Forensic Links

An accrediting body (AB) is an organization that assesses forensic service providers against a set of standards to verify conformance to those standards.

A2LA = American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
An accrediting body that accredits, among other things, forensic service providers.

ANAB = ANSI National Accreditation Board
An accrediting body that accredits, among other things, forensic service providers. (Formerly Forensic Quality Services [FQS]).

ANSI = American National Standards Institute
ANSI is the primary organization for fostering the development of technology standards in the United States. ANSI does not write standards, but rather accredits SDOs (such as ASTM) and is the US member body to ISO. ANSI has coordinated the development of voluntary consensus standards in the US for over 100 years.

FSAB = Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board
Assesses, recognizes, and monitors CABs, or organizations or professional boards that certify individual forensic scientists or other forensic specialists (such as ABFT).

ILAC MRA = ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement
Accreditation bodies that are signatories to the ILAC MRA have been peer evaluated in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17011 to demonstrate their competence. ANAB and A2LA, for example, are both signatories to the ILAC MRA.

Accreditation Pathway

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AAAS = American Association for the Advancement of Science
The AAAS seeks to “advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people."

AAFS = American Academy of Forensic Scientists
The AAFS membership is structured by its eleven sections (disciplines).  Each section provides opportunities for professional development, personal contacts, committee participation, as well as awards and recognition.  Holds an annual scientific meeting.

AFQAM = Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers
AFQAM promotes standardized practices and professionalism in quality assurance management for the forensic community.

AFSN = Asian Forensic Sciences Network 
The Asian Forensic Sciences Network (AFSN) was formed in 2008 with the purpose of having a platform for forensic scientists in Asia to come together to discuss, share, and advance forensic science. AFSN has 9 technical workgroups (Crime Scene Investigation, Digital Forensics, DNA, Fingerprint, Forensic Medicine, Illicit Drugs, Toxicology, Trace Evidence, Questioned Document) and a Quality Assurance and Standards Committee.

AFTE = Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
AFTE is the international professional organization for practitioners of Firearm and/or Toolmark Identification and has been dedicated to the exchange of information, methods and best practices, and the furtherance of research since its creation in 1969.

ASCLD = American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
The purpose of the organization is to foster professional interests, assist the development of laboratory management principles and techniques; acquire, preserve, and disseminate forensic based information; maintain and improve communication among crime laboratory directors; and to promote, encourage, and maintain the highest standards of practice in the field. ASCLD administers the US TAG for ISO/TC 272 .

• Open the SDO tab for more information about ISO/TC 272.

ASQ = American Society for Quality
Provides enhanced expertise, professional networks, tools, and solutions to help our members advance their products, services, and industries. We provide professional training, certifications, and knowledge to members globally.

CAC = California Association of Criminalists
A California-based organization for professionals working in the field of Criminalistics. We strive to foster an exchange of ideas and information, and to encourage friendship and cooperation among laboratory personnel.

CSFS = Canadian Society of Forensic Science
The CSFS is a non-profit professional organization incorporated to maintain professional standards, and to promote the study and enhance the stature of forensic science.

IAI = International Association for Identification
This professional forensic association represents a diverse, knowledgeable and experienced membership that are assembled to educate, share, critique and publish methods, techniques and research in the physical forensic science disciplines.

MAAFS = Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists
The mission of MAAFS is to encourage the exchange and dissemination of ideas and information within the fields of recognized forensic sciences through improving contacts between persons and laboratories engaged in the forensic sciences; to stimulate research and the development of new and/or improved techniques; and, to promote high standards of performance and facilitate professional acknowledgment of persons working in recognized forensic science disciplines.

MAFS = Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
MAFS purpose is to encourage the exchange of ideas and information within forensic science.

NAME = National Association of Medical Examiners
The NAME is the premier professional organization for medical examiners, forensic pathologists, and medicolegal affiliates and administrators. Since its founding NAME has been committed to: Providing leadership and advocacy for best practices in forensic pathology and death investigation; Developing and promulgating forensic autopsy standards; Offering and promoting accreditation of medicolegal death investigation systems in the United States and internationally; Promoting research and advancing knowledge; Representing medicolegal death investigation and its practicing professionals to the public and the government. (see website for full list)

NEAFS = Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists
NEAFS purpose is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information within forensic science, encourage a high level of competency among forensic science professionals, and to stimulate increased implementation of existing techniques and research and development of new techniques and encourage financial support for these efforts.

NWAFS = Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists
NWAFS goals are to encourage the dissemination of information within the fields of forensic science and to discuss problems of common interest, to foster friendship and cooperation among forensic scientists, and to stimulate research and development of new techniques within the field.

SAFS =  Southern Association of Forensic Scientists
The objectives of the Association shall be to encourage dissemination of information within the field of forensic sciences and to discuss problems of common interest; to stimulate research and development of new techniques within the field; to promote the use of standardized methodology and presentation of conclusions; to encourage compilation of statistical data of value in the field; to assist in maintaining a high level of professional competence among practicing forensic scientists; to foster friendship and cooperation among forensic scientists, and to lend assistance to colleges and universities in the development of forensic science and related curricula and to law enforcement planning agencies.

SOFT = Society of Forensic Toxicologists
A professional organization composed of practicing forensic toxicologists and those interested in the discipline for the purpose of promoting and developing forensic toxicology.

SWAFS = Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
This Association is formed for the following reasons: To provide an association for persons who are actively engaged in the profession of scientific examination of physical evidence in an organized body so that the profession of all of its disciplines may be effectively and scientifically practiced, To exchange information among forensic scientists to improve techniques, To encourage research in forensic science, and To keep its members apprised of the latest techniques and discoveries in forensic
science.

A conformity assessment body (CAB) is an organization or professional board that certifies individual forensic scientists or other forensic specialists.

ABC = American Board of Criminalistics
Develop and manage tests of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Offers a certificate in comprehensive criminalistics as well as in some specialty disciplines.

ABFA = American Board of Forensic Anthropology
Provides a program of certification in forensic anthropology.

ABFDE = American Board of Forensic Document Examiners
Establishes and maintains standards of qualification for those who practice forensic document examination and certifies applicants who comply with ABFDE requirements.

ABFO = American Board of Forensic Odontology
The objective of the Board is to establish, enhance, and revise as necessary, standards of qualifications for those who practice forensic odontology, and to certify as qualified specialists those voluntary applicants who comply with the requirements of the Board.

ABFT = American Board of Forensic Toxicology
Now in an alliance with ANAB, who will be administering the ABFT accreditation program, ABFT establishes and revises standards of qualification for Forensic Toxicologists and maintains standards for laboratories that practice postmortem forensic toxicology or human performance toxicology.

ABMDI = American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators
Certifies individuals who have the proven knowledge and skills necessary to perform medicolegal death investigations as set forth in the National Institutes of Justice 1999 publication Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator (2011 updated version available).

BFDE = Board of Forensic Document Examiners
Administers a professional certification program designed to evaluate the knowledge practical skills, and abilities of forensic document examiners.

IAAI = Certified Fire Investigator Board, International Association of Arson Investigators
Provides active support to fire, arson, and explosion investigation professionals through leadership in education, training, professional development, certification, networking, advocacy, and the provision of resources.

IACIS = International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists
Dedicated to training, certifying and providing membership services to computer forensic professionals around the world.

IBFES = International Board of Forensic Engineering Sciences
Certifies professionals with a specialty in the forensic engineering sciences. An IBFES certification indicates that an individual has been determined by his or her peers to be technically competent, forensically experienced, dedicated to ethical work and professionally correct.

ASB = AAFS Academy Standards Board
An SDO dedicated to developing standards for forensic science.

ASTM = previously stood for the "American Society for Testing and Materials", but is now, itself, the name of the organization
A leading SDO, ASTM develops standards for many industries, including forensic science, around the world.

CASCO = ISOs "ISO's Committee on Conformity Assessment"
Develops policy and publishes standards related to conformity assessment, but does not perform conformity assessment activities.

IEC = International Electrotechnical Commission
The IEC is one of three global sister organizations (which also includes ISO) that develop International Standards for the world.

ISO = International Organization for Standardization
Develops and publishes international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 and 17020 which are commonly followed by forensic service providers.

ISO/TC 272 = ISO Technical Committee 272 Forensic Sciences
An ISO committee that develops standards that pertain to laboratory and field-based forensic science techniques and methodology in broad general areas such as the detection and collection of physical evidence, the subsequent analysis and interpretation of the evidence, and the reporting of results and findings.

• Click here to learn about how AFQAM collaborates with TC272

NFPA = National Fire Protection Association
A global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering our mission.

SDO = Standards Developing Organizations
SDOs include professional societies, industry and trade associations and membership organizations that develop standards within their area of expertise. They may develop standards with their own members or in cooperation with other SDOs and interested parties. SDOs in the United States may choose to develop standards that are submitted to ANSI for approval as American National Standards (ANS). They may also develop standards outside the ANSI accreditation and approval process.

Standard Development Organizations

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CCI = California Criminalistics Institute
CCI provides specialized forensic training to forensic laboratory and law enforcement personnel.

CFSO = Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations
Lobbying group that includes ASCLD, AAFS, SOFT, NAME, International Association of Forensic Nurses. Represents the interests of smaller forensic science providers.

CFSRE = Center for Forensic Science Research and Education
In Pennsylvania, The Center conducts research, development, and new technology assessment, and delivers educational and training services for the forensic science community and beyond.

CSAFE = Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence
CSAFE brings together scientists, statisticians, forensic practitioners and other stakeholders to pursue the common goal of building strong statistical foundations to apply to forensic science.

FTCoE = Forensic Technology Center of Excellence
Funded by the NIJ, the FTCoE provides testing, evaluation, and technology assistance to forensic labs and practitioners in the criminal justice community.

• Unavailable as of 4/2025

GFJC = Global Forensic and Justice Center
Provides quality forensic services including training, assessment, research and technology assistance to the justice and forensic communities. A part of Florida International University.

• National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) merged with the International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI) in 2018 to form the Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC).

IFSA = International Forensic Strategic Alliance
Represent the global operational forensic science community dedicated to the improvement of forensic science in all jurisdictions. The US (and founding) member is ASCLD.

NamUS = National Missing and Unidentified Persons System
Funded and administered by the NIJ, NamUS is a national information clearinghouse and resource center for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed person cases across the United States.

NCFS = National Commission on Forensic Science
A Federal Advisory Committee established by the US Department of Justice in partnership with the NIST in 2013 and lasting until April 2017 whose purpose was to enhance the practice and improve the reliability of forensic science.

NIJ = National Institute of Justice
Dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science.

NIST = National Institute of Standards and Technology
NIST is working to strengthen forensic practice through research and improved standards. For example, NIST administers the OSAC and cochaired the NCFS.

NTVIC = National Technology Validation and Implementation Collaborative 
The NTVIC was established in 2022 with a vision to collaborate nationally on forensic science validation, method development, and implementation in the public sector.  The group is not associated with any organization, corporation, or non-profit.  However, the group is connected with prominent forensic science membership organizations, universities, and private technology and research companies.  The NTVIC Members are federal, state, regional, and large local forensic science laboratory directors with validation needs and resources.  The NTVIC Members have a common vision to share existing resources to work together on validation and implementation projects to lessen the burden on individual forensic science and forensic medicine providers to perform the work. 

OIFS = Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences
The NIJ Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences (OIFS) is the federal government’s lead agency for forensic science research and development as well as for the administration of programs that facilitate training, improve laboratory efficiency and reduce backlogs. Many grants such as the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant and the DNA Backlog Reduction Program come from this office. Funded the often-cited report from the Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community, National Research Council titled Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward in 2009.

OSTP = Office of Science and Technology Policy
In 1976, Congress established the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to provide the President and others within the Executive Office of the President with advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign relations, the environment, and the technological recovery and use of resources, among other topics.

PCAST = President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is an advisory group of the Nation’s leading scientists and engineers, appointed by the President to augment the science and technology advice available to him from inside the White House and from cabinet departments and other Federal agencies. PCAST is consulted about, and often makes policy recommendations concerning, the full range of issues where understandings from the domains of science, technology, and innovation bear potentially on the policy choices before the President.

• Under President Barack Obama; no longer exists.

SWG = Scientific Working Group
Scientific Working Groups (SWGs) consisted of scientific subject-matter experts who collaborate to determine best practices and to develop consensus standards. All but one of these working groups (SWGDAM, DNA) have been subsumed into the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science.

Improvement and Research Agencies

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FSSB = Forensic Science Standards Board
OSAC's governing board which, among other things, approves standards for the OSAC registry.

OSAC = Organization of Scientific Area Committees (for Forensic Science)
Collaborative body of more than 550+ forensic science practitioners and other experts representing all levels of the government, academia, and industry with expertise in a broad array of forensic science disciplines as well as scientific research, measurement science, statistics, law, and policy. OSAC is working to strengthen forensic science practice through improved standards by facilitating the development of technically sound, science-based standards, evaluating existing standards for placement on a registry, and promoting the use of these standards throughout the forensic community.

• Click here to learn more about OSAC.

SACs = Scientific Area Committees
OSAC's scientific area committees (SACs) provide direction and oversee the work performed by the discipline-specific subcommittees. SACs approve and channel the work of the subcommittees to the Forensic Science Standards Board and help to coordinate activities if a standard impacts multiple disciplines.

IAF = International Accreditation Forum
Accreditation bodies, which have been evaluated by peers as competent, sign arrangements that enhance the acceptance of products and services across national borders, thereby creating a framework to support international trade through the removal of technical barriers. These arrangements are managed by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), in the fields of management systems, products, services, personnel and other similar programmes of conformity assessment, and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), in the field of laboratory and inspection accreditation. IAF and ILAC are in the process of merging into a single entity.

ILAC = International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
ILAC is the international organization for accreditation bodies operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011 and involved in the assessment and accreditation of calibration laboratories (using ISO/IEC 17025), testing laboratories (using ISO/IEC 17025), medical testing laboratories (using ISO 15189) and inspection bodies (using ISO/IEC 17020). ILAC does not assess and accredit laboratories and inspection bodies, but does facilitate peer evaluation against relevant standards and international acceptance of standard recognition.

SWGDRUG – SWG for the Analysis of Seized Drugs

SWGDE – SWG for Digital Evidence

SWGGUN – SWG for Firearms and Toolmarks

SWGDAM – SWG for DNA Analysis Methods

FBI = Federal Bureau of Investigation

National Commission on Forensic Science