About This Exam
What is the EC0-349 Exam?
The EC0-349: ECCouncil Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator exam (commonly known as CHFI) validates your ability to conduct digital forensic investigations and manage electronic evidence in a manner that is legally admissible. This certification demonstrates your expertise in identifying hacking footprints, preserving and analyzing digital evidence, and reporting findings to support legal proceedings.
Exam Details
Key Information
- Exam Code: EC0-349
- Exam Title: ECCouncil Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Number of Questions: Approximately 150 (subject to updates)
- Passing Score: Around 70% (cut scores vary between 60% and 85% based on exam form)
- Delivery Mode: Offered via the EC-Council Exam Portal
Eligibility and Prerequisites
- Target Audience: IT professionals, digital forensic investigators, law enforcement personnel, system administrators, legal professionals, and others involved in cyber investigations.
- Prerequisites: A foundational understanding of computer forensics and cybersecurity is recommended. Many candidates benefit from attending an official EC-Council training course via Accredited Training Centers or online learning platforms.
- Experience: Practical experience in handling digital evidence or previous exposure to forensic investigations is advantageous.
Exam Topics
Core Domains Covered
- Digital Forensics Fundamentals:
Understanding evidence acquisition, chain-of-custody, and legal considerations in computer forensics. - Forensic Investigation Process:
Methods for identifying, preserving, collecting, analyzing, and reporting digital evidence. - Operating System Forensics:
Analysis techniques for Windows, Linux, and macOS environments. - Data Acquisition and Duplication:
Imaging techniques and verification methods to ensure data integrity. - Anti-Forensics Techniques:
Identification and mitigation of methods adversaries use to obfuscate or destroy digital evidence. - Network Forensics:
Analysis of network traffic, log files, and detection of network-based intrusions. - Malware Forensics:
Examination of malware behavior and its impact on compromised systems. - Emerging Trends:
Insights into cloud forensics, IoT forensics, and dark web investigations.
Preparation Strategies
Study Resources and Tips
- Official Study Guides & Books:
Use EC-Council’s recommended materials and other reputable study guides to build a solid theoretical foundation. - Instructor-Led Training:
Consider enrolling in a CHFI training course through an EC-Council Accredited Training Center or via online platforms like iClass. - Hands-On Labs:
Gain practical experience by working in a simulated lab environment to apply forensic techniques in real-world scenarios. - Practice Exams:
Regularly take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format, manage your time effectively, and identify areas that need improvement.
Career Opportunities
Roles for CHFI-Certified Professionals
Earning the CHFI certification can pave the way for roles such as:
- Digital Forensic Investigator
- Computer Forensics Analyst/Examiner
- Cybercrime Investigator
- Incident Response Specialist
- Security Consultant (with a focus on forensic investigations)
