CREST Certified Host Intrusion Analyst

The CREST Certified Host Intrusion Analyst (CCHIA) examination tests candidates’ knowledge of analysing Windows hosts for evidence of potential compromise and analysing potential infection vectors.

The examination is a rigorous assessment of the candidate’s ability to assess a Windows host for indications of malware and related forensic artefacts.

The exam includes:

• Windows File Structures
• Application File Structures
• Windows Registry Essentials
• Identifying Suspect Files
• Memory Analysis
• Infection Vectors
• Malware Behaviours and Anti-Forensics

Examination format
The format is the same for both the Intrusion Analysis exams and the Malware Analysis exams.  The candidate will be expected to possess not only the technical ability to find security weaknesses and vulnerabilities, but also the skills to ensure findings are presented in a clear, concise and understandable manner.  The examination consists of three tasks:

• A multiple choice technical examination
• A long form essay style written paper, testing both technical ability and presentation ability
• A hands-on practical examination

To pass the exam, the candidate must pass all three sections.

You can download the following documents from the links below:

Syllabus for the Certified Host Intrusion Analyst examination
Notes for Candidates to aid examination preparation

Cost
For costs and availability please refer to individual country booking. The examination is currently delivered at CREST examination centres.

Recommended Preparation Material
The CREST Assessors panel regularly identifies common themes and consolidates common questions and answers from candidates and from the industry in relation to the CREST certification examinations. Candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with these, although they are free to disregard them if they wish.

CREST recommends that candidates familiarise themselves with the content in our FAQS which have been created specifically for those attempting a practical examination.

The following material and media have been cited as helpful preparation for this examination by previous candidates:

Reading Material:
The Art of Memory Forensics:  Detecting Malware and Threats in Windows, Linus and Mac Memory (by Michael Hale Ligh/Andrew Case/Jamie Levy/Aaron Walters)

Websites:
PDF Tools (from Didier Stevens)

How to Book
This exam is only available in the UK. Please complete the UK Examinations Booking Form and email it to [email protected].

Useful Information for Candidates
Details of the Logistics and Timings of CREST examinations can be found in the Examination Preparation pages for your country of choice
CREST’s Policy for Candidates requiring special arrangements including additional time to accommodate a medical condition (including examinations delivered via Pearson Vue.
Terms and Conditions for CREST Examinations (includes hard disk drive wiping policy)