GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
Credential: GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
Credentialing Agency: Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Renewal Period: 4 years
The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) is an advanced skill level credential for professionals working in the information security, computer forensics, and incident response fields. It certifies that candidates have the skills required to collect and analyze data from Windows and Linux computer systems. And, it demonstrates their ability to conduct formal incident investigations and handle advanced incident handling scenarios, including internal and external data breach intrusions, advanced persistent threats, anti-forensic techniques used by attackers, and complex digital forensic cases. There are no prerequisites for this certification. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 4 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
11200 Rockville Pike
Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 654-7267
Fax: (301) 951-0140
Email: info@giac.org
Other REQUIREMENTS
The GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA) credential has the following other requirements:
- All GIAC certification holders must abide by the GIAC Code of Ethics.
Written Exam
- Enterprise Environment Incident Response
- File System Timeline Artifact Analysis
- Identification of Malicious System and User Activity
- Identification of Normal System and User Activity
- Introduction to File System Timeline Forensics
- Introduction to Volatile Data Forensics
- NTFS Artifact Analysis
- Volatile Data Artifact Analysis of Malicious Events
- Volatile Data Artifact Analysis of Windows Events
- Windows Artifact Analysis
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA) examination:
- Best Sources
- General References
- Related Courses
- Related Training
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) testing process, visit the agency website.
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Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
Pearson VUE
The test centers are located in the U.S. They also have some test centers on military bases.
To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:
- Search for Testing Program
- Learn About Testing for Military Communities
- Agency/Certification Specific Testing Information
- Contact Pearson VUE
RECERTIFICATION
GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
Renewal Period: 4 years