| 1975 - 1979 |
The Criminalistics Certification Study Committee worked under the auspices of an NIJ grant to develop a certification program. A survey of the criminalistics community in 1980 indicated that only 38% of the profession endorsed the program draft. The survey also indicated that 69% would apply for certification, if it was offered. Based on these results, the certification effort was abandoned. |
| July 1989 |
Walter McCrone hosted a meeting of a number of representatives from the CCSC. Ten of the original organizations were represented by the 16 persons at the meeting. The California Association of Criminalists which had recently completed development of a Professional Competency Examination in Forensic Science was represented. A representative of an Ad Hoc Committee on fire debris analysis certification, formed by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Criminalistics Section was present. |
| December 1989 |
ABC incorporated in NY with July meeting attendees as charter members. Five forensic organizations — California Association of Criminalists (CAC), Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists (MAAFS), Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS), Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists (NEAFS), and Southern Association of Forensic Scientists (SAFS) — became charter member organizations. |
| September 1991 |
Liaison with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) established. |
| February 1992 |
AAFS Criminalistics Section votes to join ABC. |
| April 1992 |
Liaison with the UK Forensic Science Service (FSS) established. |
| February 1993 |
First General Knowledge Examination (GKE) offered at the Boston AAFS Meeting. |
| July 1993 |
First Diplomate certificates awarded and re-certification professional development program established. |
| September 1993 |
ASCLD resolution that "encourages the effort that is being made by ABC . . ." |
| February 1994 |
First Specialty Examinations (SEs) offered — Fire Debris, Forensic Biology, Drug Analysis — at the San Antonio AAFS Meeting.
GKE evaluated by UK Forensic Science Service.
Proficiency Testing Program Implemented. |
| June 1994 |
Publication of First Issue of Semi-Annual Newsletter. |
| December 1994 |
Recertification Program Implemented. |
| February 1995 |
First Trace Evidence SEs offered—at the Seattle AAFS meeting.
ABC selected as one of four qualified organizations to nominate candidates for the DNA Advisory Board. |
| February 1996 |
Liaison with the Forensic Toxicology Certification Board (FTCB) established. |
| August 1996 |
ASTM Committee E-30 on Forensic Science Joins ABC |
| January 1997 |
Affiliate Status Offered |
| August 1997 |
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Joins ABC |
| January 2000 |
Inauguration of Technical Specialist Certification Programs for Drug Analysis and Molecular Biology |
