Goal:  
To provide a means for educational institutions to implement the AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE) credential into their academic programs. Students completing the program will meet the prerequisites for taking the ACE examination and will be given the opportunity to graduate as ACE certified examiners.

The A.C.E. Academic Program Overview:
AccessData will assist academic institutions wishing to incorporate the AccessData Certified Examiner (A.C.E.) credential as part of their computer forensics program. AccessData will provide oversight in implementing the requirements for A.C.E. and will provide preparation for and administration of the actual A.C.E. examination.

ACE Academic Package at a Glance:

• Provides preparation for students to become ACE certified.
• Provides accreditation by AccessData of an academic institution's computer forensics program.
• Provides an ACE certification track for one staff member.
• Includes ACE testing for an unlimited number of students.
• Includes two retest opportunities for students.

A Detailed Look:

1. The ACE Academic program will apply to the ACE certification, which may be completed using either FTK 1.x or 2.x.  The Knowledge Points provided by AccessData, however, will focus on FTK 2.x technology. 
2. AccessData will provide the participating institution with a list of Knowledge Points covering AccessData products involved in ACE. A student with a mastery of these Knowledge Points will be prepared to successfully pass the ACE examination.
3. The participating institution will modify or build its program so that the Knowledge Points provided by AccessData are implemented into the curriculum. The academic institution will provide documentation to AccessData in the form of a syllabus or similar document that is made available to students entering the course of study. 
   1. The academic program need not be solely based on AccessData content, but must cover the provided Knowledge Points.
   2. AccessData will not provide assistance in curriculum development to participating institutions.
   3. The approved program would be required to update their curriculum as needed to keep pace with changes in ACE content due to changing technology and software.
4. Upon approval from AccessData of a syllabus or similar documentation, the academic institution may begin using AccessData's name and logos as part of its publicity and advertising. This should be coordinated with AccessData's Marketing department.
5. At least one faculty/staff member must be ACE certified or obtain the certification before the beginning of the semester in which the AccessData accredited instruction is to begin. 
   1. The 5-Day class is not required prior to ACE testing for the staff member, but is included in the package.
6. Completion of the AccessData approved program will prepare students for taking the ACE exam. The participating academic institution will determine whether a student has successfully completed the program.
   1. Note that the completion of an approved program alone does not certify a student; the student must take and pass the normal ACE examination.
7. Testing for an unlimited number of students is included in the package.
8. AccessData will deliver the ACE examination in an online format.
9. The online exam requires the candidate to have access to a computer with licensed copies of FTK (1.x or 2.x), FTK Imager, PRTK and Registry Viewer.
10. AccessData will provide two retest opportunities for those failing the ACE exam as part of the package.       

Pricing:

A one-time fee of $5,000 USD will be charged; this will cover:

• Review and accreditation by AccessData.
• 5-day class and ACE exam for one staff member.
• ACE exam for an unlimited number of students.
• Two retest opportunities for those who fail the exam.

Inquiries:

Inquiries about technical details should be directed to:
Mark Stringer, Manager of Certification
801-995-0047
mstringer@accessdata.com