Forensic Anthropology Level II is the intermediate level of professional certification offered by the RAI in Forensic Anthropology, and entitles practitioners to the post-nominal Cert FA-II. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their eligibility through the information that they include on the application form.
Applications to FAII
Application for FAII certification involves (i) an application form and portfolio review, (ii) a mapping exercise OR a written examination, and (iii) a practical examination.
The next round of submissions for certification of FAII practitioners will be in 2026. Submission of application forms and all associated documentation should be made by 31 January 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 2 of the Practitioner Levels must be submitted to fac@therai.org.uk to support your application
- Under Part 1 of the FAII examination, the applicant must demonstrate their theoretical understanding either by completing and submitting a mapping exercise using this form, OR by completing a written examination alongside the practical examination. (Full details of these two options of examination can be found under section 3 of Examination Procedures).
- The fee for the FAII examination is £200. Applicants will be invoiced on receipt of application
- Applicants are asked to consult the Guidance to FAII 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 practical examination will be scheduled. Candidates opting to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge by a written exam (instead of the mapping exercise) will also sit the written exam at this time.
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, FAII practitioners are required to:
- Complete a FAII 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 £25. 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.
Alternatively, some practitioners may choose to advance to Forensic Anthropologist I.
See also: How to apply for FAI