Application Procedure

After submission to the ABFT Administrative Office, completed applications are reviewed by the Committee on Credentials. Following successful completion of an examination, their recommendation is considered by the board of directors for final action. A complete application file will contain:

Non-refundable $300 application fee
Recent passport-style photograph
Properly completed application form
Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended (regardless of degrees received) must be sent directly to the ABFT Administration Office by the school registrar(s).
Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of three persons (other than ABFT officers/directors or members of the ABFT Examination Committee) qualified to provide professional and character references. They must be knowledgeable of the applicant's work and formal training in forensic toxicology, and be qualified to verify competency, formal training, and ethical conduct relative to forensic toxicology. One reference must be the immediate supervisor.

Click here to download Certification Application
Click here to download Reference Form.

All submitted applications and references must be the current version that is on the ABFT website. Older versions will be rejected.

Important Notes

Degrees must be obtained in biological or chemistry-related science (including pharmacy). Acceptable institutions are those accredited by regional accrediting commissions recognized by the United States Office of Education (USOE). Degrees awarded from institutions outside of the United States and Canada must be evaluated by a credentialing service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) such as the World Education Services (WES) and must include a course-by-course analysis.
All applicants must have adequate undergraduate and graduate education in biology and chemistry as determined by the board. For fellows, if transcripts do not reflect coursework in pharmacology or toxicology, details describing how such training was received are required. The board reserves the right to request a letter from the individual(s) who provided such training.
Applicants must have completed at least a specified time of full-time professional experience (or the part-time equivalent thereof) in forensic toxicology subsequent to receipt of their degree.

All questions regarding the application process should be addressed to Robert Sears, M.S., ABFT secretary.

Verification of ABFT Certificant Status

The ABFT will charge a $50 fee to provide written verification of an ABFT certificant's status. This includes the completion of certification forms for state medical boards.

FAQs

What must I do to begin the certification process?

What level of certification should I apply for?

That depends on your situation. An analyst certification is appropriate for a bench level toxicologist with an associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry that performs bench level work and other tasks such as method validation and research under the guidance of a more experienced analyst. An analyst may also provide courtroom testimony related only to the technical aspects of the work performed (i.e., - no interpretive and/or opinion testimony).

Diplomate and fellow certifications are appropriate for forensic toxicologists with a bachelor’s degree or higher in natural or life sciences with satisfactory completion of a minimum of 32 semester hours or 48 quarter hours of university level studies in chemistry. They must have a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience (or the part-time equivalent thereof) in forensic toxicology subsequent to receipt of degree with at least one year of the professional experience having been acquired immediately preceding the date of application.

How long does it take for an applicant to be approved for candidacy?

How soon can I schedule to sit for the exam?

Applicants must be approved as a candidate before any arrangements can be made. Once approved as a candidate, contact Sherri Williamson at swilliamson@abft.org. All candidates who wish to sit for the examination must register with Sherri Williamson, administration and operations director, a minimum of 30 days prior to the requested examination date. All arrangements to sit for an exam must go through the ABFT Administrative Office only. Arrangements cannot be made through the proctor.

How long does ABFT keep my application open?

What is the cost to apply for certification?

How many references are required?

Diplomates and fellows must provide the names and email addresses of three persons qualified to provide professional and character references. They must be knowledgeable of the applicant's work and formal training in forensic toxicology, and be qualified to verify competency, formal training, and ethical conduct relative to forensic toxicology. Analysts are required to have two references. All three categories must have one reference that is their immediate supervisor.

What is the address that the application, transcripts, and references can be sent?

5540 N. Academy Blvd., Suite 230
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: (719) 362-0452

The ABFT is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization incorporated in the District of Columbia.

The ABFT has been accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) since March 1, 2006.

Information found in ABFT documents or website, including advertising, is intended to be accurate and not misleading at the time of publication.

Contact Us

ABFT is a certification and accreditation organization and cannot provide consultative or referral services. Therefore, ABFT will not reply to any inquiries of this nature.