American College of Forensic Examiners InternationalSM
Dedicated to the Advancement of Forensic Science & Education
ACFEI
Certified Forensic Consultant, CFC® program
About the Certified Forensic Consultant, CFC® Program
The Certified Forensic Consultant, CFC® program is intended to train forensic professionals in the law, educating individuals in the fine points of being competent and knowledgeable forensic consultants in the unique environment of the American judicial system. The purpose of this program is to teach forensic professionals both ethics and jurisprudence and to test their knowledge of the field of law. The intensive study and examination will prepare you to be successful in court as you take part in the adversarial legal system in America.
Benefits of the CFC Program
The Certified Forensic Consultant, CFC® designation can demonstrate an individual's ability to effectively provide an expert opinion in court, which includes the proper application of documentation procedures, identification and application of different categories of testimony (constitutional, statutory, criminal, civil, administrative, common), and understand the role of an expert witness in cases. A CFC will be able to properly assess the differences between levels of proof and burden of proof, as well as prepare demonstrative material and motions in limine.
The CFC credential contributes to the weight of an individual's testimony relating to qualifications, knowledge of the scope of the issues, the validity of the evidence presented, application of specialized knowledge to the facts in the case, and the relevance of the evidence to the issues in the case.
What Are the Requirements?
- » Must be a member of ACFEI
- » Must hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or at least three years of experience in a forensic-related field
What Are the Requirements?
Individuals are expected to complete 15 hours of forensic-related continuing education credits per year to maintain their CFC status. The initial CFC course provides 15 CE credits, fulfilling this requirement.
Future CEs may be earned through ACFEI's Executive Summits and/or completing tests for the continuing education articles located in The Forensic Examiner®, provided in our online course catalog.
Other sources may be submitted to ACFEI by using the CE Reporting Form for CFC.
How to Apply
Online Course and Exam. The most convenient way to earn the CFC designation is to enroll for the course and exam online. Applicants are provided with a study guide which allows them to study at their own pace. Applicants may take the comprehensive exam online when ready.
Testimonials about the CFC program
"We, as forensic experts, are just one part of the litigation system, but we are a critical aspect nonetheless. We must always be knowledgeable about our individual disciplines, and stay current as to what courts and lawyers need from us. The ACFEI CFC designation is a great new professional opportunity for all forensic experts...because it provides the first clear peer-reviewed program, exam and continuing education program anywhere. This certification and continuing education keeps the forensic expert fully abreast of the latest issues in testifying, rendering reports, and ethical behavior, which provides the legal system with the...most respected, professional work...in the litigation process."
— Marc Rabinoff, Ed.D., CFC, Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Examiners
"Applying one's professional expertise to issues of the law does not come naturally... the CFC designation assures the client that the professional has undergone additional forensic training and experience and understands how to apply their knowledge honestly and fairly to the forensic arena."
— Jonathan J. Lipman, Ph.D, CFC, Neuropharmacologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Examiners