A forensic document examiner scientifically inspects important papers to determine their authenticity. There is no specific educational path to become a forensic document examiner, but a bachelor’s degree in a core science subject is usually needed. A two-year internship under the guidance of an experienced professional is also necessary to acquire the technical skills utilized in this occupation. You should also consider becoming professionally certified to enhance your job prospects. These professionals are typically employed by law enforcement agencies, legal firms, and corporations to determine the validity of certain legal and financial documents.
In order to become a forensic document examiner, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a science-related subject. Some four-year colleges offer a special forensic science degree program that teaches many of the foundational subjects needed for this career. If this type of degree is not available, you should be sure to complete coursework in subjects such as objectivity and logical thinking during your college training. Certain employers may also require job candidates to earn a master’s degree in forensic science prior to employment. This advanced educational requirement typically applies to examiners who may be utilized as an expert witness in a court of law.
Most of the specialized technical skills needed are gained through an apprenticeship carried out under the direction of a skilled professional and typically lasts for two years. During this hands-on training period, you will learn to analyze and compare handwriting and typewriting as well as various types of paper and ink. A law enforcement agency or legal firm may be able to provide assistance in securing an internship. You may have to relocate to a different region if an internship is unavailable in your particular area.
It might also be a good idea to obtain some type of professional certification to further enhance your employment prospects. This certification assures potential employers that your knowledge and skills are up-to-date with current technology and standards. In the United States, a widely-recognized professional certification is issued by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE). Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive skills and knowledge examination to receive ABFDE certification. Certain educational and work-experience requirements must be met in order to sit for this exam.
There are several different means of finding employment after you become a forensic document examiner. Many law enforcement agencies and law firms hire these professionals to analyze documents utilized in criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits. Governmental tax-collecting agencies also employ examiners to detect fraudulent documents and returns. Large corporations such as banks and credit-card issuers often hire these individuals to analyze checks and drafts for fraud. You may also be able to find work as an independent contractor for these agencies and firms.