Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question below to reveal the answer.
What are the minimum qualifications to be a RISM?
The applicant must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or two years of related working experience, be 21 years of age, and have no criminal or felony conviction. Please note that there are difference in individual requirements if attaining the designation by examination or by portfolio review.
What is a portfolio review?
An assessment of qualifications per board approved standards. Click here to view Portfolio Review Qualifications.
How long do I have to complete the exam?
Once you click "Take Exam" you have four hours to complete.
What are my options if I don't pass the exam?
If you don't pass the exam, you have the option to retake, with a $100 retake fee. In order to qualify for the $100 retake fee, you must re-enroll and retake the exam within 30 days. The exam may only be retaken twice. If you fail to pass the exam after the third attempt, you must wait one year, and then re-enroll at the original course price.
How do I find out what I scored on an exam?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide you with specific scores. It is our policy to only supply you with a pass/fail verdict.
If I pass, when will I receive my documentation?
You will receive your Certificate of Certification within 3-4 weeks after the exam is passed and all required documentation is received by Member Services.
Is ACFEI recognized by any other associations or certifying organizations?
The American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI) recognizes that “"Accreditation” and/or “Certification” programs are voluntary programs. However, we (Management Executives, Inc.) take these voluntary Standards seriously and have initiated several measures over the past couple of years to strengthen and sustain the quality and integrity of our programs associated with higher education. Our eighteen years in business has positioned our programs as a staple linked with public trust and confidence.
More importantly, continuing education opportunities is one of the hallmarks linked to our Associations and membership to enhance current knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our continuing education criterion endures a vigorous review on a rotating basis which is steps towards the accreditation process each time it is reviewed. The purpose of the continuous review is to ensure that the accredited institution continues to maintain the required accreditation standards. As you may be aware, adherence to Standards is a rigorous process, a process which we have been engaged in with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Institute for Credential Excellence (ICE) as we pursue the highest accreditation standard that represents best practices.
Our programs are also validated through several external continuing education providers, such as: Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, California Board of Registered Nursing, and American Psychological Association, National Board for Certified Counselors, California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Association of Social Work Boards, and American Dental Association. Also, ACFEI is a Registered Federal Contractor and it listed on the Register of Approved Federal Contractors. The Missouri Sheriff's Association co-sponsors Police Officer Standards Training (POST) accreditation for the American College of Forensic Examiners International's activities.
The ACFEI is a member of the National Certification Commission and the Alliance for Continuing Medical Education, and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). Ethics Course, Law Course, Evidence Course, Certified Medical Investigator®, Certified Forensic Accountant, Cr.FA®, and the Certified in Homeland Security, CHS® Levels I-V are all approved for the G.I. Bill Benefits. American College of Forensic Examiners International/Certified in Homeland Security program is listed on the Central Contractor Registration list (CCR) and registered as a federal contractor. DUNS Number: 808985642
Once I am certified, what must I do to maintain certification?
We place a high priority on continuing education, and once a member is certified by ACFEI or ABCHS, either through the successful completion of one of our certification programs or the Diplomate program (ACFEI), he or she must maintain membership in one of the organizations and is expected to complete a minimum of 15 hours of related continuing education per year to maintain the certification. ACFEI and ABCHS offer appropriate professional continuing education opportunities through our national and regional conferences and through journal learning articles in their peer-reviewed publications The Forensic Examiner® and Inside Homeland Security®. We also accept appropriate continuing education from other equivalent organizations and offer several continuing education articles online for free.
What if my membership or certification certificate is lost or damaged?
You can order a replacement certificate for $25. Please contact Member Services to place your order.
What is certification?
Certification refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics of an object, person, or organization. This confirmation is often, but not always, provided by some form of external review, education, or assessment. One of the most common types of certification in modern society is professional certification where a person is certified as being able to competently complete a job or task, usually by the passing of an examination.
What does accreditation mean?
Accreditation is a process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented.
What does it mean to be registered under ACFEI?
To be registered under ACFEI means that you are officially recognized by this organization as an investigator.
How do I submit required documentation?
You can mail the documentation to: 2750 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO 65804, Attn: RI. Or, you can fax the documentation to 417-881-4702, Attn: RI; or e-mail cao@acfei.com.
What does the certification course price include?
This course includes the administration fee. supplemental articles from The Forensic Examiner®, Inside Homeland Security®, and Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association
