Cellebrite Certified Recovery Specialist Certification FAQ


CCRS Examination

Examination

The CCRS certification is not a class, it is a capstone certification program for Cellebrite’s evidence recovery and device repair track. The CCRS certification is designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities of certification candidates based on the completion of three (3) practical skills assessments completed within a course lab environment, as well as a time-limited, proctored knowledge-based examination. 


This certification will examine and validate that the practitioner has obtained the:

  • Ability to identify potential digital evidence which could otherwise be overlooked using traditional extraction methods.
  • Skills needed to recover destroyed or encrypted evidence using destructive and non-destructive methods.
  • Ability to complete Chip Off and In System Programming (ISP) extractions.
  • Knowledge of what types of potential evidence can be gained by IoT and Vehicle Infotainment systems, and methods for examining the data.


What are the CCRS Program Requirements?

CCRS Certification track is successfully obtained by completing the following non-linear course requirements.

  1. Cellebrite Mobile Forensic Fundamentals (CMFF) – Certificate of Completion
    (Optional, but highly recommended for beginners)
  2. Cellebrite Certified Operator (CCO) – Core Certification
  3. Cellebrite In System Programming (CISP) – Certificate of Completion
  4. Cellebrite Chip Off Forensics (CCOF) – Certificate of Completion
  5. Cellebrite Evidence Recovery Technician – Forensics (CERT-F) – Certificate of Completion

Once all course requirements are met, the candidate must independently complete the Cellebrite Certified Recovery Specialist (CCRS) knowledge-based examination. CCRS Certification provides proof that the practitioner has demonstrated their ability to meet or exceed competencies in device repair and evidence recovery.

Unless otherwise stated, every course requires a passing grade of 80% or above to obtain a certificate of completion. 


How much does the CCRS cost?

To review all costs and fees associated with this program, login and go to the CCRS Examination page to sign up for the CCRS Examination. In order to qualify for this exam, candidates must have satisfied all prerequisites of the program. 

The associated fee allows qualified candidates to apply for the CCRS capstone certification and attempt to pass the time-limited, proctored CCRS Examination. The fee covers administrative costs for a total of two attempts at the CCRS Examination.


Once I am eligible and enroll, how long do I have to complete the CCRS Examination?

The CCRS Examination must be completed within 90 days of the candidate’s enrollment date. Failed attempts will require the applicant to restart the certification process again by paying all applicable fees and reapplying. 

A candidate’s work or personal schedule is not an acceptable excuse for missing this deadline, therefore there is no waiver available for this time limit. Failure to complete the CCME within the 90-day period shall be considered a failed attempt. 


Are there any technical requirements for the proctored examination?

Cellebrite now uses an online proctoring service called ProctorFree. Students must be able to utilize the ProctorFree application, which is downloaded and executed via the browser used to navigate the CLC.

We have established the Proctored Exam Preparation Guide page to aid student with preparing for this process. All students should visit this page prior to attempting the final exam.


Are there any technical requirements for the proctored examination?

Cellebrite now uses an online proctoring service called ProctorFree. Students must be able to utilize the ProctorFree application, which is downloaded and executed via the browser used to navigate the CLC.

We have established the Proctored Exam Preparation Guide page to aid student with preparing for this process. All students should visit this page prior to attempting the final exam.


What happens if I do not pass the CCRS?

If a candidate does not pass their first attempt at the CCRS Examination, they may opt to take a second (and final) attempt by following the policies and timelines listed below. A candidate’s work or personal schedule is not an acceptable excuse for missing the stated time limits.

  • The second (and final) attempt shall take place only after a 30-day waiting period after the initial CCME Certification Examination failure. There is no waiver available for this waiting period. 
  • The second (and final) attempt shall take place no more than 30-days after the initial 30-day waiting period. There is no waiver available for this waiting period.
  • If a candidate does not pass their second (and final) attempt at the CCRS Examination, the attempt at achieving CCRS certification terminates.  To attempt the CCRS again, the candidate must meet all qualifications prior to reapplying for the CCRS and repay the program application fee.


What is the passing score?

A passing score of 80% or above must be achieved on all course prerequisites and the final CCRS Examination. 


Can I challenge questions or results?

Upon request, candidates who do not attain a score of 80% or higher on any part of the CCRS Capstone Certification program may have the practical exercise(s) and/or written examination reviewed by a Certification Assessor who will verify the scoring.

The verified final score will be submitted to the Director of Certification for review and documentation.  Active CCRS candidates will be supplied specific instructions on how to challenge and request a review.


What happens when I pass the CCRS? 

Upon passing the CCRS Examination, the candidate earns the CCRS certification credential and may download it from the Cellebrite Learning Center.


How do I renew the CCRS?

The CCRS certification or recertification must be renewed by its expiration date to remain valid. It is the Certificant’s responsibility to complete recertification requirements as instructed. 

There is no recertification examination for the CCRS recertification. To successfully renew the CCRS Certification, each certificant must pay a nominal recertification fee, reaffirm their intention to uphold the Cellebrite Training Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and submit proof of continuing professional development and work experience as follows:

  • Continuing Professional Development: Cellebrite requires documentation verifying attendance at a minimum of 21 hours of continuing professional development related to mobile device or digital forensics from industry recognized organizations.  Acceptable training hours include those offered by IACIS, US Secret Service NCFI, other industry-leading digital forensic training vendors or an accredited college providing an official curriculum of training in digital forensics. Full details on acceptable continuing professional development hours are available in the Cellebrite Certification Policy
  • Work Experience: At the time of recertification application submission, certificants must have examined or supervised the examination of a minimum of three (3) mobile devices during the previous certification period. Full details on acceptable work experience hours are available in the Cellebrite Certification Policy.
Recertification options are available in the system during the 12 months preceding your expiration date. Renewal of certifications which become expired may only be renewed for 12 months after expiration.

Prior to remediation for an expired CCRS certification, candidates must have current CCO certification which will require completion of the current CCO recertification course separately.

CCRS certificates not renewed within 12 months of expiration, will become invalid and the entire process must be started again if a candidate wishes to earn it again. 

To see your recertification path, you must log in to your account first, then click HERE to see your recertification path.


What happens if I fail to renew my CCRS?  

Certificants failing to recertify by their expiration date will be classified as expired.

To renew an expired certification, the holder of that certification must apply for and successfully complete the CCRS recertification process within twelve (12) months of the certification expiration.  Certificants will be responsible to pay any applicable administrative fees.

Certificants who fail to renew expired certifications within the 12-month grace period must qualify for, apply for and complete the CCRS program in its entirety


Last modified: Tuesday, October 4, 2022, 6:32 AM