Forensic Computer Examiner

Certificate 14 months

Forensic Computer Examiner

If you're interested in cybercrime and cybersecurity investigations or are looking to enhance your current criminal justice skills, our online Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate can help you learn about conducting a high-tech investigation, from acquiring digital evidence to reporting the findings. With flexible online classes, you can complete your certificate on your schedule, from home. 

  • Can prepare students to gain a better understanding of computer forensics for personal or professional enrichment. 
  • Online forensics classes cover topics on computer security, the privacy of information, criminal threats, cybercrime, digital forensics, and hackers. 
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $100 Ends 9/27/2022

Cost of Program

$699

$799 Save $100

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $39

Enroll Now Request Info

800-275-4410 (10AM - 6:30PM EST)

See full program cost & payment options
forensic examiner working in a lab.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to understand and apply the concepts and practices involved in computer forensics, including using forensics tools, handling evidence, writing reports, and giving testimony.
  2. How ethics and morality relate to the criminal justice system, including recognizing ethical issues encountered by criminal justice professionals.
  3. How to understand the basics of computer maintenance and troubleshooting, including working with mobile computing and external devices.
  4. How to classify computer crimes in terms of targets, means, and incidentals.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Forensic Computer Examiner Outcomes

Private Detectives and Investigators*

AVG SALARY*

$53,320/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

36,200

JOB GROWTH*

8%


Computer forensics can be vital to solving crime. It's also an interesting field to study! A certificate-level program in computer forensics can help you advance your current criminal justice career, though may not qualify graduates for employment in law enforcement and crime scene investigation without existing work experience.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in forensics are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program.  See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Computer Forensics Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate can help you learn more about digital forensics for personal or professional enrichment. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
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Demetria P.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2021

"It was an awesome program, and the flexibility is something that is needed in today’s fast-moving world."

Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate Curriculum

  • 9 courses
  • 31 exams
  • 86 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  • 17 submitted projects


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 14 months
  • Average time = 15months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework.

In our Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate, you'll build essential computer skills and learn how to apply them to digital criminal investigations. Your online digital forensics classes include:


  • Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • Computer-Based Crime
  • Computer Forensics
  • Network Protocols and Internetworking

Show Full Curriculum

Need to provide training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
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Forensic Computer Examiner Tuition

Take the first steps toward developing new skills or advancing in your career with our online Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today! 

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $100 Ends 9/27/2022

Cost of Program

$699

$799 Save $100

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program

$799

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Credit card, PayPal, or ACH from bank account
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program

$799

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $49 down
  • Mail your payment using coupon book
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 800-275-4410 10AM - 6:30PM EST

Request Info

Our Proven Forensic Computer Examiner Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime 
  • No exam due dates 
  • Self-paced 

Interactive

  • Digital study guides 
  • Self-check quizzes 
  • Simulations and videos 

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources 
  • Online student community 
  • Student Portal Help Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty 
  • Dedicated student services 
  • Robust learning resources 

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Forensic Computer Examiner Program FAQs

What does a computer forensic examiner do?

A computer forensics examiner will typically examine computer hardware, such as hard drives or discs, and files, such as e-mails and documents on a computer. Forensic examiners will then document and share their findings with the appropriate law enforcement professionals and investigators. Additionally, computer forensic examiners may be called to testify about evidence or provide documentation during criminal trials.

How can I begin a career in digital forensics?

To become a digital forensic professional, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in forensics, computer forensics, criminal justice, or other related fields. Additionally, many employers in law and law enforcement professions will look for an examiner to be certified. Forensic Examiners play a key role in any cybersecurity investigation, as more and more companies realize the need for cybersecurity so too will the need for proficient forensic examiners to fill out their workforce.

What is the salary of a digital forensic investigator?

The salary for a digital forensics investigator can vary based on your educational background, experience, where you work, and even the state in which you live. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for digital forensics professionals is $64,610.1

How long does it take to become a forensic examiner?

Forensic examiners, at a minimum, need a bachelor's degree in a related field to qualify for entry-level employment. With that in mind, it can take about four to five years or more to become a forensic examiner. If you already work in a law enforcement field and want to learn about digital forensics to enhance your skills, you can complete a certificate that may help you advance into that sector. You can complete our online Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate in as little as 6-10 months.

Disclaimers:

The completion of a certificate-level program does not typically qualify a student for employment. Completion of this program may assist students who have previous academic or work-related experience improve their chances for promotion or entry-level employment.


Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Private Detectives and Investigators." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed June 16, 2021.


Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.


1PayScale. "Average Digital Forensic Investigator Salary." Accessed May 20, 2021.


Statements found on PayScale are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create estimates includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.