Certified FESA Level 2

FESA II is the intermediate level of professional certification offered by the RAI in Forensic and Expert Social Anthropology. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their eligibility through the information that they include on the application form.

Certified practitioners are entitled to the post-nominal Cert FESA-II.

Applications for FESA II Certification

Application for FESA II certification involves an application form and portfolio review, a mapping exercise OR a written examination, and a practical examination.

The next round of certification of FESA level II practitioners will be in 2026. The submission of application forms and all associated documentation should be made by 31^st January 2026.

To apply for FESA Level II Certification:

1. The applicant must be a Fellow of the RAI. Information on joining the RAI can be found here
2. A Level II application form must be completed and submitted along with an up-to-date CV to fac@therai.org.uk
3. A portfolio containing evidence of that which is stipulated under section 2 of the Practitioner Levels document must be submitted to fac@therai.org.uk as a single pdf
4. Under Part 1 of the FESA II examination, the applicant must demonstrate their theoretical understanding either by completing and submitting a mapping exercise to fac@therai.org.uk, 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).
5. The fee for the FESA II examination is £200. Applicants will be invoiced on receipt of application
6. Applicants are advised to consult Appendix 11 ‘Guidance to FESA II Candidates’ in the Examination Procedures

Please note that any files sent should be password protected. Once a candidate’s application form, portfolio, and mapping exercise have been passed by two independent examiners, a practical examination will be scheduled. For candidates who choose to sit a written examination instead of the mapping exercise, the practical exam and written exam will be held on the same day.

Further information on application and examination is provided in the Examination Procedures. Any queries on the application process should be sent to the Forensic Anthropology Officer via fac@therai.org.uk.

Recertification

Continuing professional development is a vital part of the certification process. Certified FESA II practitioners are advised to consult the CPD document.

Every 5 years after certification, FESA II practitioners are required to:

1. Complete a FESA II recertification form and submit it with an up-to-date CV to fac@therai.org.uk
2. Submit a portfolio containing evidence of that which is stipulated under section 3 of the CPD document to fac@therai.org.uk as a single pdf
3. Retain their status as a Fellow of the RAI
4. The fee for the FESA II recertification is £25. Applicants will be invoiced on receipt of their application.

Please note that any files sent should be password protected. Any queries on the recertification process should be sent to the Forensic Anthropology Officer via fac@therai.org.uk.