ACFEI

Certified Forensic Consultant®, CFC

CFC

About the Certified Forensic Consultant® program

The Certified Forensic Consultant®,CFC, program is intended to train forensic professionals in the law, both generally and specifically. It educates individuals in the fine points of being competent and knowledgeable forensic consultants in the unique environment of the American judicial system.

The purpose of this course and examination is to teach forensic professionals both ethics and jurisprudence and to test their knowledge of the field of law. It is presumed that you are already knowledgeable in your primary specialty, but will experience a profound paradigm shift when you are dropped into the legal arena. The intensive study and examination will prepare you to be successful in court as you take part in the adversarial system of American jurisprudence.

The CFC designation contributes to the weight of your testimony relating to your qualifications, your knowledge of the scope of the issues, the validity of the evidence presented, your application of specialized knowledge to the facts in the case, and the relevance of the evidence to the issues in the case.

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What the CFC program does for you

The CFC course will prepare and educate you on the following tasks:

  • » Adhere to professional ethics.
  • » Follow proper documentation procedures.
  • » Write error-proof reports.
  • » Prepare interrogatories and deposition testimony and assist counsel in the same.
  • » Present testimonial evidence and opinions.
  • » Provide courtroom testimony.
  • » Comport with jurisdictional rules, including the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence (FRCPE).
  • » Prepare a professional resume/curriculum vitae, retainer agreements, contracts and other documents necessary for your protection.

Certified Forensic Consultant ® (CFC) Program Outline

The CFC course will prepare and educate you on the following tasks:

  1. The Litigation Process
  2. Federal Rules of Evidence
  3. The Discovery Process
  4. Note Taking
  5. Site Inspection
  6. The Written Report
  7. The Retainer Letter
  8. Types of Witness
  9. The Expert Witness Report
  10. Preparing for Deposition
  11. What to Expect at Deposition
  12. Preparing for Trail
  13. Testifying at Trail
  14. What to Bring to Court
  15. The Business of Forensic Consulting

Maintain the CFC designation

Individuals are expected to complete 15 hours of forensic-related continuing education credits per year to maintain their CFC status. The initial CFC course provides 15 CE credits, fulfilling this requirement for the first year.

Future CEs may be earned through ACFEI’s National Conferences and journal learning articles from The Forensic Examiner® provided on our online course catalog.

Other sources may be submitted to ACFEI by using the CE Reporting Form for CFC [PDF].

CFC Principles of Ethical Conduct

As a Forensic Examiner my role is to serve justice by using my expertise to further the doctrine of fairness. Therefore, I pledge the following:

  • » To maintain the highest standards of professional practice.
  • » To remain totally objective and to use my ability so that justice is served by an accurate determination of the facts involved.
  • » To thoroughly examine and analyze the evidence in a case, to conduct examinations based on established scientific principles, and to render opinions that have a demonstrably reasonable basis for my conclusion.
  • » Not to intentionally withhold or omit any findings or opinions discovered during a forensic examination that would cause the facts of a case to be misrepresented or distorted.
  • » Never to misrepresent my credentials, education, training, experience, or membership status.
  • » To refrain from any conduct that would be adverse to the best interests and purpose of ACFEI.
  • » To be forever vigilant of the importance of my role and to conduct myself only in the most professional manner at all times.

For more information call toll free (800) 423-9737.

How to Apply

ACFEI members have two options on taking the CFC course and exam:

Live Instruction Course and Exam. The most valuable way to earn the CFC designation is by attending the CFC training course at an ACFEI National Conference. The course features two full days of classroom instruction, followed by the comprehensive exam.

Online Course and Exam. The most convenient way to earn the CFC designation is to enroll for the course and exam online. Applicants are provided with a study guide which allows them to study at their own pace. Applicants may take the comprehensive exam online when ready.

Testimonials about the CFC program

"We, as forensic experts, are just one part of the litigation system, but we are a critical aspect nonetheless. We must always be knowledgeable about our individual disciplines, and stay current as to what courts and lawyers need from us. The ACFEI CFC designation is a great new professional opportunity for all forensic experts...because it provides the first clear peer-reviewed program, exam and continuing education program anywhere. This certification and continuing education keeps the forensic expert fully abreast of the latest issues in testifying, rendering reports, and ethical behavior, which provides the legal system with the...most respected, professional work...in the litigation process."

— Marc Rabinoff, Ed.D., CFC, Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Examiners

"Applying one's professional expertise to issues of the law does not come naturally... the CFC designation assures the client that the professional has undergone additional forensic training and experience and understands how to apply their knowledge honestly and fairly to the forensic arena."

— Jonathan J. Lipman, Ph.D, CFC, Neuropharmacologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Examiners