As criminal defense attorneys and civil attorneys encountered law-enforcement examiners, the need for qualified civilian forensic computer examiners grew. Currently, there’s a huge demand for certified, qualified forensic computer examiners. Some trained examiners have started their own businesses, some work for large companies, such as Deloitte and Touche, and others work for law-enforcement agencies.
This comprehensive online course prepares you for a career in this emerging field. You’ll learn not only to thoroughly examine digital media, but also to clearly document, control, prepare, and present examination results that will stand up in a court of law. You’ll be able to identify where and how data is stored and how to recover and interpret data and draw appropriate conclusions based on the data. Education on the ethics of computer forensics is also included. This course is hands-on and emphasizes learning by doing. The primary certification for civilian forensic computer examiners is the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) certification. The Forensic Computer Examiner Online Training course is an authorized ISFCE (International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners) training course that will thoroughly prepare you to take the CCE certification exam.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course must be taken on a PC device. A Mac OS is not compatible
- 1 GB (or more) memory
- 10 GB or larger hard-disk drive for examination purposes
- 2 (or more) open USB 2.0 ports
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows XP or later and BIOS .
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
- Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other: Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Recommended Configuration:
- PC with the latest updates and BIOS
- 2 GB (or more) memory
- 15 GB or larger hard-disk drive for examination purposes
- Integrated PS/2 ports (not USB keyboard or mouse)
- 4 open USB 2.0 ports
- 1 open Firewire/IEEE 1394 port
- Read/Write blocking device such as the FireFly Read/Write device made by Digital Intelligence
To enroll in this course, you’ll need to have basic computer skills, including the ability to work outside the Windows GUI interface. This is because forensic examiners often need data that can’t easily be accessed from within Windows. Being comfortable working within the DOS environment will be very helpful in this field.
A good measure of your readiness for this program is knowing that you can successfully complete the A+ certification through CompTIA. Note that the certification is by no means a prerequisite. However, the basic knowledge needed for success in this program typically requires that you have the A+ level of experience.
A forensic computer examiner will be required to work with the hardware of a computer on many occasions, so you’ll need to have the ability or desire to remove and replace hard-disk drives from computers and change jumper settings. These topics are briefly covered within our program, but you should have these skills prior to enrolling.
To work in this field, you must not have a criminal record. This includes any felony conviction where the individual could have received a sentence of one or more years of imprisonment. This also includes any criminal history of sexually related offenses, as many digital examinations include these topics, and an examiner with this type of history could be easily discredited.
Note: If you plan to pursue the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) credential, you must have attended a program through an ISFCE Authorized Training Center (such as this one), have documented experience in forensic computer examinations, OR be able to produce a well-documented self-study.
Bill Long is a retired law
enforcement supervisor with the Oklahoma Office of the Inspector
General. He is a CFCE and is owner and president of William J. Long
& Associates LLC, a firm specializing in computer forensic
examinations and data recovery.
John Fretts, in 2004, retired
as a Senior Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives after 30 years. In addition to conducting firearms
and explosives investigations he specialized in computer forensic
investigations. John currently serves as Director of
Investigations for a private firm in New England.
William D. "Bill" Taylor is a
retired Computer Investigative Specialist/ Special Agent with the US
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration in Nashville,
Tennessee. He holds both Baccalaureate and Master's Degrees in Criminal
Justice and a Associates Degree in Forensic Computer Science. He
is also a graduate of the 152nd Session of the FBI National Academy.
Bill had over 35 years of investigative law enforcement experience when
he retired.
Clifford "Cliff" Ellston retired
in 2013 as a Senior Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives after 35 years of service. In addition to
conducting firearms and explosives investigations he specialized in
computer forensic investigations. Cliff currently serves as a
compliance officer for a local retail corporation. He also
assists local police in their effort to handle and examine electronic
media evidence.
1. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
2. How long does it take to complete a program?
All of our programs are self-paced and open-enrollment. You can start and finish the program at your own pace. Upon registering, you're given twelve months to complete this program.
3. Do I have to buy additional materials?
No.
4. Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.
5. What happens when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. You will also become eligible to sit for the CCE Certification testing through the ISFCE. Note: You will need to list this training while submitting your application for the Certification.
6. Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We don't provide direct job placement services, but our facilitators and career counselors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Facilitators will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
7. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
8. What software or hardware do I need in order to take online programs and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online programs, you must have access to a computer and the Internet. You can access the program contents from any Web-enabled computer. You don't have to use the same computer to log-in to the program every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
9. Can I use a Mac?
No, you must access this program with a PC or IBM-compatible computer.
10. How can I get more information about the program?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button toward the top of the page). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the "Contact Us" form to the right. You may also call us at 1-855-520-6806
1-855-520-6806 FREE. We will answer your questions promptly.
11. When can I start the program?
Our programs are all open enrollment. You can register and start the program as soon as you are ready.
Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.
12. What if I don't have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
The
time allotted to complete your program has been calculated based on the
number of hours for each program, so don't worry too much about not
completing in time. If, after a concerted effort, you are still unable
to complete, your Student Advisor will help you work out a suitable
completion date. Please note that a fee will be charged for an
extension.
“My facilitator Bill Taylor was first rate. He is a true subject matter expert with excellent customer service skills. He went above and beyond the call of duty to help resolve technical issues and answer all questions in a timely manner.
- D.C., Florida Institute of Technology