The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists

CADET: Collecting and Admitting Digital Evidence at Trial

CADET Course Overview

The Collecting and Admitting Digital Evidence at Trial (CADET) course is a 36-hour class designed to introduce criminal attorneys to the world of digital forensic evidence. After completing this course, attorneys will have a greater understanding of the digital forensic investigative process, including how to collaborate with investigative partners to obtain and preserve digital evidence; how to present this evidence to judges and juries and ensure its admissibility at trial; how to evaluate and cross-examine adverse expert witnesses; and how to anticipate and overcome common defenses to digital findings. The course will cover topics that arise throughout the lifespan of a criminal case, ranging from investigation to appeal.

This course is intended to be an introduction to computer forensics and the related legal issues. No previous knowledge of computer forensics or significant trial experience is expected.

2026 CLE Accreditation: This page will be updated as we file for CLE approval. This course has been approved for 26.00 credit hours of continuing legal education by the Virginia State bar. CLE approval is currently pending in Florida and Alabama. If there are a significant number of registrations from any of the states not listed above where accreditation is required, and reciprocity is not available, we anticipate submitting an application to those states. IACIS will be applying for CLE accreditation only and will not be filing credits for those who attend. All attendees will be responsible for filing their CLE certification and any other required documents directly with the applicable state bar or accreditation entity.

  • Digital investigations: types of evidence available; preserving digital evidence and collection methods; drafting effective search warrants for digital devices and data; orientation to the various tools available to a computer forensic investigator and the relevant industry certifications.
  • Digital forensic reports: working with a forensic examiner in real time to produce an accurate, relevant, and thorough examination report; navigating and understanding the various types of examination reports; preparing the report for discovery and disclosing digital findings.
  • Pre-trial considerations: common suppression issues; identifying and supplementing weaknesses in your evidence; special considerations in charging documents and plea agreements; anticipating and responding to common defenses
  • Digital evidence at trial: laying proper foundations for digital evidence and overcoming other hurdles to admissibility; making digital forensics accessible to the lay juror (and judge); introducing forensic concepts during voir dire and identifying potentially challenging jurors; selecting and preparing your forensic expert witness; challenging the opponent’s expert witness.
  • Sentencing and beyond: presenting digital forensic evidence at sentencing; sentencing guidelines issues involving computer crimes; appellate issues involving digital forensic evidence; emerging legal issues.

Quick Details

Core Competencies / Details

There are six competency areas addressed in the CADET course

  1. Evaluating Digital Evidence
  2. Digital Forensic Fundamentals
  3. Constitutionally Sound Evidence Collection
  4. Digital Discovery Ethics
  5. Presentation of Digital Evidence at Trial and Beyond
  6. Direct and Cross Examination of Digital Forensic Experts

Download PDFPlease click here to download the official CADET Core Competencies document which includes details for each core competency.

Download Document
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Apply knowledge towards:

CFCE IACIS Certification

CFCE

Certified Forensic Computer Examiner Program

CAWFE IACIS Certification

CAWFE

Certified Advanced Windows Forensic Examiner

CMDE IACIS Certification

ICMDE

IACIS Certified Mobile Device Examiner

2026 Orlando Training Conference
April 27 - May 8, 2026
Orlando, FL
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Upcoming events Details of the next event for this course

Where and When is the CADET Course Offered?

IACIS offers the CADET course at multiple locations, accommodating the varied schedules of our professional audience. For course dates and locations, please visit our EVENTS page.

How to Register for this Course

Existing IACIS members, simply log in with your IACIS credentials and go to the PURCHASE TRAINING page to purchase and register for the course.

For non-IACIS members, the membership fee is waived with the purchase of the training course; however, to register for the course you must complete a membership application at the time of purchase. Go to the PURCHASE TRAINING page to purchase and register for the course and complete your membership application.

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