The Future of Forensic Anthropology Practice and Education
Competencies, Certification, and Licensure
Bibliographic Data
Forensic anthropology must embrace standards and credentialing that align with other medicolegal disciplines, such as forensic pathology and forensic odontology. This involves establishing itself more firmly as an essential specialty in the medicolegal system and limiting practice to qualified professionals. Without educational or professional requirements to practice forensic anthropology, the competencies of those involved in medicolegal cases vary, despite the potentially serious legal impact of errors. Negligent work can impede decedent identification or wrongly convict or free a suspect. Erroneous and unprofessional work also misrepresents the field and may deter agencies from utilizing forensic anthropologists. This commentary aims to convey the need to further professionalize forensic anthropology through the standardization of education, qualifications, and practice. Differences between certification and licensure and their implications are discussed. Recent and upcoming developments in the field highlight progress, including the development of a multi‐level certification system and list of core competencies by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA). Additionally, the Anthropology subcommittee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for forensic science (OSAC) is developing a standard for qualifications in forensic anthropology. These developments emphasize the importance of certification and standardization in education and training for the advancement of forensic anthropology. Standardization efforts such as these will foster a cohesive, respected practice to serve the evolving needs of the medicolegal system.
Certification · competency standards · Forensic anthropology · Licensure · professional education · Professionalization · Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Forensic Entomology and Diptera Studies
Caseloads in forensic anthropology
Rise of forensic anthropology
Physical anthropology and the law
Core Competencies in Forensic Anthropology
Salaries in Forensic Anthropology and Academic Anthropology
Education and Training in Forensic Anthropology
American Board of Forensic Anthropology's Certification Program
Origins of Forensic Anthropology in the United States
| Citations per year | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |