🔍 X-Ways Forensics Certification

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

• Full certification name: X-PERT (X-Ways Professional in Evidence Recovery Techniques)

• Issuing organization: X-Ways Software Technology AG

• Official website: https://www.x-ways.net/x-pert/

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

• Level: Intermediate to Advanced

• Type: Tool-Specific (Digital Forensics Software Proficiency)

📜 3. Purpose and Goals

• What skills does it certify?
  Demonstrates proficiency in using X-Ways Forensics for efficient and effective digital evidence recovery, including disk imaging, data analysis, and reporting.

• Target roles or profiles:
  Digital Forensics Analyst, Incident Responder, Law Enforcement Examiner, Cybercrime Investigator.

• Practical applications:
  Utilizing X-Ways Forensics to conduct thorough digital investigations, recover deleted files, analyze file systems, and generate forensic reports.

🎓 4. Prerequisites

• Required:

  • Ownership or authorized use of a licensed X-Ways Forensics software with active update maintenance.

  • Completion of an X-Ways Forensics training course within the last ~4 years, or

  • At least 2 years of self-taught experience with X-Ways Forensics and possession of a current CFCE, CCE, or EnCE certification.

• Technical knowledge:
  Understanding of computer forensics principles, file systems, data structures, and familiarity with X-Ways Forensics functionalities.

📚 5. Content and Curriculum

• Key domains/modules:

  • Disk imaging and cloning

  • File system analysis (e.g., NTFS, FAT)

  • Data recovery techniques

  • Hashing and data verification

  • Report generation

  • Use of templates and scripting within X-Ways Forensics

• Technologies/tools:
  X-Ways Forensics software, WinHex, and related tools.

🧪 6. Learning Approach

• Style:
  Self-study complemented by hands-on experience with the software.

• Materials:

  • X-Ways Forensics user manual

  • Training materials from official courses

  • Online forums and user communities

  • Practical exercises using sample data sets

📝 7. Exam Format and Details

• Mode:
  Remote, self-paced examination.

• Duration:
  Up to 3 hours.

• Format:
  Practical tasks requiring the use of X-Ways Forensics to analyze provided data sets and answer related questions.

• Passing score:
  75%

• Languages:
  English or German

• Certification validity:
  3 years

💰 8. Estimated Cost

• Certification fee:
  €199 (subject to VAT if applicable)

• Training courses (optional):
  Varies depending on the provider and location.

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

• Demand/popularity:
  Recognized among digital forensics professionals who utilize X-Ways Forensics in their investigative work.

• Organizations that value it:
  Law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firms, and forensic consulting companies.

💼 10. Career Opportunities

• Job roles:
  Digital Forensics Examiner, Cybersecurity Analyst, Incident Response Specialist, Forensic Consultant.

• Suggested paths:

  • X-Ways Forensics training → X-PERT certification

  • Complement with broader certifications like GCFE or CFCE for expanded recognition.

💵 11. Average Salary

• USA:
  $80,000–$110,000/year

• Europe:
  €60,000–€90,000/year

• Salary impact:
  Enhances credibility for roles requiring proficiency in X-Ways Forensics.

📅 12. Renewal and Maintenance

• Validity:
  3 years

• Renewal options:

  • Pass a recertification exam (approximately half the workload of the initial exam) at 50% of the original certification fee.

  • Recertification must be completed within 3 months after the certification expires to maintain continuous status.

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

• Ideal for:
  Professionals who regularly use X-Ways Forensics and seek formal recognition of their expertise.

• When to pursue:
  After gaining substantial hands-on experience with the software and completing relevant training.

• Tips:

  • Familiarize yourself with all functionalities of X-Ways Forensics, including advanced features.

  • Practice with real-world data sets to build proficiency.

  • Review the user manual and participate in user forums for additional insights.