Values of CHFI v CCE

I am looking at taking the CHFI or the CCE which one is more recognised in industry?

The CHFI is just a multiple-choice test, and cheats sheets can be easily found. The CCE is a simple multiple-choice, followed by 3 hands-on forensic examinations that stress procedure and documentation.

Which do you think would be more valuable?

Of course, you might consider getting both - the CHFI followed by the CCE.

Since you will be graduating, you and your fellow graduates will all be looking for the same jobs, so having some certs on your resume, along with the degree should give you an advantage over the others candidates.

bj

While the CCE is a great credential to help with your career and clients, being in the CCE "community alone is more than worth the effort to obtain the certification. The listserv is very active and there are very few issues that the group cannot answer (if any).

Thanks for the advice. I think I think i may be going for the CCE, i like that fact you get some hands on work rather than just answering questions.

Is the CCE recognized through out the world? Because looking on there site all i really see is American institutes offering it.

I am based in the UK. Thank you.

If you want a highly reputable and universally recognized forensics cert, you will want to take a look at the GCFA (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst.) You are not required to take a course to get this cert, because it is based on common knowledge and is one of the most thorough tests you can take. (The SANS institute www.sans.org does offer an intense course on this material, however, if anyone is interested.)

In addition, if you are willing to create a research paper, you can "go for the gold." The difference between GCFA Silver and GCFA Gold is the "hands on" research paper. You can see examples of those at
http//forensics.sans.org/community/whitepapers.php.

GCFA Tests for both US and EU Law.

The GIAC organization, is ANSI Certified GIAC has Achieved Accreditation by the ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 Personnel Certification Accreditation Program. http//www.ansi.org/conformity_assessment/personnel_certification/overview.aspx?menuid=4

This worldwide benchmark of excellence validates that GIAC is a responsible, fair, and quality oriented testing and certification-granting organization within the high-stakes Testing and Certification industry. By achieving this accreditation, GIAC demonstrates a commitment to process and procedures that adhere to an international standard of excellence.

The GCFA certification is becoming ANSI certified in the first half of 2009. If a certification will be recognized in court, then the certification itself has to have high standards dedicated to the testing process in addition to the standards process. GCFA's critical skills analysis had top subject matter experts in the industry look at what we teach and test as a part of the certification. With this much community involvement in our process, not only is the test trusted to be able to state that if you pass you can meet the minimal qualifications for a forensic practioner, but the process of the test itself is secure, validated, and trusted.

There are about 1500 currently certified individuals. GCFA is the top vendor neutral certification.

Hope this is helpful!
J. Michael Butler GCFA (Gold #00056) GSEC (Gold #01406) CISA

I am coing to the end of my degree and would like to take a course and become certified.

I am looking at taking the CHFI or the CCE which one is more recognised in industry?

Or should i just apply for jobs first and possibly take a certified course in the future?

Any advice would be great help. Thank you.

If I might add another thought here - the SANS course SEC508, and the associated certification GCFA (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst) are of high value in the field. They are not only tool-agnostic, but also benefit from not being law-enforcement centric. That is to say, they are not just focused on recovering your basic pr0n images, but also recovering malware and such, and really give time to teaching the _process_ of forensics. Not just how to use a particular tool or application suite.

The GCFA student must pass a rigorous examination, and to receive "Gold" level certification, must publish a paper on a relevant topic in the forensics field.

It is a valuable certification, and not trivial to achieve. I would encourage you to at least look at what it has to offer http//www.sans.org/training/description.php?mid=98

Full disclosure -
iamnowonmai, GSEC-Gold, GCIH, GCFA.
And a Merry Christmas!

Hey, Sean

I think either GCFA from SANS or CCE would be my preference over CHFI. Both require more hands on, also both need to be renewed periodically. However, you can't go wrong having multiple certifications. 😉

I hold the CCE certification and just recertified after 2 years of obtaining it. I embrace the CCE certification, process and listserv to the utmost respect. The listerv is very active and everyone is very helpful. The certification process to pass the CCE process is pretty involved. It is not just passing a multiple choice exam, but you also have to perform examinations on 3 different media devices, which requires all documentation and reporting of a true exam.

I might do the SANS GCFA in 2009 to further my forensics education and certification(s).