Forensic Anthropology Level I is the highest professional certification offered by the RAI in Forensic Anthropology. Chartered FAIs are highly experienced practitioners who have court room experience, and are entitled to the post-nominal Ch FA-I. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their eligibility through the information that they include on the application form.
Chartership Applications
Application for FAI chartership is by (i) application and portfolio assessment and (ii) viva voce examination. Application normally requires a minimum of three years’ experience after attaining FAII status, including evidence of participation in the activities outlined in the CPD guidance documentation. Direct entry is also possible where the candidate presents a portfolio of evidence commensurate with these requirements.
The next round of chartership of FAI level practitioners will be in 2026. The submission of application forms and all associated documentation should be made by 28 February 2026.
How to apply:
- The applicant must be a Fellow of the RAI. Information on joining the RAI can be found here
- Applicants must complete an Application Form and submit it to fac@therai.org.uk
- A current CV and pdf portfolio containing evidence of that which is stipulated under section 3 of the Practitioner Levels must be submitted to fac@therai.org.uk to support your application
- The fee for the FAI examination is £500. Applicants will be invoiced on receipt of application
- Applicants are asked to consult the Guidance to FAI Candidates document
Please note that all files sent should be password-protected. Once a candidate’s application and supporting evidence have been passed by two independent examiners, a Viva Voce oral examination will be scheduled. Ahead of the Viva Voce, the examination panel will ask candidates to submit 3 anonymised case reports, selected from the 5 case reports listed in their initial application.
Further information on application and examination is provided in the Examination Procedures. Any queries should be sent to the Forensic Anthropology Officer via fac@therai.org.uk.
Recertification
Continuing professional development is a vital part of the chartership process. Practitioners are asked to consult the CPD document, and must consult their own country’s criminal procedure rules for information on the responsibilities of forensic anthropologists as expert witnesses within international criminal justice systems outside of the UK.
Every 5 years after chartership, FAI practitioners are required to:
- Complete a FAI recertification form and submit it to fac@therai.org.uk
- Submit an up-to-date CV and pdf portfolio containing evidence of that which is stipulated in the CPD documentation to fac@therai.org.uk
- Retain their status as a Fellow of the RAI
- The fee for FAI recertification is £50. Recertifying practitioners will be invoiced on receipt of their application.
Please note that all files sent should be password-protected. Once your recertification documents have been passed by two independent examiners, your 5-year recertification window will reset.