🔍 Mile2 C)DFE
Certified Digital Forensics Examiner    

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

• Full certification name: Certified Digital Forensics Examiner (C)DFE

• Issuing organization: Mile2

• Official website: https://mile2.com/cdfe-certified-digital-forensics-examiner.html

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

• Level: Intermediate

• Type: Technical (Digital Forensics / Incident Response)

📜 3. Purpose and Goals

• What skills does it certify?
  Acquiring, preserving, analyzing, and reporting on digital evidence from compromised systems, aligned with legal and procedural standards

• Target roles or profiles:
  Digital Forensics Analyst, Incident Responder, Threat Analyst, Law Enforcement Examiner

• Practical applications:
  Evidence collection, log file analysis, Windows system forensics, report writing for legal or incident response scenarios

🎓 4. Prerequisites

• Recommended prior certifications:
  CompTIA Security+, GSEC, or C)HT

• Suggested experience:
  1–3 years in cybersecurity, IR, or system/network administration

• Required technical knowledge:
  Windows file systems, forensic imaging, log analysis, command line tools, chain of custody

📚 5. Content and Curriculum

• Key domains/modules:

  1. Introduction to Forensics and Legal Considerations

  2. Evidence Acquisition and Handling

  3. Windows Forensics (File Systems, Registry, Logs)

  4. RAM and Memory Analysis

  5. Artifact Recovery and File Carving

  6. Email and Internet Activity Forensics

  7. Forensic Reporting and Courtroom Considerations

• Technologies/tools:
  FTK Imager, Autopsy/Sleuth Kit, OSForensics, Volatility, HashCalc, Kali Linux tools

• Framework mapping:
  NIST SP 800-86, ISO/IEC 27037, SWGDE principles

🧪 6. Learning Approach

• Style: Mixed (theory + labs)

• Labs/environments: Included via Mile2’s online lab portal

• Materials:

  • C)DFE course manual and lab guide

  • Video lectures (if purchased)

  • Mile2 exam simulator

• Recommended platforms: CyberDefenders, DFIR.training, TryHackMe («Windows IR»), Volatility GitHub

📝 7. Exam Format and Details

• Mode: Online, proctored

• Duration: 2 hours

• Questions: 100 multiple choice

• Languages: English

• Passing score: ~70%

• Certification validity: 3 years

💰 8. Estimated Cost

• Exam-only fee: ~$500 USD

• Training bundle: $1,000–$1,500 USD (includes labs, videos, and voucher)

• Renewal cost: ~$250 USD or earn a higher-level Mile2 certification

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

• Demand/popularity: Recognized in small/medium DFIR teams, MSSPs, and training-based environments

• Organizations that value it: Law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, private DFIR contractors

• Comparison:

  • Less advanced than GIAC (GCFE/GCFA), but more accessible and tool-focused

  • Good balance of cost and practical learning for entry-to-intermediate levels

💼 10. Career Opportunities

• Job roles:
  Digital Forensics Analyst, Cybercrime Investigator, SOC Tier III Analyst, Evidence Technician

• Suggested paths:
  → C)HT → C)DFE → GCFE / GCFR / CHFI
  → C)DFE + GCIH = Incident Response + Forensics blend

💵 11. Average Salary

• USA: $70,000–$90,000/year

• Europe: €45,000–€65,000/year

• Salary impact: Moderate; serves as foundational for DFIR specialization

• (Sources: PayScale, LinkedIn, DFIR job postings)

📅 12. Renewal and Maintenance

• Validity: 3 years

• Renewal options:

  • Submit CPEs or retake the exam

  • Earn a higher Mile2 certification

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

• Ideal for:
  Professionals seeking a practical and accessible path into forensics and incident response

• When to pursue:
  Early in DFIR career or after general security certs like Security+ or GSEC

• Tips:
  Focus on understanding Windows artifacts, file carving, and timeline creation. Practice with free tools like Autopsy and Volatility before attempting the exam.