In this guide
This guide is all about what it takes to get a digital forensics certification.
Many of today’s most in-demand jobs are in the areas of cybersecurity and digital forensics. These two specialties are closely related, with cybersecurity techniques generally applied to prevent and mitigate cyber-attacks and digital forensics principles used to investigate an incident after the fact.
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Featured Cybersecurity Certificate Programs
| School Name | Program | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate | website |
| Michigan State University | Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate | website |
According to Techopedia, digital forensics is
“the process of uncovering and interpreting electronic data. The goal of the process is to preserve any evidence in its most original form while performing a structured investigation by collecting, identifying, and validating digital information to reconstruct past events. The context is most often for the usage of data in a court of law, though digital forensics can be used in other instances.”
- Certified Computer Examiner (CCE): Offered by the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE), the CCE certification is one of the most recognized credentials in the field. It covers a wide array of knowledge from hardware basics to complex forensic analysis.
- Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE): This certification is provided by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS). The CFCE covers a lot of ground, including everything from hard disk storage fundamentals to Windows artifacts and internet-based investigations.
- GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA): The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) provides several cybersecurity certifications, with the GCFA focusing specifically on advanced skills in data breach investigations, incident response, and threat hunting.
- GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE): This is another GIAC certification, but it concentrates more on the foundational skills for collecting and analyzing data from Windows computer systems.
- EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE): This certification is offered by OpenText and is focused on the use of the EnCase forensic software for computer examination.
- AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE): The ACE certification is focused on proficiency in using AccessData’s Forensic Toolkit software. This tool is often used in digital forensics and incident response.
- Certified Cyber Forensics Professional (CCFP): This certification, offered by (ISC)², covers a range of forensic disciplines and follows the full forensics process from the discovery phase to reporting the results.
Keep reading to learn more about how best to prepare for certification and what to expect during the certification process.
Digital forensics skills
Digital forensics is a technical field requiring professionals to systematically apply investigative techniques.
Successful investigators must have extensive knowledge of computers, mobile devices, and networks, including how processors, hard drives, software, and file systems work. Understanding how data is stored and accessed on digital systems and in the cloud is essential.
Analytical skills and the ability to use evidence-based reasoning are essential for discovering and understanding how a cyber-attack may have occurred on a system and what data was exfiltrated or exposed.
An in-depth understanding of how cybersecurity solutions work helps investigators learn how bad actors may have compromised an organization’s cyber defenses.
A working knowledge of legal principles will guide a digital forensic investigator as they collect evidence that may be used in a criminal court case.
The ability to preserve evidence and prove the chain of custody for information gathered as part of an investigation is crucial. Forensic investigators must know relevant laws in their country and abroad.
While not always required, many governmental agencies prefer previous law enforcement experience when considering digital forensic investigator new hires.
An understanding of the types of evidence that are likely to be admissible in court, for example, becomes an essential part of a cyber-attack investigation. On the other hand, private businesses are more interested in protecting their systems and data than in apprehending and prosecuting cybercriminals.
Because digital forensic findings can be used by law enforcement and other investigative agencies and organizations, the ability to write and communicate effectively using the vocabulary and terminology of computer science as well as law enforcement is helpful.
Digital forensics education
Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in digital forensics or something very similar. Such a degree could easily be considered the ideal entry-level degree for working as a forensic investigator. Other related degrees include a bachelor of science in computer science or computer engineering. Many employers prefer a bachelor of science in cybersecurity over other associated degrees.
Governmental agencies may prefer a candidate with a bachelor of science in criminal justice degree. And, for most jobs, a minimum of five years of work experience will also be required.
A master of science in cybersecurity is ideal for advanced forensic positions, and of course, those with a Ph.D. in computer science can often forego the previous work experience required by many employers.
Vendor-neutral vs vendor-specific
- GIAC (GCFE/GCFA) — vendor-neutral, tightly mapped to SANS FOR500/508; widely recognized by IR/eDiscovery teams.
- CFCE (IACIS) — vendor-neutral but law-enforcement-style rigor (peer review + practical). Strong courtroom credibility.
- CCE (ISFCE) — longstanding vendor-neutral examiner credential with defined ethics & exam process.
- EnCE (OpenText) — vendor-specific (EnCase). Valued where EnCase is core tooling (LE, eDiscovery, some enterprises).
- CHFI (EC-Council) — vendor-neutral survey of DFIR concepts & lab skills; popular entry/mid option.
- CDFE (Mile2) — vendor-neutral, budget options (exam bundle pricing).
| Cert | Issuer | Focus & Typical Use | Entry Bar | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCFE | GIAC | Windows forensics, artifact-centric triage & reporting | No formal prereq (course recommended) | 4 yrs / 36 CPEs or retake |
| GCFA | GIAC | Intrusions/APT, anti-forensics, enterprise DFIR | Better with DFIR experience | 4 yrs / 36 CPEs or retake |
| CFCE | IACIS | Two-phase (peer review + practical); LE/evidence rigor | Application; staged testing | 3 yrs / CPEs + proficiency |
| CCE | ISFCE | Examiner credential; ethics & policy-bound process | Background + online exam | See ISFCE policy (recert.) |
| EnCE | OpenText | EnCase mastery; common in LE/eDiscovery labs | Experience + exam | 3 yrs |
| CHFI | EC-Council | Broad DFIR survey; lab-driven | Training or eligibility path | Per EC-Council policy |
| CDFE | Mile2 | General examiner track; lower cost options | None noted | Per Mile2 policy |
Job roles
Companies and organizations of all types rely on digital forensics to protect their data and systems by learning how attempted and successful attacks are structured and delivered. Law enforcement and governmental agencies use these same forensic techniques to attribute attacks and find cyber bad actors.
Computer forensic technicians are in demand at police departments and other law enforcement agencies, including intelligence gathering services and the various branches of the military. Corporate investigators are needed at banks, law firms, consultancies, and nearly every type of company.
In a day and age when the validity and accuracy of news agencies often come into question and under scrutiny, news-gathering companies must use proven digital forensic techniques to verify and substantiate sources for the news they report.
If, for example, a news reporter investigates a cybercrime without protecting the original digital sources such as computers or cell phones, the evidentiary value of that device could be compromised and further investigation and prosecution hampered.
Many corporate security teams combine digital forensics and incident response roles into a DFIR team. This team of experienced security practitioners is responsible for responding to cyber-attacks and incidents and investigating the aftermath to assist in recovery efforts and help prevent similar breaches in the future.
Career track and salary information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the job outlook for Information Security Analysts (a common labor grouping for digital forensic investigators) is expected to grow much faster than average. The projected growth rate for these jobs is 13 percent between 2024 and 2034. The BLS cites the 2024 median pay for this job as $67,440.
According to Salary.com, the median salary for an entry-level computer forensic analyst in the United States is $50,494. PayScale lists the average base salary for a computer forensic analyst at $40k and the high end of the base salary scale at $60k.
Frequently asked questions
Certifications can provide a standardized measure of a professional’s skills and knowledge in the field. They can improve job prospects, increase earning potential, and open up opportunities for advancement.
Costs for certifications vary widely. They can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the level of the certification, the reputation of the certifying organization, and whether training courses or materials are included.
Yes, most digital forensics certifications require renewals. The period varies by certification, but typically they need to be renewed every three to four years. This often requires completing a certain amount of continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.
For beginners, the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is often recommended. It covers behavioral analytics skills to prevent, detect, and combat cybersecurity threats and does not require as much experience as more advanced certifications.
While it’s possible to get a job in digital forensics without a certification, having one can significantly improve your chances. Many employers prefer or even require them, as they provide proof of your skills and knowledge in the field.
Not necessarily. While many digital forensics professionals do come from a law enforcement background, it’s not a requirement. Many professionals also come from a background in information technology, cybersecurity, or computer science.
While there is overlap between these fields, they focus on different aspects of computer security. Cybersecurity is about preventing and detecting security breaches, while digital forensics is about investigating and analyzing incidents after they occur.
Conclusion
Every day the news contains a report of another cyber-attack. Cyber Security Intelligence reports that
“Across the board, authoritative cyber security researchers say that the threat of ransomware isn’t going away and they predict that the frequency, intensity, and sophistication of ransomware attacks will significantly increase in 2022.”
While some certifications signify knowledge of digital forensics generally, others are designed to represent an individual’s proficiency with a particular investigative tool.
Which type of certification is right for you will depend on the jobs you are interested in and whether or not the employer you desire uses a forensic tool that offers a certification.
Sources
- Job outlook information | From Bureau of Labor Statistics in Oct 2025
- EC-Council Training and Certifications | From EC-Council in Oct 2025
- Cybersecurity Certifications and Continuing Education | From (ISC)2 in Oct 2025
- CompTIA Certifications | From CompTIA in Oct 2025
- GIAC Certifications | From GIAC in Oct 2025
- ISACA Certifications | From ISACA in Oct 2025
- EnCase Certifications | From OpenText Corp in Oct 2025
- Salary information | From Payscale and Salary.com in Oct 2025