Kathy’s qualifications reflect extensive training, certification, and courtroom experience. She maintains ongoing professional education to ensure her methods and testimony remain aligned with the highest forensic and legal standards.

Certification is a hallmark of credibility in this field. Rigorous examinations, administered by reputable professional organizations—not online shortcuts—test every aspect of forensic document examination. These certification tests typically take 4–6 hours to complete.

Kathy Carlson, CFDE, CQDE, is fully certified and remains active in continuing education through:

• Monthly and quarterly professional training
• Annual forensic conferences and seminars
• Yearly proficiency tests through IADE (International Association of Document Examiners) to demonstrate ongoing competency
• Peer case review to refine methodology and maintain the highest standards

This ongoing involvement ensures her analysis remains current, reliable, and defensible in court.

Please Note: These certificate images are provided for visual reference only. For the full CV, click the button above.

In addition to her certifications and training, Kathy Carlson is an active member of respected professional organizations in the field of forensic document examination. Her involvement demonstrates a continued commitment to upholding the highest standards of accuracy, ethics, and credibility in both casework and courtroom testimony.

Through participation on boards and in professional associations, Kathy stays current with emerging techniques, peer-reviewed practices, and evolving legal expectations. These memberships also provide opportunities for peer collaboration, continuing education, and professional contribution—ensuring that her work consistently reflects the most rigorous standards in the field.