As has been mentioned here earlier by others, the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) has been considering whether to open up the Certified Forensics Computer Examiner (CFCE) to the public (subject to some conditions such as a background check). This afternoon, the Secretary of IACIS announced that the plebiscite of the membership on this issue has passed and been ratified by the board of directors.
Here is in basic terms what's happened to this point, and what the future holds. There has been a discussion for a while in the certification side of IACIS about opening up the certification only to the general public. In order for this to happen, IACIS has to change some of its policies, and possibly a bylaw. The board after consulting with the membership put the issue to a vote, and the vote just passed. To be clear, IACIS has not voted to open up their training or membership outside their current membership requirements at this point.
So there's still some work to be done in finalising the new policies before the general public will be able to apply to undertake the CFCE process, but it will be happening. It's possible that it may be done in time for the next cycle, which starts in January, but I don't know.
If you've been wanting to test yourself against what many of us believe is the toughest cert in the field, or you really want a solid peer review (which is part of the process) then you'll soon have your opportunity. If you're not aware, the CFCE process consists of 4 media examinations (one of which is a full hard drive), a "wild card" problem and a lengthy written examination. There's a strong focus on core skills, such that automated tools are banned for the first few problems. Manually recovering files with a hex editor… yummy!
I've been on the pro side of this discussion for a long time and I'm really happy that the board and the membership agreed. I'm also glad that now you all (subject to meeting the requirements) can test yourself against essentially the same process that I did (albeit, I took it under the old "external" system, which was the hard mode and no longer exists).
(Disclaimer I hold a committee position with IACIS, however I am making this post as a private member, and not in any official capacity.)
This is really exciting news! Thanks for the update Tony.
I do wonder what this means for the CCE.
This is indeed awesome!
Now for the … cost…
Very nice information. Thank you all who voted for this. I'm former LEO, but been out several years, and this is good news for being able to join and grow my skills and for everyone else with the same desire.
Ryan
Gugnheim, there hasn't been a change to the IACIS membership policies. If you're an ex-LEO and you wanted to join, you'd have to apply for associate membership (as I understand it). That hasn't changed.
What's happening is that you won't need to meet the current requirement to be an IACIS member, or an active LEO/Govt/Contractor to take the certification.
My bad! Thanks for clearing up the case for me. Reading It's not just a job….
Ryan
Great news. I did my CFCE last year without the conference, training or mentoring (as an international candidate) which would be similar to what is proposed I guess. Let me tell you, the cost of the certification is infetismal compared to the investment in time for this certification, but its well worth it, you learn heaps and its like a rite of passage.
One comment is that the process is VERY much designed around having a mentor and not getting feedback throughout the process about whether you're meeting the requirements or scope was incredibly unfair and frustrating and I hope the playing field is leveld out there.
I was a pretty first principals winhex savvy examiner before CFCE, but the process took me to new levels of understanding. It takes you to a depth you rarely ever get to in investigations, unlike many other certifications that just cover fundamentals.
I do wonder what this means for the CCE
CCE - I've tried several times to get info from the UK on the boot camps, the link on their website doesn't work. And if you email them direct they don't reply.
Or am I missing something?
As has been mentioned here earlier by others, the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) has been considering whether to open up the Certified Forensics Computer Examiner (CFCE) to the public (subject to some conditions such as a background check). This afternoon, the Secretary of IACIS announced that the plebiscite of the membership on this issue has passed and been ratified by the board of directors.
Quite interesting. Was looking at the CCE, but this does appear a tougher process which can only be a good thing. Will probably forgo the F3 conference this year and spend my money/time on this instead. Tony, when will this go 'live' and IACIS begin to accept non-LEO applicants?
One comment is that the process is VERY much designed around having a mentor and not getting feedback throughout the process about whether you're meeting the requirements or scope was incredibly unfair and frustrating and I hope the playing field is leveld out there.
I was a pretty first principals winhex savvy examiner before CFCE, but the process took me to new levels of understanding. It takes you to a depth you rarely ever get to in investigations, unlike many other certifications that just cover fundamentals.
Yes..You did it the HARD way..I almost say IMPOSSIBLE.. but you dd it. They changed the rules for that process and it no longer exists.. If you are Certifying you get the Full Mentor etc.. no more Guessing at what is needed or required..and that way the Coach can PUSH ya if you know a bit too much.. 😉
