Scientific Working Group for Forensic Anthropology (SWGANTH) 

Qualifications 

Issue date: 06/02/2010 

Revision: 0 

Qualifications 

1.0 Principle, Spirit and Intent 

Establishing qualifications to practice forensic anthropology ensures that the best 

interests of the profession, the justice system, and society are served. Practitioners should 

possess the appropriate qualifications relevant to the forensic anthropology-related duties 

they are expected to perform. 

2.0 Purpose and Scope 

The following guidelines recommend levels of education, training, experience, and 

professional activities required to practice forensic anthropology at various levels. These 

guidelines apply to forensic anthropologists practicing in any laboratory setting including 

medicolegal facilities, universities, law enforcement agencies, government laboratories, 

and other crime laboratories. 

Laboratories should strive to employ the most qualified forensic anthropologists 

appropriate to its case-working functions and organizational requirements. Outside the 

United States, consideration should be given to the availability of comparable education 

and professional development programs. In the absence of specific guidelines or 

procedures, the principle, spirit and intent should be met. 

3.0 Forensic Anthropologist I 

A Forensic Anthropologist I should work under close supervision of a Forensic 

Anthropologist III. Responsibilities may include data collection (taking measurements 

and notes), assisting with forensic anthropological analyses, and co-signing reports. A 

Forensic Anthropologist I should possess the following qualifications: 

 A Master’s Degree (MA or MS) or equivalent in Physical/Biological 

Anthropology or closely-related field, with a significant emphasis on skeletal 

biology, human variation, human anatomy, and statistics 

OR 

A Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) or equivalent, and active enrollment in a 

graduate program with a Forensic Anthropologist III, with similar emphasis 

 Participation in relevant continuing education and training (e.g., workshops, short 

courses) in forensic anthropology or related fields 

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 Active membership, at any level, in relevant professional organizations (e.g., 

American Academy of Forensic Sciences, International Association for 

Identification, American Association of Physical Anthropologists) 

4.0 Forensic Anthropologist II 

A Forensic Anthropologist II independently conducts forensic anthropological analyses 

and writes and signs reports in a laboratory preferably supervised by a Forensic 

Anthropologist III. A Forensic Anthropologist II should possess the following 

qualifications: 

 A Master’s Degree (MA or MS) or equivalent in Physical/Biological 

Anthropology or closely-related field, with a significant emphasis on, human 

osteology, skeletal biology, human variation, human anatomy, and statistics 

 Three (3) years of relevant experience supervised/mentored by a Forensic 

Anthropologist III, following the above degree 

 Active certification in forensic anthropology by a Forensic Specialties 

Accreditation Board-accredited organization (if and when available) 

 Participation in relevant continuing education and training (e.g., workshops, short 

courses) in forensic anthropology or related fields 

 Continuing professional development in forensic anthropology including one or 

more of the following: 

 Conducting research and authoring peer-reviewed publications 

 Professional service 

 Teaching relevant courses at the collegiate level 

 Enrollment in a doctoral program 

 Voting Membership in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences or 

comparable organization 

5.0 Forensic Anthropologist III 

A Forensic Anthropologist III independently conducts forensic anthropological analyses 

and writes and signs reports. They may be the sole forensic anthropology practitioner in 

a laboratory, and may supervise individuals at the Forensic Anthropologist I or Forensic 

Anthropologist II levels. A Forensic Anthropologist III should possess the following 

qualifications: 

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 A Doctoral degree (PhD) or equivalent in Physical/Biological Anthropology or 

closely-related field with a significant emphasis on forensic anthropology, human 

osteology, skeletal biology, human variation, human anatomy, and statistics 

 Three years of sustained, relevant, mentored casework and professional activity, 

following the above degree 

 Active certification by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology or other 

Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board-accredited organization (if and when 

available 

 Participation in relevant continuing education and training (e.g., workshops, short 

courses) in forensic anthropology or related fields 

 Continuing professional development in forensic anthropology including one or 

more of the following: 

 Conducting research and authoring peer-reviewed publications 

 Professional service 

 Teaching relevant courses at the collegiate level 

 Fellowship in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences or comparable 

professional organization

6.0 Additional Considerations 

A laboratory providing forensic anthropological services or analyses (including sole 

practitioners/consultants) should have at least one Forensic Anthropologist III in 

residence who directly supervises the work of individuals at the Forensic Anthropologist 

I and II levels. 

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