ABC Certification Exam Application Process
Prior to applying for certification, ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications for the certification that you are seeking. Applicants will not be approved to sit for the certification examination if they have not met the minimum qualifications. If your application is denied and you wish to seek certification once you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be required to submit a new application and a new application fee.
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Fees for Certification
$75.00 non-refundable, non-transferable Application Fee for each certification examination you wish to take $250.00 non-refundable but transferable Examination Sitting Fee Checks or money orders payable to: American Board of Criminalistics, Inc. All fees are in U.S. dollars. We also accept PayPal. Visit the Online Payments page for further information. |
You may qualify for a free examination sitting! See the Ed Rhodes Scholarship Page for more information. |
NEW APPLICANTS: A completed application packet must be received by the Registrar's Office at least 75 days prior to the desired examination date. Please do NOT use staples on your application packet.
Your application is valid for 24 months. If you have a current application, you do not need to submit an additional application or application fee.
Applicants are required to submit the following items before an application will be considered:
CURRENT CERTIFICANTS: To apply for certification in an additional specialty, a completed application packet must be received by the Registrar's Office at least 75 days prior to the desired examination date.
Your application for certification in an additional specialty is valid for 24 months.
Applicants are required to submit the following items before an application will be considered:
ALL APPLICANTS: Reserve a Seat for an Examination - see the Examination Offerings page.
The following must be received by the Registrar's Office at least 60 days prior to sitting for an examination:
These items may be submitted with the application for certification. In the event you submit the Examination Sitting Fee and your application is denied, this fee will be returned.
Testing Accommodations
The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) encourages all professionals to achieve certification. The ABC does not discriminate against any individual seeking certification, including persons with disabilities or who require testing accommodations. The ABC will assure its services are delivered equitably and efficiently to all criminalists, while at the same time protecting the integrity of the examinations.
If you feel that you qualify for testing accommodations, please review the Testing Accommodations procedure and complete the necessary forms. Please note that the testing accommodations forms must be received with Request for an Examination Seat at least 60 days prior to the examination date. See Testing Accommodations page for more information.
Successful Candidates
Candidates who pass the examination will be submitted to the Board of Directors for a vote prior to granting certification. If certification is conferred, the candidate will receive written notification and a certificate.
Candidates who did not pass the examination
If you did not pass the examination, you may appeal the decision. See Appeals for further information.
You must wait 60 days before you can sit for the certification exam again. A new examination sitting fee is required.
You may not take the same certification examination more than three times in any 24-month period. You can only take the same examination a total of 6 times.
Your application is valid for 24 months. If you have a current application, you do not need to submit an additional application or application fee.
Applicants are required to submit the following items before an application will be considered:
- One copy of the Application (09-0301F) found at the Apply Now button above
- If you are unable to have your laboratory director or supervisor sign your application, you must complete an Application Confirmation Waiver (09-0312F).
- Two professional references (09-0311F)
- Copy(s) of authorization to perform casework in relevant disciplines or equivalent training documentation
- Two color copies or prints of one government issued identification, signed
- One copy of a diploma or transcript for each natural or forensic science degree earned
- A signed copy of the Rules of Professional Conduct (09-0001F) submitted electronically by following the link
- Application fee ($75)
CURRENT CERTIFICANTS: To apply for certification in an additional specialty, a completed application packet must be received by the Registrar's Office at least 75 days prior to the desired examination date.
Your application for certification in an additional specialty is valid for 24 months.
Applicants are required to submit the following items before an application will be considered:
- One copy of the Application for certification in Additional Specialty (09-0309F)
- Copy(s) of authorization to perform casework in relevant disciplines or equivalent training documentation
- Application fee ($75)
ALL APPLICANTS: Reserve a Seat for an Examination - see the Examination Offerings page.
The following must be received by the Registrar's Office at least 60 days prior to sitting for an examination:
- Request for ABC Examination Seat Form (09-0310F)
- Examination Sitting Fee
These items may be submitted with the application for certification. In the event you submit the Examination Sitting Fee and your application is denied, this fee will be returned.
Testing Accommodations
The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) encourages all professionals to achieve certification. The ABC does not discriminate against any individual seeking certification, including persons with disabilities or who require testing accommodations. The ABC will assure its services are delivered equitably and efficiently to all criminalists, while at the same time protecting the integrity of the examinations.
If you feel that you qualify for testing accommodations, please review the Testing Accommodations procedure and complete the necessary forms. Please note that the testing accommodations forms must be received with Request for an Examination Seat at least 60 days prior to the examination date. See Testing Accommodations page for more information.
Successful Candidates
Candidates who pass the examination will be submitted to the Board of Directors for a vote prior to granting certification. If certification is conferred, the candidate will receive written notification and a certificate.
Candidates who did not pass the examination
If you did not pass the examination, you may appeal the decision. See Appeals for further information.
You must wait 60 days before you can sit for the certification exam again. A new examination sitting fee is required.
You may not take the same certification examination more than three times in any 24-month period. You can only take the same examination a total of 6 times.