Application Process

1.  Submit a completed application and ensure that two applicant reference forms have been completed and returned to the ABC.

• The application and references must be received by the ABC a minimum of 60 days prior to the date of the examination for which a candidates wishes to sit.
• Enclose two checks or money orders payable to: American Board of Criminalistics, Inc.
  • $50.00 non-refundable, non-transferable application/processing fee and
  • $200.00 non-refundable but transferable Examination fee.
  • The $200.00 fee will be returned if the application is denied.
  • All fees are in U.S. dollars.
• For Diplomate, meet general requirements for certification.
• For Fellow, meet additional requirements in designated specialty area.
• For Affiliate, meet all requirements for Diplomate or Fellow, except two year experience requirement.
• The study guide for the Comprehensive Criminalistics Examination and the Specialty Examinations are provided on this Website under Certification Overview; Study Guide.

2.  Applicant notified within 45 days of receipt of application of status.

• Testing dates and locations for the examination sites are located on this website under Offerings.
• Should the applicant not meet the qualifications to sit for an ABC examination, they may reapply at any time. A new $50 application fee is required.
• Applications are valid for two years.

3.  Applicant Reserves a seat for examination.

• Examination preference is noted on the application; no further action is required by the applicant.

4.  Diplomate Certificates

• Successful completion of all requirements for a Diplomate certificate is required before the certificate will be issued.
• Certificates are reissued in July of the year of expiration of the certificate. All certificates expire five years from the year of issue.
• Recertification is available through documentation of yearly professional activities or by re-testing.

5.  Fellow Certificates

• Successful completion of all requirements (including proficiency testing) for a Fellow certificate is required before Fellow certificates will be issued.
• Fellow status requires successful completion of the Comprehensive Criminalistics or a Specialty Examination and documentation of yearly proficiency testing.
• Certificates are reissued in July of the year of expiration of the certificate. All certificates expire five years from the year of issue.
• Recertification is available through documentation of yearly professional activities or by re-testing.

6.  Affiliate Letters

• Affiliates will be notified that they have passed an examination and will be given information regarding the steps necessary to become a Diplomate or Fellow of the ABC.
• Affiliates must document professional development activities annually and pay recertification fees like a certificate holder.

7.  Candidates who do not successfully complete an ABC examination will be automatically notified of those areas they need to study and of the review/appeal process. These applicants may retake any ABC examination at any future offering. The ABC requires a six month study period before attempting to retake an examination. A new sitting fee is required.