Certification implies a certain level of knowledge and conformance with agreed standards. It may apply to organizations, products, or individuals. In forensic science, a number of programs or schemes exist internationally that offer professional certification across both field- and laboratory-based disciplines. They range from semimandatory to voluntary schemes and are in the main offered by professional organizations. The aims and criteria for such schemes are discussed along with their limitations as well as the possible support they could provide to the forensic science profession.
