Qualifications & Requirements

All applications for Board Certification must be made in writing on the form provided by the Force Concepts Training Council. Once completed, applications will be submitted to the FCTC Headquarters in Mountain City, Tennessee.

• Applicant must be a licensed professional investigator, active law enforcement investigator, or active duty military investigator.
• Applicant must have a minimum of two years investigative experience.
• Applicant must successfully complete the Force Investigations Certification Training presented by the Force Concepts Training Council, or the approved distance learning option. The Force Investigations Certification Training must be completed within a one-year period preceding of the date of application.
• Applicant must successfully pass the BCFI’s written examination.
• Applicant must submit the required application and pay all required fees.
• Applicant must provide three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s professionalism, qualifications, and investigative knowledge, skills & abilities.
• Applicant must provide a notarized affidavit attesting to the successful investigation of a minimum of twenty-five (25) cases. These assignments do not have to be force related but must be comprehensive in nature. This case work cannot be task-oriented investigations at the direction of an attorney or other supervising party. The affidavit must be obtained from the applicant’s immediate supervisor or counsel in good standing with the appropriate Bar Association.
• Applicant will sign a sworn affidavit attesting to the applicant’s commitment to conducting impartial, objective, and ethical investigations as an advocate for the facts.
• Applicant will adhere to the continuing education requirements established for maintaining the BCFI designation and pay the annual BCFI Membership Fee.
• Continuous Membership in good standing is required to maintain certification.

Required Reading

Force Concepts – The Definitive Guide for Separating Self-Defense from Criminal Action

Recommended Reading

Uncovering Reasonable Doubt – The Component Method

Foresnsic Testimonial Evidence Recovery – The Art & Science of the Interview

Practical Methods for Legal Investigations: Concepts and Protocols in Civil and Criminal Cases

Death and Serious Bodily Injury Investigation for the Professional Investigator