SANS Institute provides the GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE), proving that the practitioner has adequate skills and knowledge for computer forensic analysis with core skills for investigation on any Windows-based system.
The areas covered in this certification are email forensics, log analysis, windows forensics, advanced web browsing forensics, cloud storage analysis, and many more. This certification is especially for those with deep knowledge of Windows forensics, information security, and computers.
GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) certification
The GCFE is a vendor-neutral certification administered and managed by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) certification validates your knowledge and skills in computer forensic analysis, emphasizing the collection and analysis of Windows-based computer data.
GCFE-certified professionals have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct typical incident investigations, including e-discovery, forensic analysis, report writing, evidence collection, browser forensics, and tracing user and application activities on Windows systems. There are 82-115 multiple-choice questions on the GIAC GCFE exam. There is a three-hour time limit for the GICSP exam.
A passing score of 70% or higher is required to pass the GCFE exam. People with a background in information systems and security should get the GIAC GCFE. Additionally, people who want to learn more about Windows forensics are IT professionals, incident response team members, law enforcement officers, federal agents, detectives, and media exploitation analysts.
Here are the topics areas covered in the GIAC GCFE certification exam:
- Windows forensics and data triage
- Windows registry forensics, USB devices, shell items, email forensics, and log analysis
- Advanced web browser forensics (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
10 reasons how GCFE certification helps you in your career
The GIAC GCFE certification is a significant achievement for anyone who wants to enter the digital forensics field. The GCFE (GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner) certification is a recognized standard in the industry, indicating that the holder has the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct computer forensic examinations.
Here are ten reasons why getting the GCFE certification is important to your career.
Industry recognition
GIAC GCFE certification is a well-known and well-recognized digital forensics certification and a sign of competency and professionalism. Having GCFE certification in your hands means that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform computer forensic functions in an organization.
Credibility
The GIAC GCFE certification undoubtedly enhances your credibility as a digital forensics professional in the industry. GCFE certification shows you have passed a challenging exam requiring considerable time and effort.
Professional development
By earning the GIAC GCFE certification, you commit yourself to learn more and more industry technologies. In other words, the GCFE certification is an important milestone in your professional life, indicating that you will learn new updates in the industry.
Career advancement
One of the best reasons to choose the GIAC GCFE certification is because of the various career opportunities it offers you. Many employers around the world are always looking for candidates holding industry-recognized certifications like the GCFE for many positions in the digital forensics field.
Higher salary
The high salary package is the prime reason to take the GCFE certification exam. Having said that, professionals with GIAC GCFE certification make more money than those who are not certified. This is because the GCFE certification indicates that you have the necessary skills and expertise to perform complex organizational tasks.
Specialized knowledge
We earn certification for mastering a specific skill or a set of different skills. GIAC GCFE certification also makes you a professional in digital forensics. GCFE certification indicates that you deeply understand computer forensics and can apply them in real-world scenarios.
Competitive advantage
If a certification increases our chances of getting a job, what more do we need? The GIAC GCFE certification sets you apart and creates an extra layer of competitive advantage in the job market. When you earn the GCFE certification, it means that you have the in-demand knowledge and skills that every employer will be looking to hire.
Networking opportunities
It becomes very easy for you to build a network while you sit in class or join online exam courses. While earning GCFE certification, candidates will have the chance to communicate with other certified professionals in the same industry. Ultimately, this will help you in your overall career development, learning, and sharing knowledge with each other.
Long-lasting career
Change is constant. However, obtaining the GIAC GCFE certification can help ensure that you will have a long-lasting career in the digital forensics industry. On the other hand, as the industry evolves and brings new concepts every day, organizations look for professionals who are up to date with the latest tools, terminology, and processes. Therefore, you will need to be ready to learn as much as possible.
Personal satisfaction
All of the points above are good and indicate specific reasons to choose the GCFE certification. But, when it comes to personal satisfaction and a sense of pride, it is a unique experience. The GIAC GCFE certification is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates your dedication and hard work to your employers, coworkers, and family.
Who can take the GIAC GCFE certification?
The GIAC GCFE certification program is intended for professionals in information technology, information security, law enforcement, and legal agents with an understanding of digital forensics analysis.
Here are some examples:
- Anyone who has an interest in information systems, information security, or computers and would like to gain a deeper understanding of Windows forensics
- Information security professionals
- Incident response team members
- Law enforcement officers, federal agents, and detectives
- Media exploitation analysts
What are the prerequisites to take the GCFE certification exam?
To put it in simple words, there is no formal schooling or training is required to take the GIAC GCFE certification exam. However, working professionals who have an understanding of information security and computers can be the most suitable individuals to take the GCFE certification exam.
Professionals with limited computer and information security knowledge must find another certification to strengthen their foundational skills, such as an A+ or a similar certification course.
The final say
Undoubtedly, earning the GIAC GCFE certification is important for anyone looking to scale their digital forensics knowledge and skills. The GIAC GCFE certification program is one of the best options to break into the digital forensic world.
If you want to take the GCFE exam, we at CBT Proxy can help you pass the exam on your first attempt. To learn more about the exam, click the chat button below, and one of our guides will contact you.
