Eligibility Requirements For ABC Certification

DIPLOMATE

Education
Applicant must possess a minimum of an earned baccalaureate degree, or equivalent, in a natural science or an appropriately related field from an accredited institution. Accredited institutions are those approved by regional accrediting commissions recognized by the U.S. Office of Education or foreign equivalent, and other institutions approved by the American Board of Criminalistics Board of Directors. At its discretion, the Board through its Credentials Committee may request documentation which certifies compliance with this requirement.
Professional Experience and Training
Applicant must possess a minimum of two years full-time experience (including on-the-job training) and be actively working in Criminalistics.

Qualifying activities may include casework, teaching at the post-secondary level, research, supervision, and management. If taking one of the specialized ABC examinations, the experience should be in that particular field.

Fulfill all requirements for Diplomate status.
Be able to document current successful participation in an approved proficiency testing program in either the designated specialty areas or in any area of forensic science for the Comprehensive Criminalistics Examination.

Education
Applicant must possess a minimum of an earned baccalaureate degree, or equivalent, in a natural science or an appropriately related field from an accredited institution. (Exception: A student graduating at the end of the semester or trimester may sit for the examination if a letter from their professor is provided verifying their graduation status.) Accredited institutions are those approved by regional accrediting commissions recognized by the U.S. Office of Education or foreign equivalent, and other institutions approved by the American Board of Criminalistics Board of Directors. At its discretion, the Board through its Credentials Committee may request documentation which certifies compliance with this requirement.
Affiliates are not certified. Affiliates are certification eligible. Certification only occurs after an Affiliate files an ABC Request For Promotion From Affiliate To Diplomate (form ABC 166) and the Registrar is notified of its approval by the Credentials Committee.