🔍 EC-Council CHFI

EC-Council CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator):

Full name: Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
Issuing organization: EC-Council (International Council of E-Commerce Consultants)
Reputation and global recognition: Well-recognized globally, especially in law enforcement, military, and cybersecurity fields. Often used in roles involving digital forensics and incident response.

Covered domains: Digital forensics, incident response, data acquisition, network forensics, cloud forensics, malware analysis, email investigation, mobile forensics
Depth of content: Mixed – includes both theoretical foundations and hands-on lab exercises
Technologies and tools included: EnCase, FTK, Autopsy, Sleuth Kit, Wireshark, Volatility, X-Ways, email and mobile forensics tools
Relevance in the current job market: High for roles in forensic investigation, compliance, law enforcement, and corporate IR teams
Mapping to frameworks: Aligns with NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (SP-Specialty Area), partially maps to NIST SP 800-61 (Computer Security Incident Handling Guide) and DoD 8140 work roles

Prior certifications or experience required? Not mandatory, but experience in cybersecurity, networking, or prior certs like CEH are recommended
Expected skill level: Intermediate
Required knowledge: Understanding of TCP/IP, OS (Windows/Linux), file systems, basic forensic process, and cybersecurity fundamentals

Total cost: ~$950–$1,200 (includes exam voucher and official training package)
Study materials/labs included? Yes, if purchased through EC-Council or an authorized partner (includes e-courseware, labs, and iLabs)
Discounts or regional pricing: Yes, sometimes available through partners, training centers, or special bundles

Recommended study hours: 80–120 hours depending on experience
Learning mode: Available in self-paced, instructor-led, and hybrid formats
Typical delivery: Bootcamps (5 days), online on-demand, or through EC-Council iClass

Job roles: Forensic Analyst, Cybercrime Investigator, Incident Responder, SOC Analyst, Law Enforcement Cyber Specialist
Career alignment: Ideal for those pursuing careers in Blue Team, DFIR, and cybersecurity legal compliance
Focus: Primarily technical with some managerial/legal aspects in evidence handling

Format: Online proctored (ECC Exam Portal) or in-person at Pearson VUE centers
Type: 100% multiple-choice, no hands-on practical
Proctoring: Yes, online or test center
Real-world simulations: No live labs in the exam, but training includes iLabs for practice
Length and questions: 150 questions in 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to high; requires detailed knowledge and familiarity with forensic tools and procedures

Expiration: Valid for 3 years
Renewal: Requires earning 120 EC-Council Continuing Education (ECE) credits and paying a renewal fee

Official materials: e-Courseware, EC-Council iLabs, instructor-led classes
Books: “Computer Forensics: Investigating Data and Image Files (CHFI)” – EC-Council Series, plus third-party books on forensic tools
Labs/platforms: EC-Council iLabs, TryHackMe (DFIR rooms), CyberDefenders, Autopsy training
Community guides: Blogs, forums (TechExams, Reddit r/forensics, GitHub repos)
Communities: Discord forensic groups, EC-Council forums, LinkedIn groups

Job market presence: Frequently listed in forensic analyst and IR job descriptions
Recruiter value: Adds credibility for roles requiring forensic investigation and chain-of-custody knowledge
Recognition: Popular in North America, India, Middle East; valued in law enforcement and legal sectors
Salary range: Typically $70,000–$110,000 USD annually in the U.S., depending on experience

Part of a learning path? Yes, fits into EC-Council’s Blue Team track (post-CEH or parallel to ECIH)
Next steps: GIAC GCFA/GCFE, OSDF, GCIH, or CCFP for advanced DFIR skills
Comparison: More accessible and theoretical than GIAC GCFA; complements CEH for full incident lifecycle knowledge