ECIH vs CHFI: Incident Handler or Forensic Investigator?

ECIH and CHFI both come up after an attack, which makes them easy to mix up. One is about handling the incident while it is happening; the other is about investigating and proving what happened. Facts come from EC-Council's ECIH page and EC-Council's CHFI page (read November 5, 2026). Confirm both with EC-Council before booking.

Side by Side

• ECIH v3: 100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, 10 modules, 95 labs. Asks for at least one year of cybersecurity experience.
• CHFI: 150 questions in 4 hours (code 312-49), 15 modules, 68 labs. Asks for basic IT, cybersecurity, forensics and incident response knowledge.

The Difference in the Work

An incident handler works the problem live: confirm the incident, contain it, remove the cause, recover and write what was learned. A forensic investigator works carefully with evidence: acquire copies, analyze them, build a timeline and produce a report that can stand up to review. The two work together on large incidents.

Which to Choose

• You work in or want a SOC role: ECIH is the closer match, often after CSA.
• You enjoy detailed evidence work, or work in a regulated or legal setting: CHFI.
• Not sure: read incident response steps explained and digital forensics for beginners, then see which feels more natural.

Cost

Our fees are ₹34,000 + 18% GST (₹40,120 in total) for ECIH v3 and ₹37,000 + 18% GST (₹43,660 in total) for CHFI. Each EC-Council certification fee includes one exam attempt. Ask any provider in writing about retakes and renewal.