An ABFDE Diplomate has met stringent standards, passed rigorous testing, and maintains recertification through ongoing professional education and contributions to the field. The American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) is the only certifying board sponsored by the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners (ASQDE), the CSFS, SAFDE, SWAFDE, and is recognized by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). The minimum requirement established by the ABFDE for training in forensic document examination is a two-year apprenticeship in a recognized forensic laboratory or with an examiner in private practice who has previously received proper training. Minimum qualifications for ABFDE certification are:

· Baccalaureate degree
· Full-time training program in a recognized document laboratory
· Full-time practice of forensic document examination

Anyone selecting an FDE should beware of sound-alike organizations. Job announcements from federal and state laboratories that hire FDEs consistently include certification by ABFDE or eligibility to be certified by ABFDE as a required or desired qualification.