Diplomate Certification
The ABFA is currently finalizing specific details of the new Diplomate Applications and Examination, including application procedures. The following information is being provided for reference and will be updated as needed.
Under the new multilevel certification program, Diplomate Applications will not be accepted in 2025 (only Analyst Applications), given that one of the pre-requisites to a Diplomate Application is the Analyst Certification. Please see the Analyst Certification page for details about that certification. Diplomate Applications will be accepted beginning July 1, 2026 until December 1, 2026.
The ABFA Diplomate Application will require the following items:
1. An Application Form, completed, signed, and notarized, indicating current involvement in the field.
2. Proof of citizenship or permanent residency (e.g., copy of government issued photo ID). Per the PPM, Applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, Canada, or their possessions/territories, or have been granted a residency waiver by the ABFA Board of Directors. Procedures to petition to waive the citizenship/residency requirement are being finalized.
3. Transcripts demonstrating that a Ph.D. was conferred in Anthropology, or a related field, with an emphasis in biological or forensic anthropology prior to the application deadline. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but the Board reserves the right to request official transcripts. The degree must be from an accredited U.S. institution. Degrees not in Anthropology or from non-accredited or foreign institutions must have been granted a waiver by the ABFA Board of Directors. Procedures to petition to waive the degree requirement are being finalized, but will require at a minimum: a letter describing your degree program, its relevance to biological or forensic anthropology, and foreign equivalency report (if applicable).
4. A copy of your current/valid ABFA-issued certificate of Analyst Certification or Recertification.
5. A Case Log providing an accounting of casework experience since applying for Analyst Certification. This form is available on the ABFA website.
6. Two Diplomate Reference Forms, at least one of which must be from an active D-ABFA who has reviewed the applicant’s casework and can attest to the applicant’s experience, work product, and character. All abilities listed on the form should be addressed between the two referees (i.e., if one referee marks an item “N/A,” the other referee should be able to speak to this item). The referees may be from the same institution. The Reference Form is available on the ABFA website. Applicants should download the form and fill out the top section prior to sending to the Referees. The Referees will submit the completed form directly to the Applications Chair(s) (see theabfa.org/board-of-directors for current contact information).
Application Fee: TBD
Diplomate Application Review
The Application Committee will conduct a holistic review of each Applicant’s materials using a review rubric. See SOP 4.1 Applications for procedural details. Application decisions require a majority vote from the Board of Directors. The decision of the Board of Directors is final.
Diplomate (D-ABFA) Examination
To become certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, approved applicants must pass a remote (online) examination. The exam will take several hours and will have the following components:
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Redesigned exam will assess advanced knowledge of methods, theory, and application
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Competency-based assessment with varying question formats (e.g., multiple choice & short answer questions)
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Questions based on mock case scenarios with contextual information (e.g., background information, images, bench notes, and/or analytical output) will assess the ability to synthesize information and interpret findings
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Exam content focuses on synthesis and interpretation, for example:
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Develop a biological profile by interpreting and synthesizing the output of various methods and analyses
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Interpret trauma, pathology, or postmortem interval from descriptions and/or high-quality images
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Additional details about the Diplomate examination will be provided as approved by the Board of Directors.
Examination Fee: TBD
Annual Dues: TBD
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