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Exam Information
Official specifications published by EC-Council
Exam Format
240 min
150
60-85%
Professional
Registration
$650 USD
EC-Council Exam Portal, Pearson VUE, or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Earn 120 ECE (EC-Council Continuing Education) credits over 3 years; Recommended: 40 ECE credits per year (minimum 20 per year); Submit ECE credits by February 1 following each calendar year
312-49V11 Exam Topics and Domains
312-49V11 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with MySQL, SQL Server, Volatility, Cellebrite, and more.
1
Forensic Science
15%
Different Types of Cybercrimes and Forensic Investigation Challenges
Types of Computer Crimes and ImpactIndicators of Compromise and ThreatsAnti-Forensics and Computer Forensics Fundamentals
- Understand different types of cybercrimes and their organizational impact
- Identify indicators of compromise and web application threats
- Recognize anti-forensics techniques and their impact on investigations
Forensic Readiness and Investigator Roles
Forensic Readiness PlanningModern Forensics IntegrationInvestigator Roles and Responsibilities
- Plan and implement forensic readiness programs
- Integrate modern technologies like AI and automation into forensics
- Understand roles, responsibilities, and ethics of forensic investigators
Data Acquisition Concepts
Data Acquisition Fundamentals
- Understand data acquisition concepts and methodologies
- Apply proper acquisition techniques based on evidence type
- Select appropriate data acquisition formats
Fundamental Concepts of Databases, Cloud, Email, IoT, and Malware
Dark Web and TorDatabase ArchitectureCloud Computing FundamentalsEmail SystemsMalware FundamentalsIoT and OT SystemsMultimedia Basics
- Understand fundamentals of dark web, databases, cloud, email, IoT, and malware
- Recognize security threats specific to each technology area
- Apply forensic techniques to diverse technology platforms
2
Regulations, Policies and Ethics
10%
Search, Seizure, and Evidence Rules
Rules of EvidenceeDiscovery and AI in Evidence ProcessingEvidence Handling Best PracticesChain of Custody and Evidence Management
- Understand rules of evidence and admissibility criteria
- Apply best practices for digital evidence handling
- Maintain proper chain of custody documentation
Legal Issues and Compliance
eDiscovery ConsiderationsSpecific Legal Frameworks
- Understand laws and regulations impacting forensic investigations
- Navigate legal and privacy compliance requirements
- Coordinate with legal teams during eDiscovery
Standards and Best Practices
International Standards
- Apply international standards to forensic work
- Follow industry best practices for examinations
- Maintain quality assurance in forensic processes
3
Digital Evidence
18%
Digital Evidence Characteristics and Types
Evidence FundamentalsStorage Systems
- Identify and characterize different types of digital evidence
- Understand various storage system architectures
- Recognize evidence sources across storage systems
Operating System Fundamentals
Boot ProcessesFile SystemsMobile Operating SystemsMobile Forensics ComponentsNetwork Evidence
- Understand boot processes across multiple OS platforms
- Analyze file system structures for forensic evidence
- Perform mobile device forensics and cellular analysis
Log Files and Event Analysis
Windows Event LogsLog File Management and CredibilityWeb Server Logs
- Analyze Windows and web server log files
- Ensure log file credibility and authenticity
- Apply centralized log management practices
File Analysis and Encoding
Encoding and Hex AnalysisImage and Document File Analysis
- Analyze file encoding and hexadecimal structures
- Extract metadata from images and documents
- Identify file types through signature analysis
Database and WAF Forensics
Web Application FirewallDatabase Forensics
- Understand WAF architecture and limitations
- Perform forensic analysis on database systems
- Use database utilities for evidence extraction
4
Procedures and Methodology
17%
Forensic Investigation Process
Investigation FrameworkCustom Forensic DevelopmentFirst ResponseScene Documentation and Evidence ManagementSpecialized Forensics Processes
- Establish and maintain forensic investigation processes
- Perform proper first response and scene documentation
- Apply specialized forensics to modern technologies
Data Acquisition Methodology
Acquisition Planning and ExecutionVolatile and Non-Volatile CollectionDatabase and Log AcquisitionCloud and OT Acquisition
- Execute proper data acquisition methodologies
- Collect volatile and non-volatile data appropriately
- Acquire evidence from databases, cloud, and OT systems
eDiscovery Process
eDiscovery Framework
- Implement eDiscovery processes and workflows
- Apply EDRM framework to investigations
- Manage eDiscovery costs and risks
Evidence Examination and Correlation
Image ExaminationFile System and Timeline AnalysismacOS Artifact Analysis
- Examine forensic images across multiple platforms
- Create and analyze forensic timelines
- Correlate events for investigation insights
Dark Web and Malware Forensics
Cloud Forensics AnalysisDark Web InvestigationMalware Analysis Framework
- Perform cloud evidence analysis
- Safely investigate dark web activities
- Conduct structured malware forensic analysis
5
Digital Forensics Devices
29%
Anti-Forensics Techniques
Data Deletion and RecoveryAdvanced Anti-ForensicsAnti-Forensics Countermeasures
- Identify and defeat anti-forensic techniques
- Recover deleted and hidden data
- Apply countermeasures to anti-forensics
Windows, Linux, and Android File Analysis
Windows ArtifactsLinux ForensicsmacOS ForensicsMobile Device Acquisition
- Analyze Windows, Linux, and macOS artifacts
- Perform mobile device acquisition and analysis
- Extract evidence from diverse file systems
Network and Log Forensics
System and Network Log AnalysisNetwork Traffic AnalysisSIEM and Advanced Analysis
- Analyze network and system logs for evidence
- Perform packet-level traffic analysis
- Use SIEM for centralized investigation
Wireless and IoT Forensics
Wireless Network Security
- Investigate wireless network attacks
- Detect rogue and misconfigured access points
- Analyze wireless traffic for evidence
Web Application Forensics
Web Attack Investigation
- Investigate common web application attacks
- Analyze web server logs for exploitation
- Identify web-based attack patterns
Database, Dark Web, Email, and Cloud Forensics
Database ForensicsTor Browser ForensicsEmail ForensicsCloud ForensicsIoT Device Forensics
- Perform database and email forensics
- Investigate dark web and Tor browser activities
- Conduct cloud and IoT device forensics
Malware Analysis
Static and Dynamic AnalysisMalware Behavior AnalysisFileless Malware and Timeline Analysis
- Perform static and dynamic malware analysis
- Analyze malware behavior and persistence
- Investigate fileless and advanced malware
Python Digital Forensics
Python Forensics Applications
- Use Python for digital forensic tasks
- Automate evidence collection and analysis
- Develop custom forensic tools with Python
6
Tools/Systems/Programs
11%
Operating System Investigation Tools
File System and Analysis ToolsPassword and Data Recovery ToolsUSB and System Artifact ToolsWindows, Linux, and macOS Specific ToolsNetwork Investigation ToolsMalware and Mobile Analysis Tools
- Select and use appropriate forensic tools for each platform
- Perform comprehensive artifact analysis with specialized tools
- Integrate multiple tools for complete investigations
Database, Cloud, Email, and IoT Tools
Database Investigation ToolsCloud Forensics ToolsEmail and IoT Tools
- Use specialized tools for database forensics
- Conduct cloud forensic investigations with appropriate tools
- Perform email and IoT device analysis
Advanced Forensic Tools
Specialized Investigation Tools
- Apply advanced tools to specialized forensic scenarios
- Investigate emerging technologies with appropriate tools
- Integrate multiple tool types for comprehensive analysis
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 312-49V11 earns the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification. It sits in the Digital Forensics and Incident Response track.
Next Level Options
- 212-81 - EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)Natural progression from forensics to incident handling and response
- 412-79 - EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) Advances to penetration testing and security analysis
- CCISO - Certified Chief Information Security Officer Executive-level security leadership certification
- EC-Council Practical Certifications Hands-on practical exam demonstrating real-world skills
Alternative Paths
- GCFE - GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner Vendor-neutral digital forensics certification
- GCFA - GIAC Certified Forensic AnalystAdvanced forensics with incident response focus
- EnCE - EnCase Certified Examiner EnCase-specific forensic tool certification
- ACE - AccessData Certified ExaminerFTK Imager and AccessData tool certification
- CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional Broad security certification with forensics domain
- CySA+ - CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Vendor-neutral security analysis certification
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for 312-49V11.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-04-01
Updates
- Cloud Forensics Multi-Cloud 2.0 Expanded coverage in CHFI v11 with Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud • Release date: 2024-04-01
- Container Forensics Docker & Kubernetes New topic in CHFI v11 covering container and microservices forensics • Release date: 2024-04-01
- IoT/OT Forensics Industry 4.0 Significant expansion in CHFI v11 covering IoT devices and OT systems • Release date: 2024-04-01
- Python Forensic Automation Python 3.x New domain added in CHFI v11 for forensic automation with Python • Release date: 2024-04-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Digital Forensics Investigators and Incident Response Team Members.
- 2 years of information security experience
- Understanding of operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- Basic networking knowledge
- Familiarity with security concepts