Competence in digital forensics

Those practising in the field of digital forensics must be competent to conduct the work they carry out, and such competence must also be evidenced and assessed. Those seeking to demonstrate staff competence must consider what tasks and roles it is being sought for, how it is achieved, what is an acceptable level of performance for a task, and how to evidence and assess any claimed competence. This work intends to explore the multifaceted nature of competence within the field of digital forensics, examining how it is developed, assessed, and maintained in an era characterised by continuous technological advancement. Discussions are also linked to the requirements defined in the accreditation framework ISO/IEC 17025:2017 which governs the digital forensic landscape in England and Wales. We hope to contribute to the ongoing discourse on elevating standards and fostering excellence in the science of digital forensics. • A discussion of competence in relation to digital forensics is offered. • The elements that competence comprises of are set out and described. • The impact of ISO/IEC17025:2017 on the need to evidence and assess competence is examined. • There are no conflicts to decalre.