Requirements
The certification exam is graded on a straightforward pass/fail basis. To pass, you need a score of 70% or higher.
Exam Duration
This is a 3-hour online exam, which must be completed in a single sitting. Candidates have one attempt to pass. If unsuccessful, a new exam license can be purchased for additional attempts.
Online Delivery
Take the certification exam from the comfort of your home or office, fully online, with a live proctor to ensure exam integrity. This is a closed-book exam, designed to test your applied knowledge and readiness for real-world challenges.
Format
Expect approximately 200 questions in true/false, multiple-choice, and scenario-based formats. Each question type is crafted to gauge your skills in practical, investigative scenarios.
Certification Examination
Choose Your Exam Below
Certification Examination
Your Path to a Respected Professional Designation
Gain a powerful credential recognized by top organizations and agencies. Your digital and physical certification reflects the highest standards of excellence in intelligence, investigations, and law enforcement. Your official designation is more than a certificationβit's a testament to your commitment and expertise, respected by leaders in law enforcement, intelligence, and beyond.
Your Complete Guide to Exam Success
Welcome to the official McAfee Institute Board Examination page. Whether you're preparing for the Certified in Open Source Intelligence (C|OSINT), Certified Expert in Cyber Investigations (CECI), or any of our other prestigious certifications, this guide will help you navigate the exam process and achieve your professional goals.
It isΒ easy and simpleΒ to get started and to sit for a McAfee Institute Board Exam.
Step 1 - Choose Your Certification Examination
Explore our certification examinations on this page below and choose the certification examination you would like to sit for.
Step 2 - Apply for Certification Examination
Submit your certification application and payment via this below link to apply for approval to sit for the certification examination. Exam Fees: $450 USD Retake Fees: $450 USD
Step 3 - Gain Approval to Sit for the Certification Exam
Once your application is recieved it will be reviewed to ensure you meet eligblity. Once it is reviewed we will notify you via email on the approval and/or denial.
Step 4 - Study for the Board Examination
Get started preparing for the M.I. Exam today. Whether you prefer to attend a live event, online training or study on your own, the McAfee Institute has the resources you need to prepare for the Exam. These are optional and not required to sit for the certification examination.
Step 5 - Schedule Proctor Session & Certification Exam
Once your application is approved you will be granted access to the examination and proctor session. We will send you instructions on how to proceed with registering for your proctored examination.
Step 6 - Sit for the Certification Examination
At your scheduled proctor session, you will login to the proctor and proceed to sit for the online certification examination.
McAfee Institute is ranked No. 1 among all training and certification providers for intelligence and investigation education, according to NICCS.
Top organizations offer this certification to their employees.
This certification was selected for our collection of top-rated credentials, trusted by government, military, and law enforcement agencies worldwide for its rigor, relevance, and practical application. Backed by recognized standards and comprehensive support, it empowers professionals to excel and drive impactful results.
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
Who is eligible to take the certification exam?
Our certification exams are designed for professionals in intelligence, investigations, cybersecurity, and law enforcement. Specific eligibility requirements vary by program. You can find detailed eligibility criteria on the exam blueprint, which is available for download, or on each course page.
Do I need prior experience or education to sit for the exam?
Each certification program has unique prerequisites. Some may require prior experience in the field or related educational background, while others may be suitable for those new to the profession. Be sure to review the specific eligibility requirements on the course page or in the exam blueprint for complete details.
Are there age or citizenship restrictions for taking the exam?
Most of our programs are open to candidates regardless of age or citizenship, although some specific certifications may have additional requirements. Please consult the course page or exam blueprint for any particular restrictions.
Can I take the exam if I am currently enrolled in a related course?
Yes! Current students may be eligible to take the exam, especially if they are close to completing their coursework. Check the course-specific requirements on the course page or download the exam blueprint for more information.
How can I verify that I meet the eligibility requirements?
All eligibility requirements are clearly outlined on each course page and in the downloadable exam blueprint. For further questions, you can also contact our support team, who can help clarify requirements specific to your chosen certification.
What if I donβt meet the eligibility requirements?
If you do not meet the requirements, we recommend exploring other courses that can help you gain the foundational knowledge or experience needed. Our admissions team can help guide you to the best path for reaching your career goals.
Proctored Exams: Does McAfee Institute Require One?
The McAfee Institute utilizes ProctorU which is an online exam proctoring services for all courses which require a proctored exam. This secure, cloud-based proctoring service allows students to take secure exams at their convenience while maintaining university integrity. The exam can be accessed through www.mcafeeinstitute.com. More instructions and training videos for utilizing ProctorU can be viewed in the New Student Orientation.
Certification Renewal: Requirements and Steps
What is the renewal process for my certification?
To maintain your McAfee Institute certification, renewals are required every two years. The renewal process includes:
- Cost: The renewal fee is $125, which extends your certification for an additional two years.
- Continuing Education: You must provide proof of completion for a certain number of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. This ensures that your skills remain sharp and up-to-date with industry standards. you can find those requirements here.
For additional details or assistance with the renewal process, please contact our support team at support@mcafeeinstitute.com.
Payment Options and Process at McAfee Institute
What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?
The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.
- Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next toΒ FEE).
- Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please emailΒ admissions@mcafeeinstitute.com
What if I donβt have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?
Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.
I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?
Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you. Discount cannot be used in combination of other promtions, scholarship offers or reduced tuition.
How can I obtain an invoice for payment?
Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program youβre interested in enrolling in.
Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?
Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selectedΒ beforeΒ submitting the payment.
How can I obtain a W9 form?
Please connect with us via email for assistance.
Who will be collecting the payment for the program?
McAfee Institute collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.
Refund Policy for McAfee Institute Programs
What is the program refund and policy?
We offer a NO-Questions-asked money-back guarantee forΒ 3 days from the date you enrollΒ in any new program enrollment on or after that date! If you are not satisfied with your program for any reason under the below conditions.
To be eligible for a refund under our money-back guarantee youΒ MUST NOTΒ haveΒ viewed more than 5% of your programΒ and not have downloaded any of the course content.
Additional non-returnable items:
- eBooks
- Digital Downloads
- Exam Licenses
System Requirements for McAfee Institute Programs
You cannot use a VPN, TVN or Proxy to access our site our course materials due to our security measures.Β In addition you will need a laptop or desktop computer as well.Β Review the following requirements for your camera, operating system, upload/download speeds, RAM, ports, microphones, and browsers. Also included is a list of technology not currently supported by ProctorU.
Recomended
Internet Connection
Wifi Connection
Wired Connection
PC Users
Windows 10 (Windows 10 S mode is not supported)
Windows 11
Mac Users
MacOS 10.13 (Oldest Still Maintained Version)
MacOS 10.15
CPU
More than 2 core CPU, less than 85% CPU Usage
More than 4 core CPU, less than 50% CPU Usage
Webcam
640x480 resolution
1280x720 resolution
Internet Download Speed
1 Mbps
12 Mbps
Internet Upload Speed
1 Mbps
3 Mbps
RAM
4 GB, less than 95% Ram Usage
16 GB, less than 90% Usage
Connectivity Ports
1935, 843, 80, 443, 61613, UDP/TCP
1935, 843, 80, 443, 61613, UDP/TCP
Screen Resolution
1366 x 768
1920 x 1080 and above
Additional Requirements:Β
- A functioning microphone (some web cameras have them built-in); microphone should not be part of headphones
- Headphones are generally not permitted,Β check with your testing organization to determine if headphones are permitted
- A compatible browser: Google Chrome (preferred) or Mozilla Firefox
Not Supported:
- Microsoft Edge browserΒ
- Google Chromebooks (with Guardian Browser)
- Google Chromebooks for Live+ or Review+
- Tablets (Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc.)
- Smartphones
- Linux operating systems
- Windows 10 in S mode or Surface RT
- Connecting from within a virtual machine. You will be asked to reconnect using your host operating system to take your exam
Use of VPNs, Virtual Machines, and Proxies During the Course & Exam
You cannot use a VPN, TVN or Proxy to access our site our course materials due to our security measures.Β
Timeline for Completing Exams
You have one year from enrollment to complete the certification examination.
Flexible Financing Options for Your Certification Examination
We offer several options to help you afford tuition for the examination.
Available opportunities to lower tuition fees include:
US Residents
Sezzle*
Fixed repayment, interest-only repayment, and deferred payment options available.Β Click here to learn moreΒ
Shop (Affirm)*
Fixed repayment, interest-only repayment, and deferred payment options available.Β Click here to learn moreΒ