A Code of Ethics is necessary to protect the integrity of the certification process. The ISFCE feels very strongly about the importance of a sound, enforced Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility (Code). Maintaining the integrity of the CCE is in the best interest of all CCE certificants. The ISFCE will thoroughly and impartially investigate all suspected violations of the Code by CCE candidates and CCE certificants.

All CCE candidates and certificants must agree to and abide by the ISFCE Code in order to obtain and maintain the CCE certification. Violations of the Code may result in suspension or revocation of CCE certification.

If the Code is changed, all CCEs will be required to agree to and abide by the current Code upon recertification in order to maintain certification.

The ISFCE and all CCE candidates and certificants are responsible to maintain the CCE certification at the highest ethical standards and demonstrate integrity, impartiality, diligence and professionalism.

CCE Candidates and certificants who become aware of suspected violations of the Code must as soon as reasonably possible, report such violations to the ISFCE.

All work to complete the CCE certification process must be done solely by the individual CCE candidate. CCE candidates may not corroborate, work jointly, cheat or plagiarize other’s work to complete the CCE process.

CCE candidates and certificants may not share or discuss specific certification examination problems or material with anyone that may assist in the completion of the CCE process at any time while undergoing the certification process or after completing the certification process.

CCE candidates may not use the CCE designation or infer he or she is CCE certified, until such time as they are actually awarded the CCE certification by the ISFCE. Thus it would be a violation of this Code for an applicant to publicly indicate that he or she has passed a particular section of the CCE.


A CCE will at all times:

  • Demonstrate commitment, diligence and professionalism in performance of assigned duties.
  • Demonstrate integrity in completing professional assignments.
  • Maintain the utmost objectivity in all forensic examinations and accurately present findings.
  • Conduct examinations based on established, validated procedures.
  • Abide by the highest moral and ethical standards and abide by the Code of the ISFCE.
  • Testify truthfully in all matters before any board, court or proceeding.
  • Avoid any action that would knowingly present a conflict of interest.
  • Comply with all legal orders of the courts.
  • Thoroughly examine all evidence within the scope of the engagement.



A Certified Computer Examiner will never:

  • Withhold any relevant evidence.
  • Reveal any confidential matters or knowledge learned in an examination without an order from a court of competent jurisdiction or with the express permission of the client.
  • Express an opinion on the guilt or innocence of any party.
  • Engage in any unethical or illegal conduct.
  • Knowingly undertake an assignment beyond his or her ability.
  • Misrepresent education, training or credentials.
  • Show bias or prejudice in findings or examinations.
  • Exceed authorization in conducting examinations.