Introduction to the Social Media Intelligence Analyst Certification Program.

Techniques and methodologies for conducting investigations on social media platforms.

Advanced strategies and tools for conducting in-depth social media investigations.

Introduction to mobile device forensics and evidence extraction.

Advanced techniques in mobile forensics demonstrated using the Autopsy forensic tool.

Investigating chatting applications and extracting relevant information for intelligence purposes.

Exploring the world of online dating applications and the associated investigations.

Techniques for organizing and preparing comprehensive case files for social media intelligence analysis.

Through out this program you will be tasked with completing multiple researched based assignments and discussions that are required to complete the program.

Comprehensive exam to assess the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the certification program.

How do I know if this program is right for me?

If you’re considering a McAfee Institute program and want to know if it aligns with your career goals, start by reviewing the detailed information on the program landing page. To dive deeper, submit the quick form at the top of the page to receive a program brochure with more comprehensive insights. If you still have questions or need personalized guidance, reach out to our admissions team at support@mcafeeinstitute.com, and a dedicated program advisor will get in touch with you promptly.

Are there any prerequisites or eligbility requirements for this program?

Certain McAfee Institute programs, particularly the advanced and technical ones, have prerequisites to ensure participants are prepared for the course material. These prerequisites will be listed on the program landing page and are also outlined in the program brochure. If you’re unsure about your qualifications, please email us at support@mcafeeinstitute.com for more details.

Please note: All programs are conducted in English, so proficiency in English is required for successful completion unless otherwise stated.

What is the typical class profile?

McAfee Institute programs attract a highly diverse cohort, both geographically and professionally. Over 50% of participants come from international backgrounds, and our online certificates cater to individuals from a broad range of industries and experience levels. This diversity creates a rich learning environment, offering opportunities for peer learning and networking with professionals across intelligence, investigations, and law enforcement fields.

What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

For the latest information on upcoming program dates and timelines, please check back on this page or email support@mcafeeinstitute.com to inquire about confirmed dates for future program offerings.

How much time is required each week?

Each McAfee Institute program includes a recommended weekly study time to help you balance learning with other commitments. This estimated learner effort is outlined at the top of each program landing page in the “Duration” section. For additional details, you can access our comprehensive program brochure by submitting the quick form available at the top of this page.

How will my time be spent?

We’ve structured our programs to fit seamlessly into your schedule while maximizing the learning experience. Your time will be divided among a range of engaging activities, including:

• Viewing recorded video lectures led by expert instructors
• Reviewing case studies, reading assignments, and interactive examples of core concepts
• Completing prep quizzes and practical exercises to reinforce key skills
• Participating in moderated discussion groups with fellow students
• Complete the final board exam which is online and proctored.

The programs are designed to be interactive, allowing for both guided learning and self-paced reflection. Through diverse activities, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of each topic. For questions on specific activities, please feel free to contact us directly.

What is it like to learn online with McAfee Institute?

McAfee Institute’s online programs are trusted by over 4,500 employers and recognized by multiple government and educational bodies. Our programs provide lifetime access to materials, regular updates, and are designed to help you advance your career with confidence. All course materials are made available at the program’s start, with guidance on pacing to ensure learning objectives are met effectively.

Additionally, our dedicated support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to assist with questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or any other concerns that may arise.

How do I interact with other program participants?

Collaboration and peer learning are key components of the McAfee Institute experience. Our online platform allows you to connect with other professionals, participate in discussion groups, and share insights. This network of peers will enhance your learning and offer valuable connections within the fields of intelligence, investigations, and law enforcement.

What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

Each McAfee Institute program specifies a recommended weekly time commitment so you can evaluate what will be required before enrolling. This information is available at the top of the program landing page under the “Duration” section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form on this page. Programs are designed to integrate smoothly into your existing schedule.

Each program is assessed on a pass/fail basis. To earn your certification, you must complete all required activities, which may include quizzes, assignments, discussions and a final board exam. Specific requirements are detailed in the program brochure. If you have questions about particular requirements, feel free to reach out to us for clarification.

What type of certificate will I receive?

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a verified digital certification from McAfee Institute. This digital certification can be shared with friends, family, employers, or colleagues and can be featured on your cover letter, resume, and LinkedIn profile to showcase your achievement. Your digital certification will be sent approximately 24-48 business hours after program completion.

Can I get a hard copy of the certificate?

Yes, McAfee Institute provides both a verified digital and physical certification upon successful completion of the program. The digital version allows easy sharing on platforms such as LinkedIn, while the physical certificate serves as a professional keepsake.

Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

Yes formal alumni status is conferred upon program completion. All programs provide CPE credits that count toward other certifications. Information on these credits, if available, will be included in the program brochure.

How long will I have access to the learning materials?

McAfee Institute provides lifetime access to your program materials. This includes all videos, resources, and updates to the course content, ensuring that you can revisit and stay current with the latest knowledge and practices in your field.

Bachelor’s degree or higher plus one year of experience in fraud, investigations, IT, law enforcement, forensics, criminal justice, law, and/or loss prevention

OR
Associates degree plus two years of experience as stated above

OR 

High school diploma or equivalency plus four years of experience as stated above 

In addition, a person convicted of a felony, any crime of moral turpitude or misdemeanor relating to honesty, theft, embezzlement, fraud or the like shall be ineligible to become a SMIA®. Applicant must provide a copy of the certified transcript of education ONLY if using a college degree rather than an experience to qualify. The applicant must successfully pass the prescribed criminal background check. Falsification or omission of information on the application form will be reason enough to disqualify an applicant from becoming or remaining a Certified Social Media Intelligence Analyst (SMIA).

What if I do not meet the eligibility requirements?

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements above that's OK! We offer a qualified program where you can get the same great training and earn a "Qualified" credential. Then when you meet the eligibility all you need to do is return and purchase the Certified Exam License to sit for the exam and earn your "Certified" credential. (Click image below for more information) 

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 to FEE).
• Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email admissions@mcafeeinstitute.com

What if I don’t 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 you’re 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 selected before 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.

What is the program refund and policy?

We offer a NO-Questions-asked 3 day money-back guarantee from the date you enroll in your program 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 you MUST NOT have viewed more than 5% of your program and not have downloaded any of the course content.

Additional non-returnable items:

• eBooks
  Digital Downloads

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.

Exam Details Program- is graded on a pass/fail system by obtaining a 70% or better is considered a passing grade. The open-source certification exam is taken online at the convenience of your home or office with an online proctor. It is a closed book exam and is 200 questions. The questions are in a true/false, multiple-choice & scenario-based format. It is a timed exam, you get 3 hours to complete the exam and you must do so in one sitting. Once you start the exam you must complete it. You get one attempt to pass the exam. If you fail the exam you must purchase a new exam license to sit for the exam.

The certification program includes comprehensive study materials that align with the subject matter covered in the certification exam.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare using any resources they find helpful.

While study resources are available through the certification program, they are not required to take or pass the exam.

The exam is designed to assess knowledge and competency independently of any specific training program.

If you wish to sit for the exam alone, you can do so via this link: Exam License.

OVERVIEW

You cannot combine discount codes or other promotional offers on scholarship offers. Discount codes are valid on full price items only and cannot be combined. Scholarships are applied directly to the price of the enrollment tuition. No other codes are needed.

FINANCIAL NEED

Scholarships are available to students in financial need. They are not for employer or military purchases. Scholarships are based on sponsors and thier needs as they are sponsoring a students enrollment. Scholarships are limited and not always available.

AVAILABILITY

Scholarships are limited in the number we offer and the amount. Once they are gone they are gone. If a scholarship is available it will be listed on the course page and applied to the price on the website.

HOW TO SECURE A SCHOLARSHIP

It is easy to secure your scholarship. Simply enroll in the program of choice when a scholarship is available.

ELIGIBLITY

Scholarships are designed for students in finacial need only. McAfee Institute reserves the right to verify and validate financial need of the student on enrollment into the program.

MILITARY FUNDING

Please note that scholarship pricing offered through McAfee Institute is not applicable to military funding programs, including but not limited to Credentialing Assistance (CA), COOL or other military tuition assistance programs. Military personnel utilizing these funding sources will be subject to the standard program pricing as outlined in the respective funding guidelines.

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.

You cannot use a VPN, TVN or Proxy to access our site our course materials due to our security measures. In addition you will need a laptop or desktop computer as well. 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: 

• A functioning microphone (some web cameras have them built-in); microphone should not be part of headphones
• Headphones are generally not permitted,  check with your testing organization to determine if headphones are permitted
• A compatible browser: Google Chrome (preferred) or Mozilla Firefox

Not Supported:

• Microsoft Edge browser 
• 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

You cannot use a VPN, TVN or Proxy to access our site our course materials due to our security measures. 

Disclaimer: Exposure to Sensitive ContentPlease be aware that the programs and certifications offered by the McAfee Institute may include content that some participants might find disturbing or offensive. By enrolling in our courses, you acknowledge that you may be exposed to materials that include, but are not limited to, adult language, nudity, graphic depictions of death, explicit discussions of political issues, scenes depicting intense violence, and real-world criminal scenarios. Additional sensitive topics may include racial and ethnic tensions, sexual content, religious contexts, mental health issues, substance abuse, terrorism, child abuse and exploitation, as well as corruption and extreme ideologies.

Context and Humor in Training:Our training sometimes incorporates humor to facilitate learning and engagement. Please understand that any humor used is intended to enhance the educational experience and is not meant to be offensive or belittle serious topics. Furthermore, discussions in our courses may cover sensitive topics such as nudity and death as they are relevant to law enforcement scenarios. Political discussions and analyses of various countries and cultures are also integral to our training, aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of global and domestic issues as they relate to law enforcement.

Intent and Educational Purpose:These elements are included for educational purposes and are intended to provide a realistic view of the subjects under study. Our aim is not to offend or cause distress but to prepare you for real-life situations you may encounter in your professional life. We strive to handle all content with the utmost respect and professionalism, keeping in mind the diverse backgrounds of our participants.

Participants are advised to consider their personal sensitivities and circumstances before enrolling. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, we encourage you to reach out to an instructor or program coordinator for support and guidance.

By continuing with the enrollment and participating in the courses, you explicitly agree and understand that the McAfee Institute is not liable for any emotional distress, discomfort, or offense that may arise from exposure to such content or the manner in which it is presented. This includes understanding that certain topics may evoke strong emotional responses due to personal experiences or beliefs, and participants are expected to manage their engagement according to their own discretion and advice from medical or psychological professionals if necessary.

Your decision to proceed with the course indicates your acceptance of this potential exposure and an acknowledgment of the educational purpose behind including such content in our curriculum.

You have one year from enrollment to complete the certification program and examination.

We offer several options to help you afford tuition for the Professional Certification in OSINT.

Available opportunities to lower tuition fees include:

Group enrollments – A discount of up to 20% is available for group enrollments off retail pricing. For more information, email. admissions@mcafeeinstitute.com.

US Residents

Sezzle*

Fixed repayment, interest-only repayment, and deferred payment options available. Click here to learn more 

Shop (Affirm)*

Fixed repayment, interest-only repayment, and deferred payment options available. Click here to learn more 

No, you are not required to take the certification program to sit for the exam.

If you already have the necessary knowledge and experience, you can purchase an exam license separately and take the certification exam without enrolling in a course.

You can purchase an exam license as a stand-alone product here: Exam License.

The exam license includes one exam attempt, online proctoring, and a digital certification upon passing.

However, it does not include study materials, quizzes, or instructor support—those are only available with our full certification programs.

If you do not pass the exam, you can purchase another exam license to retake it.

You have one year from the date of purchase to complete the exam.