CCLFA Exam

Are you ready for the challenge?

The CCLFA exam is designed to test your forensic investigation skills through a real-world investigation case. This is not a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exam; it requires a comprehensive digital forensic analysis, documentation of findings, and submission of a formal forensic report.

Your report will be carefully reviewed by a panel of DFIR professionals who will assess the accuracy and depth of your investigation.

Following the report review, you’ll meet with the committee to discuss your findings and showcase your investigative approach.

A minimum score of 70% is required to achieve the CCLFA certification.

If you do not pass, you’ll have the opportunity to retake the exam after a one-month period from your last attempt.

Required Skills

what are the skills needed to pass the exam?

    The exam covers comprehensive Linux forensic skills, including:
    • Linux Fundamentals: Knowledge of Linux basics, the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS), and core components.
    • Forensic Tools & Techniques: Proficiency in using essential Linux forensic tools, understanding the Linux boot process, system managers, and navigation techniques for acquiring and analyzing evidence.
    • System & Network Analysis: Skills in analyzing system services, network connections, devices, file structures, user configurations, and active processes to identify suspicious activities.
    • File System & Log Analysis: Deep understanding of the EXT4 file system, using tools like The Sleuth Kit and DebugFS, and analyzing logs to gather forensic evidence from ProcFS and TmpFS.
    • GUI & USB Forensics: Investigation of Linux GUI environments, desktop configurations, and USB activity.
    • Forensic Reporting: Report writing, with an emphasis on structure, standards, and recommendations.

FAQ

What you need to know about CCDMA?

  • How much time do I have to complete the exam?

    One Week to complete the investigation and the report.

  • What does the exam format looks like, is it a multiple choice question (MCQ), or what exactly?

    The exam will be a description of a semi-world case study. You'll be given the data and asked to conduct an investigation and report your findings. No guiding questions and no MCQs.

  • What tools do I need for the exam? Will you provide me with a lab environment?

    You will need a computer with at least 50GB of empty disk space, a relatively good processor, 16GB of RAM, and a Windows VM with your favorite forensic tools. Please refer to the CDFA course for what tools are covered within the course and are recommended.

  • Do I need to write a Forensic Report?
    Is there a particular template for the report

    Yes, this is a critical part of being a professional forensic investigator and CCDFA focuses on this part.
    There is no preference on the used report template. However, you will be provided with a template so you have an idea what is expected from you.

  • How will my work be evaluated, are there any rubrics used?

    Your report will be evaluated based on your case findings, explanations, and documentation. Following that, all students will be interviewed by a committee of DFIR professionals.

  • Is the evaluation meeting recorded?

    Yes, it will be recorded for future references, credibility, and quality assurance.

  • Is there any support to contact during my exam period?

    You are welcome to email our team info [at] cyber5w [dot] com, but please note that we will not be able to answer any question related to the exam itself. In other words, we won’t be giving any hints to the investigation given for your exam.

  • I took the Investigating Linux Systems course but I am still not prepared, do I lose my exam voucher?

    You will have 1 year to attempt the exam, starting from the date you purchased the Investigating Linux Systems course or exam voucher.

  • When can I take the exam?

    You can take the exam anytime you are ready and before the expiration date of the course/exam voucher.

  • What is the expiration date for the certificate?

    There is no expiration date for the certificate. However, we encourage students to retake the exam every 2-3 years to stay current with the DFIR field.

  • How many exam attempts do I have with each voucher?

    You have two exam attempts.

  • Can I do an immediate retake of the exam if I fail?

    No, you will be able to retake the exam after at least one month from your first attempt.