Forensic Photography & Imaging Certification Information and Process
Forensic Photography & Imaging Certification Home Page
There are five steps required to become a Certified Forensic Photographer:
(1) An application for certification is completed by clicking the Online Certification button on the Forensic Photography & Imaging home page. An applicant does not have to be a member of the IAI to apply for certification.
After completing the online certification, the required fee must be submitted. The fee for certification is non-refundable, so applicants should first be sure the stated qualifications and requirements for certification can be met. Please carefully review those requirements at this link.
(2) Applicants will first be required to pass a background check, which will include reviewing letters of reference, verification of employment, and verification of other relevant information on the application. Once this information has been verified and approved, the testing process will begin
(3) The first step in the testing process is a 100-question written exam, which must be administered by a proctor that is approved by the board. After successfully passing the written exam, the applicant is provided with an extensive two-part practical exam.
(4) After passing the written exam, the applicant will receive Part A of the practical exam. This portion of the practical exam will require the applicant to demonstrate proficiency in photographing a crime scene, latent fingerprints, footwear impressions, and a night-scene. The applicant will have up to 30 days to complete this part of the practical exam.
(5) After successfully completing Part A of the practical exam, the applicant will then be required to complete Part B of the exam, which consists of photographing evidence, a vehicle scene, an injury, 3 objects to be sized 1:1, and a choice of 3 out of 8 additional photography specialties. The applicant will have up to 30 additional days to complete Part B of the exam.
Qualifications, requirements, and application procedures for certification are subject to revision by the Board. The recommended texts for the written examination are subject to review and change by the Board every three (3) years. The most current list of publications can be found at the end of the requirements page.
Any questions regarding this process should be directed to the secretary of the Forensic Photography & Imaging Board at the link on the bottom of the home page.