Who would need a proficiency test?

Proficiency tests are used by lab managers, law enforcement, or  forensic laboratories to evaluate a digital forensics examiners' current knowledge, skills, and abilities.

DFQS due to high demand will be offering test mailings on a quarterly basis. Although the tests may be ordered at any time, proficiency tests will only be mailed during the defined dates as posted on our website. The schedule for proficiency tests is:

(All dates are approximate and subject to change)

What is the cost of a test?

Currently the cost is $600 per test.

What do I get for $600?

Each test subscriber receives:

1) test materials and media
2) a preliminary/individual report indicating the specific results of the test
3) an ASCLD/Lab Release Form will allow your agency to recieve a summary report indicating the aggregate results of all test subscribers taking a specific test.

Can I use the test more than once, that is, order one test and have all examiners take the test?

No that would be illegal.  Carefully read the nondisclosure agreement before ordering the test.  Each test may only be completed by one examinee.

How do I order a test?

Ordering the tests requires registration and payments through the University of Central Florida's Department of Continuing Education. The Order Form and Non-Disclosure Agreement can be accessed through the DFQS website under the section 'Ordering Tests'.

Why am I ordering from the Continuing Education Department at the University of Central Florida? It appears I'm signing up as a student for a class!

We are doing this for several reasons, one of which is to protect the distribution of your results.  Florida law limits access to student grades. Consequently, as a student you have the authority to determine who can or cannot see your results.  If you would like your results to be submitted to ASCLD/LAB your quality manager must complete a release (located on the CD that shipped with the media or can be downloaded from the website), and return to DFQS. Only then will your results be released to a third party.

How are the tests 'graded?' Are the tests pass/fail?

The tests are graded but not on an 'absolute' scale, such as 0-100 or pass/fail. Rather, a grader evaluates the examinees answers in relation to a set of validated answers.  Any differences between the examinees answers and the validated answers are noted on a grading sheet.  There is no 'overall score.'

Where did you get these 'validated' answers?

In our research we have found that, different tools will produce different results. In order to produce 'accurate' results we first create a test and then run it through several tools and operating systems to 'triangulate' on the results.

Are you going to make any new tests?

Yes, we have created a new test for 2009. The 2009 proficiency test is designed to simulate forensic imaging and documentation of original evidence items, forensic image hashing, file system identification, volume name identification, hashing of user generated files, identification of forensic artifacts associated with email, graphic images, deleted files and archive files. We will update you


My question wasn't answered here, what should I do?

Email Greg Dorn (cgdorn@ucf.edu) or John Leeson (john.leeson@ucf.edu). We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

For more specific information call Carrie Whitcomb at (407) 823-6469.