CDFE
Certified Digital Forensics Examiner (CDFE™)
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Digital Forensics Examiner (CDFE™) is one of the certifications in the Mile2® portfolio, listed by the vendor alongside credentials such as CISSO®, CPTE®, CAICSO™ and C)CSO®. Mile2® describes its certification portfolio as university and accredited, ANSI/ANAB-aligned, and designed to give holders hands-on, job-ready skills that employers trust. The vendor positions its courses for roles including security analyst, network engineer, IT manager and executive leader, and states that it trains students in penetration testing, disaster recovery, incident handling and network forensics - the last being the discipline the CDFE™ name points to. The source page does not publish CDFE™-specific exam objectives, so candidates should confirm the current detailed course outline and exam requirements directly with the vendor before scheduling. Preparation is flexible: Mile2® states that its training courses are not required in order to take a Mile2 certification exam, and that most Mile2 Certification Exam products include an unlimited-use practice quiz and an exam prep guide. Optional routes include self-study combos with 24/7 access to learning materials plus the certification exam, live-online instructor-led classes with a Mile2 Certified Instructor, or the Cyber Range labs referenced on the site. Mile2® also states that its content is aligned with NIST, ISO and NICE Framework standards, and lists ANAB/ANSI accreditation and DoD 8140 approval among its recognitions.
What you'll study
About CDFE preparation
Do I have to take a Mile2 training course before sitting the CDFE™ exam?
No. Mile2 states plainly that its training courses are not required in order to take a Mile2 certification exam. You can purchase an exam-only product and sit the certification exam without attending a class, though many candidates still use the self-study combos or instructor-led options to build the practical skills the certification is meant to validate.
What is included if I buy the exam product?
According to Mile2, most Mile2 Certification Exam products include an unlimited-use practice quiz and an exam prep guide. The exam-only combos are listed separately from course bundles on the shop menu, so check the specific product description before purchase to confirm exactly which items are bundled with your CDFE™ exam voucher.
What format is the CDFE™ exam and how long does it take?
The source page does not publish the CDFE™ exam format, question count, time limit, passing score or fee. Because those details are not stated, treat any figure you see elsewhere as unverified and confirm current exam requirements with Mile2 directly before you schedule or budget for the attempt.
How should I order my study if I am new to forensics?
A sensible sequence is to start with the exam prep guide to map the objectives, then work the practice quiz repeatedly until weak areas are obvious, and only then move into hands-on labs where you actually acquire and examine evidence. Mile2 highlights its Cyber Range for hands-on skill development, which suits a discipline like forensics that rewards practical repetition.
How difficult is the exam, and what causes people to fail?
Mile2 does not publish a difficulty rating or pass rate, so difficulty cannot be stated factually. The most common failure pattern in vendor-neutral terms is memorizing tool menus instead of understanding forensic process: evidence handling, documentation, and being able to explain why a step was taken. Candidates who only read and never practise tend to struggle most.
Can I retake the exam if I fail, and how much does a retake cost?
The source page does not describe a retake policy, retake fees, waiting periods or voucher validity for the CDFE™ exam. Since these terms are not published there, ask Mile2 support or check the terms and conditions and exam requirements pages linked from the site before assuming a free or discounted second attempt.
How long is the certification valid, and how do I renew it?
The source does not state a validity period for the CDFE™ credential. It does list a Certification Renewal Program and a Certification Renewal item in the shop, so renewal clearly exists as a process, but the term length and renewal requirements should be confirmed with Mile2 rather than assumed from other vendors' cycles.
How can an employer verify that I hold the CDFE™?
Mile2 provides a Certificate Verification page linked from its main navigation, which is the intended route for third parties to confirm a credential. Point employers or recruiters there rather than sending a PDF certificate, since verification through the vendor's own lookup reflects current status, including whether any renewal requirement has lapsed.
Is the CDFE™ recognized by government or military employers?
Mile2 lists ANAB/ANSI accreditation, DoD 8140 approval, mapping to the NIST/Homeland Security NICCS workforce framework, NSA CNSS 4011-4016 accreditation and placement on the FBI Cyber Security Certification Requirement list (Tier 1-3). Those claims are made at portfolio level on the vendor's site, so check the specific mapping pages for how CDFE™ itself is treated.