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The EnCase® Certified eDiscovery Practitioner (EnCEP®) program certifies private and public sector professionals in the use of Guidance Software's EnCase eDiscovery software, as well as their proficiency in e-discovery planning, project management, and best practices spanning legal hold to load file creation. EnCase eDiscovery is the leading e-discovery solution for the search, collection, preservation, and processing of electronically stored information (ESI). Earning the EnCEP certification illustrates that a practitioner is skilled in the application of the solution to manage and successfully complete all sizes of e-discovery matters in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

The EnCEP program is available in v3 and v4. Until 30 June 2011, candidates will have the choice of which version of the Phase I and Phase II examinations to take. On 1 July 2011, the EnCEP v3 examinations will be retired.

EnCase® Certified eDiscovery Practitioner (EnCEP) Requirements and Process

STEP 1. Training and Experience Requirements

You need to have attended the live EnCase eDiscovery training course OR completed the EnCase® Training OnDemand eDiscovery training course OR completed the on-site EnCase eDiscovery implementation training (2009 or earlier, with certificate of training) OR completed the Advanced EnCase eDiscovery Certification training course; AND have three months experience in e-discovery collection, processing and/or project management.

STEP 2. Complete the EnCEP application

Application is available for download at:
EnCEP Application

The test cost is USD$125.00 ($150.00 International - £93.75 + VAT), which includes:
Phase I and Phase II tests delivered online with the ExamBuilder engine
EnCEP certificate and wallet card upon successful completion of the program

Complete the application and send it to the EnCase® Certification Coordinator:
Guidance Software, Inc.
Attn: EnCase Certification Coordinator
215 North Marengo Avenue, Suite 250
Pasadena, CA 91101

STEP 3. Register for Test and Study Guide

Once the application has been received and approved, you will:

be contacted by an EnCase Certification Coordinator for the certification test payment by credit card,, check ,or purchase order
download the the EnCEP study gudy from:
The EnCEP Study Guide

receive, via email, the registration information to take the EnCEP test online

STEP 4. Take Phase I (Written Exam)

With the information provided by the certification coordinator, log onto ExamBuilder to take the Phase I computer-based written exam. You will have 1.25 hours to complete the test of 100 questions drawn from a pool of about 200.
Minimum passing score is 80%.
If the candidate's organization or personal information changes prior to retesting, a new application will need to be submitted.
What if I fail the test?
If you do not pass this test, you can retake the test within 30 days. If you are not successful on the second attempt, you must coordinate with the EnCase Certification Coordinator for retesting after a 30-day waiting period. After three unsuccessful attempts, a candidate would need to reapply for the EnCEP program.

STEP 5. Take Phase II (Scenario Exam)

Those who pass the Phase I test will be registered for Phase II scenario exam online.
The Phase II scenario exam tests the candidate on the use of EnCase eDiscovery in scenarios and case studies, utilizing the skills taught in the EnCase eDiscovery courses.
The candidates are allotted 3.5 hours to complete the Phase II exam. Candidates must complete the Phase II test within 30 calendar days of being scheduled for the Phase II test. Extensions of up to seven (7) calendar days may be granted by the EnCase Certification Coordinator on a case-by-case basis.
The candidate must receive a score of 80% on the Phase II test to pass.

What if I did not finish my Phase II test before the due date? If anyone does not complete the Phase II test within the time allotted them, they will be required to start the EnCEP process over at Phase I. Requests for an extension must be made in writing and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What if I fail the test?
If you do not obtain a grade of 80% to pass the Phase II test, you can retake the test within 30 days. If you are not successful on the second attempt, you must coordinate with the EnCase Certification Coordinator for retesting after a 30-day waiting period. After three unsuccessful attempts, a candidate would need to reapply for the EnCEP program.
A new application will be needed if organization of personal information changes during the waiting period.

STEP 6. EnCEP Certification Renewal Process

Those who pass the Phase II exam will be notified via email and then issued an EnCEP Certificate and wallet card.
EnCEP certifications are valid for three years from date obtained. Detailed information about renewal process and submitting renewal credit is available here.
If you have any questions regarding EnCEP please contact certification@guidancesoftware.com