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a.
Philosophy of Certification
The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC), under whose auspices the
criminalistics certification program resides, supports the philosophy that
forensic scientists must have a broad understanding of many aspects of foren-
sic science. To this end the General Knowledge Exam (GKE) was developed.
According to the ABC (see ABC in reference list):
The ABC Board’s goal for the GKE was to develop a process that answers
the question, “Does this person have sufficient knowledge to be able to
competently perform the work typically encountered by forensic scientists?”
With the assistance of professional testing agencies, an examination was
developed to answer that question.
Criminalists must examine evidence within the context of an entire
case. They are often the only scientist associated with an investigation, and
must have sufficient knowledge and experience to make appropriate rec-
ommendations to investigators and attorneys.
The purpose of the specialized examinations conducted is to piece
together the crime, and a path to the perpetrator(s). Examiners do not work
in isolation. What they do can, and will, impact what “pieces of the puzzle”
other examiners can add, or light they can shine on the “path.”
The GKE sets a standard for professional knowledge needed to examine
evidence within the context of an entire case. Forensic science does not have
a standardized academic curriculum that the profession can rely on to teach
the basic criminalistics that every examiner needs. This makes the need for
obtaining and measuring that knowledge even more critical for our profession.
This broad knowledge is a solid foundation for examiners to develop
specialized understanding and skills. This is analogous to the approach
taken with all science (i.e., B.S. before Ph.D. or physician before surgeon).
This knowledge foundation facilitates thorough evidence analysis because
the examiner is aware of what other tests might be done, their limitations
or requirements, and how his/her action or inaction can affect the total
forensic investigation. Using this broader knowledge, forensic scientists are
better able to maximize evidentiary value and to avoid compromising/con-
taminating samples.
The written GKE examination is the first segment of a comprehensive
certification program. Those who achieve a passing score on the GKE receive
 
Diplomate
status (D-ABC). To achieve 
 
Fellow
status (F-ABC), the analyst
must additionally pass another written specialty examination and also take
and pass laboratory proficiency tests at prescribed intervals. As of this writing,
specialty examinations are available in drug identification, forensic biology
(including DNA), fire debris analysis, and trace evidence. We expect that
specialty examinations in other areas will continue to be developed.
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Principles and Practice of Criminalistics