Board Certification Examination

The scope of knowledge for the Board Certified exam will rely heavily on the applicant's cumulative experience and further training in medicolegal death investigation and can include independent study and attendance at workshops, seminars, and other training venues. As a minimum, and given that the examination is broad based and encompasses the forensic sciences, the applicant is required to have an Associate Degree.

The 5 1/2 hour examination is divided into 2 parts:

For an online practice test to familiarize yourself with the testing platform, you can visit Sample ABMDI Registry Exam.

1. A Performance Section--This portion consists of three medicolegal death scene scenarios. You will be asked to:
   1. Write a narrative description of the scene in the space provided using medical terminology.
   2. Develop a set of questions that could be used to interview witnesses and/or suspects
   3. Develop a list of pieces of potential evidence.
   All answers should be based solely on information provided in the case scenario and depicted in the scene photographs. Since you only have 30 minutes for each case, you DO NOT need to interpret findings, solve the case or develop a complete case report.
   
   
2. A Multiple Choice Section--This portion consists of 240 multiple choice test items. You have up to 4 hours to complete this portion, which is divided into the following 8 sections:
   1. Investigating Specific Death Scenes
   2. Investigating Multiple Fatalities
   3. Investigating Atypical Death Scenes
   4. Investigating Institutional Deaths
   5. Demonstrating Leadership Skills
   6. Demonstrating Legal Knowledge
   7. Communication Skills
   8. Demonstrating Advanced Forensic Science Knowledge
   These sections are based on the Advanced Skills List included in your application packet.

The American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with documented disabilities.