The American Board of Forensic Anthropology’s Certification Program

Abstract

Certification through the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) provides forensic anthropologists with accredited validation of the highest level of qualifications (including education and training) and professionalism in the discipline, through rigorous vetting of an applicant’s casework, knowledge, and skill. It encourages adherence to best practice methodological and ethical standards and provides a system of recognition of qualified professionals to external agencies. Current policies and procedures (and their evolution) for ABFA certification are reviewed as they contribute to construction of an equitable, impartial, and objective system for assessing and endorsing professional competency. Advice is provided for ABFA applicants for successful navigation of the ABFA certification process.