September 8, 2008 ABOUT US  |  CONTACT US  
ABOUT US CERTIFICATION
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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.
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
 › Application Instructions
 › Application - Certificate of Professional Competency in Criminalistics
 › Request For Application Confirmation Waiver
 › Applicant Reference
 › Application - Certification In Additional Speciality
 › Request For Examination Seat
 
All files are in PDF format. To download the free Acrobat reader, click here.
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 recommends a six month study period before attempting to retake an examination. A new sitting fee is required.

 

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