Certification : Overview

ABVE has set forth the following formalized standard for identifying persons for board certification as Vocational Experts at the Diplomate or Fellow level. The person must:

A) Be an active ABVE Associate Member.

B) Hold a Master's or Doctorate degree from an accredited institution in human service field specializing in vocational rehabilitation, psychology, vocational counseling, etc.;

C) Have specific training and experience in such areas as assessment, functional capacity measures, psychological testing and measurement, job analysis, job placement, job surveys, and have experience providing testimony in these areas;

D) Display knowledge and expertise within a submitted forensic work product; and,

E) Attain a passing score on the ABVE examination.

F) Sign and adhere to the ABVE Code of Ethics.

* Note: All work-product submitted for review shall have names of parties and other significant individuals redacted.

* Note: Completed applications for certification must be received by January 22, 2012 in order to be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam on March 22, 2012.

DIPLOMATE (ABVE/D) status requires seven years of documented experience in the area of assessment of vocational capacity and vocational expert opinion and demonstration of distinguished performance or recognition as a vocational expert, in addition to the above requirements. This might include the following: published works; leadership position in a professional organization; presentation of papers at professional organization; presentation of papers at professional seminars; and/or sitting on study groups or legislative committees to enhance the professionalism of an organization.

FELLOW (ABVE/F) status requires three years of documented experience in assessment of vocational capacity and vocational expert forensics in addition to the requirements (A-F) listed above.

NEW - ABVE Professional Forensic Certification (ABVE/P)
Effective June 2011

Professional Forensic Certification (ABVE/P) is a vehicle to demonstrate minimum expert witness competence in forensic settings. ABVE Professional certification is designed to emphasize beginning and basic forensic and related analysis and procedural skills. ABVE Professional certification is available to individuals with at least a bachelor's level academic degree and significant technical expertise within a phase of vocational expert activity in addition to the requirements A, C, D, E and F above and attainment of a passing score on the Certification Exam (Professional Edition).

This certification is designed for individuals who: (a) provide vocational case management, job placement, return to work planning, workers compensation services (b) testify about job requirements, transferable skills analysis and labor market surveys; (c) provide vocational assessment/evaluation services; or (d) offer testimony about vocational case management including but not limited to life care planning. ABVE Professional does not qualify a person for higher level certification without first satisfying Fellow or Diplomate level requirements.

ABVE Credentialing Process

The American Board of Vocational Experts recognizes and supports the policies and high professional standards of the various rehabilitation credentialing bodies. This view is all-encompassing but focused on the integrity and industry demand for high ethical policies and practice. ABVE maintains a strict ethics approach to take rapid action with professional members who are found to have violated one or more of these canons. It is with this philosophy that professionals who have been sanctioned by any vocational rehabilitation credentialing body with loss of membership will not be allowed to take the ABVE examination or hold the ABVE credential.

To be considered for certification, you must meet the above criteria and submit your application with accompanying documents requested. The application fee of $225 is nonrefundable. References should be individuals who can attest to the applicant's knowledge in forensics work, and they should be attorneys, judges, insurance companies or other referral sources who have utilized the candidate in this regard. Supervisors or co-workers are not acceptable.

When headquarters receives your completed application, it will be reviewed by the Credentials Peer Review Committee. If you pass peer review, you will be invited to sit for the exam. On completion of the exam, you will be notified of the Committee's recommendations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our ABVE Headquarters at (831) 464-4890.

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