Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a difference between a handwriting expert and a document examiner?

A document examiner is often called a “handwriting expert” because a majority of the work he or she performs involves handwriting. However, a handwriting expert must have training in more areas that just handwriting to be competent in doing forensic work case work. The document examiner answers questions relating to the reliability and authenticity of a document which may involve signatures, text writing, hand printing or questions about how or when a document was prepared, whether the document was altered in any way, or recovery of information from erased or obliterated portions of the document

Document examiners also compare printed matter and perform ink and paper comparisons. In other words, as the name implies, they examine every part of the entire document as it is relevant to a case.

Law Enforcement crime laboratories often handle problems that are rare in private practice, and vice-versa. Agency examiners may, for example, be asked to decipher a charred or water soaked document, determine if official documents are authentic [passports, postal money orders etc.], or match crime scene evidence such as torn pieces of paper. Private practice examiners handle case work that is rare in the average crime laboratory, such as writings involving the elderly, individuals with medical conditions and document assessment in medical malpractice cases. Expertise in handwriting is only one requirement of the profession.

Q: Are the ASTM standards still valid standards for the profession?

The ASTM stated to its members that it relinquished its copyright on the guides and standards produced through the E30.02 Subcommittee on Questioned Documents. It stated that the standards could be used as derivative works by anyone wishing to write standards based on those published by the subcommittee. For further guidelines on using the standards as derivatives contact the ASTM (610-832-9500).

The published standards will remain active standards until their individual expiration dates. The standards cannot be renewed upon expiration because the questioned document subcommittee closed. Anyone may choose to continue using the protocols presented in these voluntary standards. Expiration of the standard does not necessarily make the content invalid, with the exception of technological changes.

Q: Does a document examiner testify in court a lot?

No. It has been estimated that examiners in private practice testify in only 2-3% of the cases in which they render opinions. Typically examiners submit a verbal and/or written report, and that is the end of their involvement.

Q: What is the difference between the several boards that certify document examiners?

The differences are generally in the prerequisites, the testing procedures, and whether the board is accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board. Some boards write prerequisite and training requirements and then make exceptions. Another board may offer a certification credential without any depth to the testing and instead charge a hefty fee. Some boards proctor the testing; others do not.

An attorney will explore the criteria and procedures when encountering a board certified expert. As an individual inquiring, you can contact the board and ask for a brochure or document that defines their program. Some boards have the criteria on their web sites.

Q: Is research being conducted and where can I locate it?

Yes. The Journal of Forensic Document Examination publishes research conducted by academic scientists that deals with various aspects of handwriting and motor control. Many of these researchers are members of the International Graphonomics Society. The Journal of Forensic Document Examination also publishes informal studies conducted by document examiners that often involve issues resulting from case work.

Research and case studies on handwriting-related issues can also be found in motor control, experimental psychology, medical, and forensic science journals, such as The Journal of Forensic Science, The Canadian Journal of Forensic Science, The Journal of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners.

Q: How does one become a document examiner?

A degree from an accredited college or university is a start. Although not all document examiners currently practicing hold a degree, individuals entering the field at this time will need a degree for admittance to professional associations. Depending upon the areas of document examination that one chooses to specialize in, a degree in the physical sciences may be helpful. Individuals should also have an analytical mind, sharp eye for detail, and be self-directed.

There are primarily two methods of training. Individuals employed in a law enforcement agency normally train in-house as apprentices. Others must locate mentors who are willing to direct their studies and provide actual case work as a means of gaining the necessary practical experience. Attending educational symposiums for professional development and court sessions to become familiar with the proceedings and hear expert witness testimony is also important. Students must do a lot of reading, experimenting and research on their own. Continuous contact with one or more established court-qualified professionals is essential during this period. Colleges/universities do not offer courses in document examination, except occasionally, as an introductory course for law enforcement officers or investigators to assist them in their work with document examiners.

Training outside of law enforcement agencies is expensive and time-consuming. It requires travel out of state to attend seminars and [usually] to work with experienced examiners to gain practical experience. The training period lasts until the person is competent to render forensic opinions. In the private sector, document examination is often a second career for many people so studies may begin on a part-time basis and continue for three, four, or five years, depending on how much time is devoted to learning and gaining practical experience. Opinions rendered by document examiners have a tremendous impact on the lives of people involved in criminal prosecution or civil litigation. Document examiners in training must therefore be responsible enough not to accept cases until their mentor(s) agree and/or tests confirm that they are ready to begin a practice. Once established, continuing education is available through professional organizations. Attending continuing education conferences is an obligation of every professional.

Q: What is the difference between a graphoanalyst, a graphologist, and a document examiner?

The word “Graphonanalyst” is a term trademarked by the International Graphoanalysis Society (IGAS) designating an individual who trained in that school. A Graphoanalyst and a graphologist both evaluate personality based on observations made from handwriting. These fields are not related to forensic document examination, and training in these areas is not considered to be training for forensic evaluation of handwriting.

Forensic document examination is a branch of the forensic sciences. Document examination involves many areas relating to the validity of a document in addition to evaluating handwriting. Forensic document examiners are employed in law enforcement and other government agencies or own businesses in the private sector.

Q: Are Graphonomics and Graphology the same?

Absolutely not! Graphonomics is the multi-disciplinary field of fundamental and applied experimental research of handwriting movements and related motor skills. The International Graphonomics Society (IGS) holds biennial conferences to present current research in motor control as applied to handwriting and drawing, for educational and remedial purposes, and for specific purposes such as in paleography, security, and forensic work. (https://graphonomics.net/about-us/origin/).

Graphology is the study of handwriting to extract personality traits and create a profile of the individual. The confusion seems to be (STEM FROM) an organization called the International Graphoanalysis Society (IGAS), because of a similar acronym.