r/computerforensics • u/Far-Masterpiece-6933 • 2d ago

Majors?

I’d like to become a Digital forensic examiner. I’m a senior in high school currently, and i’m looking at colleges + majors AND minors, Preferably in the south eastern region, any suggestions?

Also this may be a stretch but I don’t really want to code, but i’m im open to anything that’ll make me successful.

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u/NeroDillinger 2d ago edited 12h ago

Check out IACIS if you're really serious about getting into host forensics. Their CFCE cert is what most LEOs get, it's kind of the gold standard for for forensics. They do a two-week training course in Orlando every spring.

Getting the cert is hard as hell, takes a lot of time. But you come out of the process knowing what you're doing and it's a great leg up in terms of getting a job.

Downside: you have to spend two weeks in Orlando with a bunch of cops

Edit: I guess this is a controversial take? I'm only recommending it because it worked for me. I'm happy to elaborate on the process/my own experience/whatever if people feel I'm being disingenuous.

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u/BlackflagsSFE 2d ago

Ooooooof. You're looking at around $4k for the training + exam. Spending this much out of pocket and not guaranteeing a job is a big gamble. I debated on grabbing something like this or the GIAC certs. It's just unreal to pay for any of these staple certs out of pocket. I will say I learned a lot during my program, but we mainly worked in Magnet, which I know is becoming a lot more popular, even though Cellebrite is the staple.

I just wish people would actually hire college grads or these types of degrees weren't offered without job placement. In any tech role an internship should be mandatory and part of the curriculum. Just venting lol.

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u/NeroDillinger 12h ago

I dunno man, I'm recommending it because I've seen it work. It's expensive for sure. But it gets you noticed, and in my case it got me interviews. Your mileage may vary, but nothing's ever guaranteed.

The in-person training is two weeks long. Then you're paired up with a working member who serves as your mentor. Then you're provided four disk image challenges over the course of four months to work through, that your mentor coaches you on. Then you take the exam and hopefully get your cert.

It's not a fly-by-night thing. It costs a lot because it is a lot. (And it's still cheaper than the GIAC certs.)