through a mentored process whereby they are able to submit assessment documents or reports after completing each practical exercise.
Certification Phase – This phase is an independent exercise wherein candidates must complete a practical exercise and a written final examination. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification.
Certified CFCE members must satisfy recertification requirements every three years. IACIS offers proficiency tests on a regular basis for laboratories or organizations that require frequent proficiency tests. Likewise, proficiency tests are offered to certified CFCE members in the third year from the initial date of certification for the sole purpose of recertification.
The certification phase comprises the following elements:
- Hard Drive practical problem (30 days to complete)
- Knowledge-based objective test (14 days to complete)
Entry into the Certification Phase is automatic once the peer review phase has been completed. Candidates will have seven days to begin the hard drive problem and 30 days to complete it. Seven days after the peer review phase has been completed whether the candidate logs in or not, the 44-day clock will begin.
Upon successful completion of the CFCE program in its entirety, IACIS will provide a framed CFCE certificate at no expense to the candidate. Only a current CFCE certificate holder is permitted to identify themselves as being a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner or use the CFCE logo.
Rachel Drummond has given her writing expertise to ForensicsColleges.com since 2019, where she provides a unique perspective on the intersection of education, mindfulness, and the forensic sciences. Her work encourages those in the field to consider the role of mental and physical well-being in their professional success.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.