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Membership

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is a multi-disciplinary  professional
organization that provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. The objectives of the Academy are to promote professionalism, integrity, competency, education, foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences.

The objectives of the Academy are to promote professionalism, integrity, competency, education, foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences. It does so via the Journal of Forensic Sciences (its internationally
recognized scientific journal), newsletters, its website, its annual scientific meeting, the conduct of seminars and meetings, and the initiation of actions and reactions to various issues of concern. For its members and affiliates, AAFS provides placement services as well as scientific reference studies. As the world’s most prestigious forensic science organization, the AAFS represents its membership to the public and serves as the focal point for public information concerning the forensic science profession.

Overview of the Application Process

Following you will find a description of the eligibility requirements and submission instructions in detail. You must meet the AAFS and Section Requirements for the status for which you are applying; a waiver is only possible if it is so noted in the requirements. Please read the Application Instructions & Requirements, Application, and Reference Form carefully to avoid a delay in the processing and review. Upon receipt of your application, AAFS will send a postcard verifying the section and status for which you are applying and confirming your new Applicant status. Applications are reviewed periodically by the Membership Department between the months of July and October. If your application is found to be incomplete at the time of review, you will be notified via email or mail. If your application is found to be complete, it will be forwarded to the Section Officers for their review. Once the committee members have completed their review, you will be notified of the outcome. If your application is being “recommended” for approval by the committee, official approval will take place by the AAFS Board of Directors at the AAFS Annual Meeting in February. Your status remains Applicant until you are notified of the Board approval in March. This notification will include an official letter from the AAFS President and a dues notice.

Your membership is activated upon receipt of your dues payment. Applications are only approved once a year at the February AAFS Annual Meeting. Your completed application, including reference forms and any additional section requirements, must be received and completed by October 1 in order to be acted upon at the AAFS Annual Meeting the following February. The deadline for receipt and completion is firm. It is recommended that applications are completed by July 1st. An early submission will give AAFS an opportunity to review your application, contact you with any deficiencies or questions, and forward your completed application to the appropriate Section Officers for their review well in advance of the deadline. The required $25 USD application fee must accompany the application form. The application fee is a one time fee; the fee is waived when an application to upgrade is submitted. Please be advised that you will be subject to annual dues if your application is approved in February. If approved, you will receive an invoice for $145 along with your notification of approval.

References
Refer to individual section requirements for detailed instructions. If references are not mentioned, they are not required. It is the applicant's responsibility to distribute the form to the recommenders who must return them directly to the AAFS by the October 1 deadline.

Requirements
Your application must provide all of the information required by the AAFS and by the section to which you are applying. CAREFULLY REVIEW THE AAFS AND THE INDIVIDUAL SECTION REQUIREMENTS.

Applicants for membership in the Academy, or for promotion, shall be considered without regard to ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, disability, or membership in other organizations.  Academy membership is available only to those persons of professional competence, integrity, and good moral character. 

ASSOCIATE MEMBER: The entry level at which most applicants
enter the AAFS (with the exception of Trainee Affiliate and Student Affiliate).
Advancement to Member and then to Fellow is accomplished by meeting additional
criteria established by each section.  Associate Member status is granted to individuals:

1. Who are actively engaged in the field of forensic sciences and who have made some significant contribution to the literature of forensic science, or
2. Who have advanced the cause of the forensic science in some other significant manner, and
3. Who satisfy the requirements for membership of the section applied to or recommended for, and
4. Who have earned a baccalaureate or higher academic degree from an accredited college or university accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education, or from a non-U.S. college or university bearing equivalent accreditation.

TRAINEE AFFILIATE: Status is limited to persons who have
completed the educational requirements, but not the experience requirements
for Associate Member in the section to which application is being made. Both
at the time of application and at the time the application is being considered
for approval, applicants for Trainee Affiliate status must be actively working
toward completion of the experience requirements by participating in a training
program or employment that supports a forensic science career accepted by the
section. Each Trainee Affiliate must certify eligibility annually.

Your application must provide all of the information required by the AAFS and by the section you are applying. Carefully review both the AAFSand Section Requirements. Refer to the individual section requirements for detailed instructions. If references are not mentioned, they are not required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to distribute the form to the recommenders who must return them directly to the AAFS by the October 1 deadline.

Criminalistics

A. Trainee Affiliate

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled, and 
2. Applicant must provide one (1) letter of reference from his/her academic advisor or immediate supervisor.

B. Associate Member

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and 
2. Applicant must have earned a baccalaureate (or equivalent) or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences (or forensic science or criminalistics), and 
3. Have a minimum of two (2) years experience in the field of criminalistics during which a substantial portion of the applicant's time is devoted to the examination and evaluation of physical evidence and has testified as an expert witness, or by position, training or experience, could be qualified as an expert witness in courts of law as to the results of those examinations and evaluations. An internship does not count toward the experience requirements, or 
4. A PhD degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences (or forensic science or criminalistics, or a recognized derivative of the natural sciences, such as bio-chemistry) and a minimum of three (3) years experience as a full time faculty member with the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor, in a four-year, accredited educational institution granting baccalaureate or higher degrees in forensic science, criminalistics, or a track or specialization in forensic science clearly delineated in the college or university catalog during which the majority of the applicant's teaching effort has been in subjects involving forensic science, and  
5. Two (2) letters of reference. References must be full Members, Fellows, Retired Members, or Retired Fellows of the Criminalistics Section of the AAFS and must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications.

Go to Application
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Digital & Multimedia
Sciences

A. Trainee Affiliate  

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled; and 
2. Applicant must provide one (1) letter of reference from his/her academic advisor or immediate supervisor indicating that the applicant is working in a program relevant to the section’s area of interest.

B. Associate Member 

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and 
2. Applicant must have earned a baccalaureate degree and have five (5) years experience in one of the forensic sciences within the scope of coverage acceptable to the Section, or a master’s degree and four (4) years of similar experience, or a doctorate degree and three (3) years of similar experience. (Note: Past experience is counted if: (a) related to current forensic discipline field, and (b) was not required to obtain educational degree.); and 
3. Demonstrate current involvement in the forensic discipline for which applying; and 
4. Two (2) letters of reference. One (1) reference must be from a full Member, Fellow, Retired Member, or Retired Fellow of the Digital & Multimedia Sciences Section. The second letter may be from an AAFS member, or an acceptable reference from someone active in the forensic sciences. References must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant’s qualifications.

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Engineering Sciences

A. Trainee Affiliate
AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled.

B. Associate Member 

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and
2. Applicant must provide proof of a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in engineering or an engineering related science, and 
3. Be actively engaged in the application of forensic engineering science for a minimum of four (4) years, or a master’s degree and three (3) years of similar experience, or an earned doctoral degree can be substituted and two (2) years of similar experience, and 
4. Provide the highest relevant degree, graduate or undergraduate, along with photocopies of certificates, diplomas, degrees and licensures, which must accompany the application, and 
5. Provide proof of active participation in the field of forensic engineering science over the past four (4) years, such as client references, court appearances including court case numbers, engineering research or projects related to forensic engineering, and 
6. Two (2) letters of reference. At least one (1) reference shall be from either a full Member or Fellow of the AAFS. References must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications.

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General
Areas of interest within the General Section include:

Forensic Accounting	Forensic Firearms Analyst
Forensic Archaeology	Forensic Geologist
Forensic Art and Sculpting	Forensic Management or Administration
Forensic Aviation and Land Vehicle          Accident Investigation	Forensic Nursing
Forensic Consulting (1991)	Forensic Photography
Forensic Credibility Assessment	Forensic Radiologist
Forensic Death and Crime Scene   Investigation	Forensic Veterinary Science
Forensic Education or Research

 

A.  Trainee Affiliate

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled, and
2. Applicant must provide one (1) letter of reference from his/heracademic
   advisor or immediate supervisor indicating that the applicant is working in
   a program relevant to the forensic sciences.

B.  Associate Member

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and 
2. Applicant must have earned a baccalaureate degree and have five (5) years experience in one of the forensic sciences within the scope of coverage acceptable to the section, or a master's degree and four (4) years of similar experience, or a doctorate degree and three (3) years of similar experience. (Note: Past experience is counted if: (a) related to current forensic discipline field, and (b) was not required to obtain educational degree.), and 
3. Demonstrate current involvement in the forensic discipline for which applying, and 
4. Two (2) letters of reference. One (1) reference must be from a full Member, Fellow or Retired Fellow of the General Section. The second reference may be from a General Section member, AAFS member, or an acceptable reference from someone active in the forensic sciences. References must be able to comment
5. knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications. 

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Jurisprudence

A. Trainee Affiliate

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled, and 
2. Applicant must have been awarded a law degree or otherwise be qualified to take the Bar examination or have a license in good standing to practice law, and be fulfilling the experience requirement for Associate Membership in the Jurisprudence Section. 

B. Associate Member

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and 
2. Applicant must have received a law degree at least two (2) years prior to the date of application for Associate Member, or 
3. Have had a license in good standing to practice law for at least two (2) years immediately prior to application for Associate Member, or 
4. Have received a law degree at least one (1) year prior to the date of application for Associate Member and have participated in a minimum of one (1) program of the Academy prior to becoming an Associate Member. Participation may include the presentation of papers, acting as a moderator or panelist of a program, or serving as an active member of a committee of the Jurisprudence Section, or 
5. Have a license in good standing to practice law at least one (1) year immediately prior to the date of application for Associate Member and have participated in a minimum of one (1) program of the Academy prior to becoming an Associate Member. Participation may include the presentation of papers, acting as a moderator or panelist of a program, or serving as an active member of a committee of the Jurisprudence Section, or 
6. Have received a law degree or a license in good standing to practice law during the year immediately prior to the meeting at which Associate Member is considered and have participated in a minimum of one (1) program of the  Academy as a Student Affiliate, or 
7. Have completed such other academic and professional achievements, both in law and in forensic science, in a foreign country over a period of not less than six (6) years deemed to be substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Academy by the section chair and secretary at the time of the application, and 
8. Two (2) letters of reference. References are not required to be members of the AAFS, but must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications.

Go to Application
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Odontology

A. Trainee Affiliate 

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled, and
2. One (1) year or less experience in forensic odontology.

B. Associate Member

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and
2. Applicant must have earned a dental degree (DDS or DMD, or equivalent), and
3. Applicant must provide proof to the credentialing committee of the Odontology Section a minimum of ten (10) points for attendance at a course or courses in forensic odontology covering all of the topics listed below with one (1) point awarded for each half-day of training:
   a) Human identification via dental evidence (hands-on training required); 
   b) Mass disaster identification techniques and protocols (hands-on training required); 
   c) Bite mark analysis (hands-on training required); 
   d) Related general forensic topics including civil litigation; 
   e) Other points - defined to include attendance at the AAFS annual meeting scientific sessions (one (1) point per year) with a maximum of two (2) points; and 
4. Be actively associated with an agency engaged in forensic odontology; and 
5. Have one (1) year or more experience in forensic odontology; and 
6. Two (2) letters of reference. References must be either full Members or Fellows of the Odontology Section of the AAFS and must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications.
7. The listing of recognized courses with associated points will be published in the AAFS Academy Newsletter in the Spring of each year.  The courses currently approved and the number of points that will be credited toward entry level fulfillment are:  The listing of recognized courses with associated points will be published in the AAFS Academy Newsletter in the Spring of each year.  The courses currently approved and the number of points that will be credited toward entry level fulfillment are: AFIP/Indian Health Service CE (10), University of Detroit Mercy (4 or 8), Tufts University (6), McGill University (10), San Antonio Southwest Symposium (10), University of Texas CERF Fellowship (10).  Other points defined to include attendance at the AAFS Annual Meeting Scientific Sessions (one (1) point per year) with a maximum of two (2) points.

     • Recognized courses must be open to the dental community at large and the same
        course taken more than once will not be recognized unless content 
        is significantly different.
     • The evaluation process of recognized courses will be conducted by the Entry 
        Level Educational Committee minimally every two (2) years.   
      • All earned points are valid for a period of seven (7) years. 

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Pathology/Biology

NOTE: Applicants who have or are planning a career in a biological science
with a non-doctorate degree level, as well as those applicants who have or
are planning a career in a biological science (DNA, serology, etc.), please
apply to the Criminalistics Section.

A. Trainee Affiliate

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled, and
2. Must plan to pursue a career in medicine, forensic pathology, forensic
   entomology, or forensic botany.

B. Associate Member

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and
2. Applicant must have earned a medical degree (MD, DO, DVM, or International Equivalent that would permit medical licensure in the United States or Canada), or a PhD in Life Sciences and have been actively engaged in his/her field of interest for at least one year, and 
3. Be actively engaged in the field of forensic science, including: pathology,
   forensic pathology, forensic medicine, veterinary pathology, or other biological science at the time of application, and
4. Have made a significant contribution to the literature of forensic sciences,
   or have been pursuing a course of study as a resident in pathology or the
   disciplines described in paragraph 3, or have advanced the cause of forensic
   science in some other significant manner, and
5. Two (2) letters of reference. References must be full Members or Fellows
   of the AAFS and must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's
   qualifications.

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Physical Anthropology

A. Trainee Affiliate

1.  AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled, and
2. Must have completed a master’s or doctorate degree in physical anthropology, forensic anthropology, or human biology with a forensic anthropology emphasis, and 
3. Must be sponsored by a Member or Fellow of the Physical Anthropology Section who is well-acquainted with the candidate and provides a written recommendation that addresses the candidate’s progress toward fulfilling the requirements for Associate Member, and
4.  Trainee Affiliate status may not be held for more than 3 years.

B. Associate Member

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and
2. Applicant must have earned a master’s or doctorate degree in physical
   anthropology, forensic anthropology, or human biology with a forensic science emphasis, and
3. Submit a complete curriculum vitae indicative of active engagement, publication, pursuit of a career or other contribution to forensic anthropology, and
4. Demonstrate involvement in ongoing forensic anthropology in one of the
   following ways:
   a. Provide copies of two (2) forensic case reports, or
   b. Provide copies of two (2) research papers on forensic anthropology
       authored by the applicant and presented at scientific meetings, or
   c. Provide a copy of one (1) paper on forensic anthropology published in
       a refereed journal, and
5. Two (2) letters of reference. References must be from either two (2) section
   Fellows or one (1) section Fellow and one (1) full Member from the Anthropology Section of the AAFS. Referees must be well acquainted with the applicant and must address the candidate’s aptitude in and contributions to forensic anthropology.
6. Above requirements can only be waived by two-thirds decision of members
   present at an annual section business meeting. Since the AAFS Board of
   Directors approval occurs before the section business meetings, those seeking a waiver of requirements will be delayed approval of the application for one year.

NOTE: Please contact Cheryl Hunter at the AAFS office for requirements for applicants outside the U.S.

Go to Application
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Psychiatry & Behavioral Science

A. Trainee Affiliate 

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled.

B.  Associate Member

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and 
2. Psychiatrists must hold an MD or DO degree, and have completed an ACGME
   approved residency in psychiatry, and must devote the majority of his/her
   medical practice in the specialty of psychiatry. 
3. Clinical Psychologists must meet the following requirements:
   a. PhD or PsyD degree in clinical, neuro, forensic, counseling or school
   psychology from a program approved by the American Psychological Association, and completion of an internship approved by the American Psychological Association, or 
   b. PhD or PsyD degree in clinical, neuro, forensic, counseling or school
   psychology from a program approved by one of the six regional accrediting
   institutions of U.S. Department of Education, and licensure to practice psychology in one state, and successful passing of the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP). 
4. Research Psychologists must have a PhD in any other area of psychology
   not covered above, approved by one of the six regional accrediting institutions of the U.S. Department of Education, and have evidence of multiple publications in the peer reviewed literature of direct relevance to forensic behavioral science.

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Questioned Documents

A. Trainee Affiliate

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled.
2. In addition to annual eligibility certification, a Trainee Affiliate may not continue in this status for more than four years before either applying for Associate Member  or reapplying for Trainee Affiliate status.  Justification for reapplication will be contingent upon acceptance by the section Executive Committee.  If an applicant  has not begun a Questioned Documents training program but his/her employer  supports one and the applicant has been accepted to begin one, the employer must  provide specifics on when the program will begin and information on the  credentials of the principal trainer. 
3. Submit one (1) letter of reference.  Reference must be a full Member or Fellow of  the Questioned Documents Section of the AAFS and must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant’s training program.  Exceptions to this  requirement may be considered for applicant’s residing outside of the United  States and Canada, in which cases, the reference may be from one person other  than Members or Fellow of the Academy.  This reference will be evaluated and  will be accepted if approved by a majority vote of the members present at an  annual business meeting of the section.

B. Associate Member 

1. AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and
2. Must have earned a baccalaureate or higher academic degree from an accredited college or university, and
3. Have successfully completed and documented formalized training in the field
   of questioned document examination for at least two (2) years duration from
   a recognized questioned document laboratory or under the direct supervision
   of document examiners who are Members or Fellows of the Academy or of the ASQDE or who are Diplomates of the ABFDE (the section recognizes ASTM E2388 as a basic guide for fundamental training in the field), and
4. Be actively engaged or employed full time in the examination of questioned
   documents for at least two (2) years, independent of any program of training, and for that period must be personally responsible for conducting and reporting such examinations without technical supervision, and
5. Two (2) letters of reference. References must be full Members or Fellows
   of the Questioned Documents Section of the AAFS and must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications. Exceptions to this requirement may be considered for applicants residing outside of the United States and Canada, in which cases, one or both references may be from persons other than Members or Fellows of the Academy. These references will be evaluated and will be accepted if approved by a majority vote of the members present at an annual business meeting of the section. 
    
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Toxicology

A. Trainee Affiliate

1.  AAFS Basic Requirements for Trainee Affiliate must be fulfilled.

B. Associate Member

1.  AAFS Basic Requirements for Associate Member must be fulfilled, and
2. Applicant must have earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree in one of
   the natural sciences from an accredited institution, and sixteen (16) semester
   credit hours in chemistry, and
3. Provide transcripts of chemistry credits, graduate and undergraduate.
   International applicants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis if their
   transcripts do not document the required 16 hours of chemistry as hours or
   credits and may be subject to additional requirements, and
4. Be actively engaged in forensic toxicology for at least one (1) year immediately prior to application, and
   a. Have made a significant contribution to the literature of forensic
       toxicology, or
   b. Have been pursuing a course of study for at least one (1) year for an
       advanced degree applicable to the educational needs of a forensic
       toxicologist, or
   c. Have advanced the cause of forensic toxicology by laboratory service or
       in some other significant manner, and
5. Two (2) letters of reference. References must be Members or Fellows of
   the Toxicology Section of the AAFS and must be able to comment knowledgeably on the applicant's qualifications. Exceptions to this requirement may be considered for applicants residing outside of the United States and Canada, in which case, two references from non-members must be submitted and may be otherwise evaluated or accepted if approved by a majority vote of the members present at an annual business meeting of the section. 
   If exception is made, those seeking a waiver of requirements will be
   delayed approval of the application for one (1) year, and Associate Members
   applying for promotion to Member will be required to provide two (2) references from Members or Fellows of the Toxicology Section.

Go to Application
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OR

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OR

Contact the AAFS Membership Department at 1-800-701-AAFS, Fax: (719) 636-1993,
or e-mail: membship@aafs.org.


APPLICANT'S ORIGINAL SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED ON THE HARDCOPY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND MUST BE MAILED TO: 

AAFS Membership Department
410 North 21st Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Applications are not accepted by FAX; however, Reference forms may be faxed.

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form, click HERE.