Not necessarily, the purpose of re-certification is to verify the applicants are staying up to date with current technology. The tests will be based on issues examiners are currently facing and ideas often come directly from listserv questions and answers.

No, re-certification requires completing an application, taking a proficiency exam and being current on your dues (or paying a fee if you are not a member). You do not need to go through the original process again.

With this new policy, if you do not complete the re-certification process every three years, your certification will expire.

The test is designed to simulate a case. You will be given some form of media and a case scenario. It is used to measure how proficient an examiner is at working a case. This does not mean the examiner is required to know everything about the specific topic but how well they deal with it.

For example, a proficiency test may consist of a Linux disk, in which you are asked to look for images. You do not need to be an expert in Linux to work this case. If you can image the disk successfully, identify it is some form of Linux OS, and maybe even retrieve some images from the disk, then you have successfully passed the test. Failing would be simply look at the disk in DOS and determined there was nothing of apparent evidentiary value.

The test should be worked like any other case you would receive.

There is a proficiency test committee comprised of an IACIS® director and CFCE members. This committee over-sees the development and content of the test. The test itself may be created by members or outsourced to another organization to develop under the guidance and review of the committee and Board of Directors.

No, your re-certification occurs every three calendar years after you originally certified. During your third year you must complete an application indicating you are actively conducting forensic exams, have read the code of ethics, have completed the required number of sessions of continuing education and passed one proficiency test. You can complete all the requirements in the first year but still do not re-certify until the third year.

Tests will be offered at least once a year.

No, on the contrary, it is recommended you take your required test early. You must pass one test during the three period. Since there will be multiple opportunities to take tests, no extensions will be offered. If you wait to the last available test and then have some unforeseen event occur that prohibits you from completing the test, you may run the risk of losing your CFCE.

No, ASCLD/LAB currently does not accredit computer forensic sections, however, their board will be voting on it this fall. Also, their requirement for proficiency tests is that it be from an ASCLD/LAB approved provider, which IACIS® is not. There is currently no relationship between IACIS® and ASCLD/LAB

You can take any computer related classes or any investigative class that will benefit you in doing casework. Learning HTML, MS Access, or interviewing skills can all help you in working cases and count towards your requirement. Also, actual classroom hours are to be used. You may take a 3 credit hour course at your local college and spend 45 hours in the classroom, count the 45 hours.

Yes, the minimum is three cases. As long as you can average one digital forensic examination during the three year period between re-certification, you qualify.

It means that you must have continuously paid your dues during the re-certification period. This is a requirement to be a "member in good standing." Allowances will be made to let you pay back dues if you missed a year or two.

You can find a copy on the IACIS® website under the link for "Code of Ethics"

The IACIS® Board of Directors has decided to address the issue of this ever-changing field and deem re-certification is necessary to demonstrate proficiency in the field. The methodology is patterned after processes used by other forensic science certifications, as well as other private sector certification programs. Along these lines, the process has begun to allow the IACIS® certification process to become recognized by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board.

Yes, you can count actual hours you teach towards your continuing education. You can, however, only count a class once. So if you teach the same class multiple times per year, you can only count it once.

If there are training sessions involved then yes, they do count, but again only the actual hours of the training.

If you attended the IACIS® conference as a coach and/or instructor then yes, it does count.

Over a 3 year period the requirement is 60 hours of classroom time in computer or relevant investigative classes.