Magnet Certified Forensics Examiner (MCFE) Certification

Get Certified

Showcase Your Expertise and Competence

When your word can make or break a case, your credibility is vital. Without a way to demonstrate your mastery of digital forensics, it can be harder to defend your findings and present them with full confidence.

The Magnet Certified Forensics Examiner (MCFE) certification is an accreditation that showcases an examiners’ expert-level competence with Magnet Forensics products to peers, internal stakeholders and external audiences, including legal teams or clients. Our certification program is free to users who have completed the prerequisite training courses.

Apply to Become a Magnet Certified Forensics Examiner (MCFE)

Choose what MCFE certification you want to achieve and learn what the prerequisite classes are needed. If you have completed these classes, fill out the form below to register.

1. Preparation & Prerequisites

The prerequisite for MCFE — AXIOM is the successful completion of the AXIOM Examinations (AX200) course or AXIOM Cyber Examinations (CY200) course. Successful completion of the IEF Examinations (IEF200) course will allow you to apply for the MCFE – IEF certification.

2. Submit Your Application

Once the relevant course is completed, start the certification process by filling out the form at the bottom of the page. Include the following information in the message section:

  1. First Name
  2. Last Name
  3. Email
  4. Organization Name
  5. MCFE Application Type
    1. New Application
    2. Renewal
  6. Would you like to have your certification status published?
    1. Yes
    2. No
  7. Submit Application

3. Wait For Confirmation

The Magnet Forensics team will confirm that you meet the prerequisites and have taken the appropriate courses.

4. Prepare for the Exam

An approval email will be received with the link to the certification test site. Once you have logged in, you will obtain the test processing instructions and download images. You must download and build the case in preparation before initiating the certification examinations.

5. Take the Exam

Login to your Litmus account. You will have a 120 minute time limit. The passing score is 80% with 75 questions total.

The MCFE Examination is comprised of two parts. A set of knowledge-based questions around the functions and use of Magnet AXIOM and a practical-based set of questions using a prepared evidence set

6. Receive Your Certification

If you pass the test, you will receive certification notice and your MCFE certificate via mail. MCFE certification is good for two (2) years.

7. Recertifying for the MCFE-AXIOM

Prior to the end of the two-year certification period, students must complete a recertification test to be delivered within the same online environment as the original test. The recertification test is a 50-question test delivered over 90 minutes and requires at least an 80% score to pass. Prior to starting the test, students will be provided digital evidence materials to download and process within Magnet AXIOM. This test combines general knowledge about the use and functionality of AXIOM Process and Examine as well as practical-bases questions around the delivered evidence files.

In order to qualify for the MCFE-AXIOM recertification, students only need to be a current valid holder of the MCFE-AXIOM. If the student’s MCFE-AXIOM certification has expired, they will have to take the original MCFE-AXIOM certification test over, passing with at least an 80% score. Students should receive a notification three (3) months prior to their certification expiring to give them time in order to prepare for the recertification.

Submit Your Application

In order to successfully qualify for the MCFE-AXIOM, students must complete one of the following course tracks: AX200, CY200, BCERT and MDE [Offered at NCFI], or custom courses which combine core competency components from AX200 (for example, a custom course which combines material from AX200 and AX250 or AX300. Custom courses' eligibility will be evaluated based on the planned or delivered curriculum prior to the course delivery.)

Successful completion of the IEF Examinations (IEF200) course will allow you to apply for the MCFE – IEF certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exam format?

You will need to login through your Litmus account. You will have a 120-minute time limit to complete 75 total questions. The MCFE Examination is comprised of two parts. A set of knowledge-based questions around the functions and use of Magnet AXIOM and a practical-based set of questions using a prepared evidence set.

What do I need to pass?

A pass score is 80% or higher.

What if I fail the test?

If you fail the test, you are invited to retake it as soon as you feel ready. If you fail a second time, you must wait 60 days before re-applying to take the test one more time.

Are there practice exams I can take?

The material will be based on the prerequisite course, so any information from those courses may be included. There is no practice exam, but you do have the opportunity to retake it.

How much does it cost to take the exam?

The exam, and all subsequent certification is free.

How long is the MCFE certification valid?

It is valid for two years. Upon expiration, you will receive a notice for renewal.

What are the benefits of certification?

  • Credibility to peers, employers, and external stakeholder communities
  • An authenticated voice in courtroom and investigation proceedings