Each candidate for the CSFA certification must complete an FBI criminal background check.

If you have a felony on your record, you are disqualified from taking the CSFA test. The majority of misdemeanor offenses will also disqualify you. Understand that the CSFA certification is not only proof that you are a competent forensic examiner, but that you also have high moral and ethical values. This is just as important as being technically competent in the field of computer forensics. If you submit an application and have a misdemeanor on your record, the decision as to whether or not you will be allowed to take the CSFA test lies with CyberSecurity Institute.

Misdemeanor offenses that will disqualify you from taking the CSFA test include but are not limited to:

Property Crimes - Offenses involving taking or damaging the property of another person without their knowledge or consent.

Serious Traffic Violations - Offenses involving serious misconduct while driving a motor vehicle, such as DUI/DWI.

Sex Crimes - Offenses involving illegal sexual conduct. Examples include pandering (soliciting a prostitute), indecent exposure, and sexual battery (uninvited sexual advances).

Drug Crimes - Offenses involving the possession, sale, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs.

Violent Crimes, including Domestic Violence Crimes - Offenses involving an act of violence against another person. The violence can be verbal or mental, and can include making terrorist threats or stalking, for example

Crimes Against Public Order or Public Administration - Offenses involving some kind of action against a public official, a government institution, or a breach of the public peace. Examples include disorderly conduct, public intoxication, failing to appear in court, unlawful assembly, and giving a false name or driver's license to a police officer.

Obtaining Your FBI Criminal Background Check - A.K.A. FBI Identification Record

1. First, obtain a copy of your fingerprints. Most local law enforcement agencies, county sheriff's departments, some city and county police departments or any state police post may be able to take your fingerprints. Call first to check. Some law enforcement agencies will charge a fee for fingerprinting services. The cost may vary. Also ask if they can supply two FD-258 FBI Fingerprint Cards for your fingerprints. You may be told to obtain the cards from the agency requesting the check. Understand that YOU are requesting the check for personal review, and that CyberSecurity Institute is not requesting the check.

If you are having difficulty obtaining the fingerprint cards, you can send a self addressed, stamped, 8.5 x 11 envelope to CyberSecurity Institute and we will provide two of the cards to you for free. The envelope should have at least .74 cents worth of postage affixed to it. You will also need to provide proof that you are enrolled in a course of study related to digital forensics, or are a digital forensics practitioner.

You can send the request for two FD-258 FBI Fingerprint Cards to:

CyberSecurity Institute
Fingerprint Cards
19030 Lenton PL. SE #162
Monroe, WA. 98272-1353

We do not send out the cards for immigration purposes, or for any other purpose not associated with the background check required for the CSFA test. Requests that do not have the required postage, envelope, or documentation will not be replied to.

For information on how to fill out the fingerprint cards, as well as the Federal Code authorizing you to obtain your FBI record (also known as your FBI Identification Record) please see the following URL:
FD-258 FBI Fingerprint Card and FBI Identification Record Information

2. Once you have obtained your prints, send the completed fingerprint card and a short letter advising the FBI that the report is desired for personal review. Include a certified check or money order, payable to the Treasury of the United States, in the amount of $18 to the address listed below. Any other forms of payment will be returned unprocessed. If all items are not included, the request will be returned to you by the FBI for correction. For an example request letter, please see the following URL:
Letter Requesting FBI Criminal Background Check - Example

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
SCU MOD D2
1000 Custer Hollow Rd.
Clarksburg, WV 26306

The process can take up to three months. Be sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to receive the results before you schedule your CSFA test.

NOTE: CSI will not become involved in any dispute concerning the results of your criminal background check. For information on dealing with information you dispute, please see the following URL:
FBI - Criminal Justice Information Services Division - FBI Identification Record Request