7 Best Certifications in Digital Forensics

The best way to prove professional credentials to any interviewer is to show certifications. Nowadays, certifications include a lot of practicals in addition to the theory part. This blog lists the best available certifications available in the market to enhance knowledge in digital forensics.

Please note that no preference is given in order, all certificates have equal importance. You can choose certifications based on your existing skill sets and requirements.

(1) Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

Certification Name	Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) by EC-Council ANSI 17024 accredited certification
What to study	Computer Forensics Investigation Process, File Systems, Hard Disks, Windows/Linux/Mac Forensics, DarkWeb/Malware/Cloud/IoT/Network Forensics
Exam Format	Multiple Choice Questions Number of Questions: 150 Duration of Test: 4 Hrs Passing Score: 60% to 85%
URL	https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/computer-hacking-forensic-investigator-chfi/
Who is it for?	Professionals who are working in the field of Information Security, Incident Response, and Computer Forensics

(2) Certified Digital Forensics Examiner (CDFE)

Certification Name	Certified Digital Forensics Examiner (CDFE) by NATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR CYBERSECURITY CAREERS AND STUDIES (NICCS)
What to study	Forensic Examination, Different Tools, Seizure Concepts, Incident Investigation, Fundamentals of Conducting an effective computer forensic examination, Electronic Discovery and Digital Evidence
Exam Format	Multiple Choice Questions Number of Questions: 100 Duration of Test: 2 Hrs Passing Score: 60% to 85%
URL	https://mile2.com/cdfe_outline/
Who is it for?	Professionals who are working as IS Security Officers, IS Managers, Virtualization Engineers, and Managers, Cloud Security Managers

(3) GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)

Certification Name	GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) by SANS
What to study	Advanced Incident Response and Digital Forensics, Memory Forensics, Timeline Analysis, Anti-Forensics Detection, Threat Hunting, APT Intrusion Incident Response
Exam Format	1 proctored examination Number of Questions: 82 Duration of Test: 3 Hrs Passing Score: 71%
URL	https://www.giac.org/certifications/certified-forensic-analyst-gcfa/
Who is it for?	Professionals who are working in the field of Information Security, Threat Hunters, Incident Response, Red Team, Penetration Testing, Exploit Development and Computer Forensics

(4) GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics (GASF)

Certification Name	GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics (GASF) by SANS
What to study	Fundamentals of mobile forensics and conducting forensic exams Device file system analysis and mobile application behavior Event artifact analysis and the identification and analysis of mobile device malware
Exam Format	1 proctored examination Number of Questions: 72 Duration of Test: 2 Hrs Passing Score: 69%
URL	https://www.giac.org/certifications/advanced-smartphone-forensics-gasf/
Who is it for?	Professionals who are working as IT Auditors, Enforcement Agencies, Incident Response Analyst, and Digital Forensic Examiners

(5) GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)

Certification Name	GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) by SANS
What to study	Windows Forensics, Data Triage Windows Registry Forensics, USB Devices, Shell Items, Email Forensics and Log Analysis Advanced Web Browser Forensics (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
Exam Format	1 proctored examination Number of Questions: 82-115 Duration of Test: 3 Hrs Passing Score: 70%
URL	https://www.giac.org/certifications/certified-forensic-examiner-gcfe/
Who is it for?	Professionals who are working as IT Auditors, Enforcement Agencies, Incident Response Analyst, and Digital Forensic Examiners

(6) Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)

Certification Name	Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) by IACIS
What to study	Pre-Examination Procedures, Computer Fundamentals, Partition Schemes, File Systems, Data Recovery, Windows Artifacts, Presentation of Findings
Exam Format	The examination consists of two phases: (1) Peer Review (2) Certification Testing Both phases need to be passed to get certified.
URL	https://www.iacis.com/certification/cfce/
Who is it for?	The examination consists of two phases: (1) Peer Review (2) Certification Testing Both phases need to be passed in order to get certified.

(7) Paraben Corporation

Certification Name	Available training and certifications in Computer Forensics – Mobile Forensics – IoT Forensics
What to study	Computer/Mobile/IoT Forensics
Exam Format	--
URL	https://paraben.com/dfir-training-3/
Who is it for?	Professionals who are working in the field of Information Security, Incident Response, and Computer Forensics

Conclusion

As more and more cyber incidents happen across the globe, the need for professionals with digital forensics skills is on the rise.

This blog lists some certifications that will help you gain knowledge and enhance expertise in digital forensics. Let me know if I missed any certification related to digital forensics.