Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who are the sponsors of this certification?
A: This certification was originally funded partially by the National Institute of Justice. Currently, the DFCB is a part of the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) who provides support for the DFCB. Personnel on the Digital Forensics Certification Board are nationally recognized computer forensics professionals who have decades of experience serving in the community.
Q: What are the differences between the two certifications – the Digital Forensics Certified Associate (DFCA) and the Digital Forensics Certified Practitioner (DFCP)?
A: The DFCP designation is only available to Digital Evidence Professionals with a minimum of 5-years experience related to digital evidence or digital forensics. Those seeking the DFCP must demonstrate 2 or more years of practical experience in the last 3 years.
Those seeking the DFCA are not required to demonstrate practical experience over the last 3-years. The DFCA provides an entry level certification with potential progression to the Digital Forensic Certified Practitioner certification after the candidate accumulates five years of experience.
Q: What do you mean by “practical experience” when you say that a DFCP must have three (3) or more years of “practical experience?”
A: When we say “practical experience” we are referring to hands-on digital imaging/capturing of digital evidence and digital analysis (from evidence collection to reporting and if necessary, testifying to the evidence).
Q: What is the difference between this certification and forensic software certifications?
A: This certification will not test your knowledge of any particular forensic software. We believe a digital forensics certification should go much further than testing a candidate’s knowledge of forensic software. This certification will cover all the aspects of digital forensics – the collection of digital forensics, the legal components, the validation of forensic tools, the reporting, etc. We want to be able to ensure a successful candidate is able to be fully versed in the entire digital forensics profession.
Q: Will you be offering other digital forensics certifications?
A: Yes. We do plan to offer other digital forensics related certifications. We are starting with basic certifications first. This is the foundational certification. Other special certifications and advanced certifications are being considered.
Q: I don’t live in the United States of America (USA). Can I apply?
A: Unfortunately, no. We cannot currently offer certifications to those living outside the USA. Nevertheless, we do plan to offer these to non-USA personnel in the future. We are exploring avenues on how to run international records checks. If you have suggestions on methodologies for doing this please let us know.
Q: What is the Refund Policy?
A: A refund of fees will be processed under the conditions noted herein: The applicant must submit a written request for a refund to the DFCB within 30-days of making application for certification. No refund will be considered after 30-days of making application. Refunds are subject to a $150 fee to cover applicant processing costs.
Refunds will not be issued to applicants whose applications are reviewed and fail to meet the requirement for certification.