If you would like to become a forgery expert, you might first want to obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. You can then seek employment as a detective, and investigate fraud and cases of identity theft. If possible, try to find someone who is working in this field to mentor you. Once you are confident you have sufficient training and experience, consider becoming certified in the area of document examination by taking a test given by a licensed board in your area.
A college program in criminal justice or private investigation might help you become a forgery expert. You might want to consider taking courses in criminal law, cyber crime, and identity theft prevention. If your college offers basic courses in deciphering handwriting, this will also be helpful.
After graduation, look for a job at a law enforcement agency or with a private investigating firm. If you get an opportunity to work as a detective, this can give you valuable experience that could help you become a forgery expert. This can be especially true if you are assigned to work on cases involving consumer fraud, identity theft, or embezzlement.
Rather than working as an investigator, you might want to consider an apprenticeship with an experienced forgery expert. This individual could give you on-the-job training and help you perfect your skills in this area. You could also gain valuable experience in other areas, such as preserving documents and testifying in court.
All of this experience and training can often help you pass a certifying examination. In the U.S., this test is given by the American Board of Certified Document Examiners. Achieving this milestone can allow you to publicly announce your credentials and seek employment as a forgery expert in your own right.
After you become a forgery expert, you may need to stay current with the latest trends in document examination. This could require continuing education in order to learn new techniques. Depending on local requirements, you may also need to update your license from time to time.
A forgery expert is a valuable person in investigating fraud, ensuring that individuals who commit these crimes can be brought to justice. If you desire a career in this field, it can take a great deal of time, commitment, and hard work in order to do so. If you are persistent in your endeavor, this effort can nonetheless allow you to become a respected professional whose opinion is highly respected in the law enforcement community.
