When choosing an expert in the field of Forensic Document Examination, make sure that they possess, at a minimum, a certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners.

The American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE), established in 1977, is the only certifying body that can claim sponsorship by the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Southeastern Association of Forensic Document Examiners, and the Southwestern Association of Forensic Document Examiners. In addition, ABFDE is recognized by the International Association of Identification and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists. The ABFDE is the only certifying body that can claim such sponsorship, and as such, should not be confused with any other organization having a similar sounding name.

A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution.
Proof of a minimum two year full time apprenticeship program in a Board-recognized forensic laboratory.
At least three references from ABFDE Board certified Forensic Document Examiners who can attest to his/her qualifications for certification and high ethical character.
Completion within two years of comprehensive written (proctored), practical, and oral examinations based upon the broad range of problems encountered by Forensic Document Examiners.

Do not confuse graphology with Forensic Document Examination. Graphology is the attempted personality analysis based on handwriting characteristics, and in no way is related to Forensic Handwriting Examination. A qualified Document Examiner is not trained in Graphology, and a Graphologist is not trained in Forensic Document Examination.