Forensic Document Examination

Interactive Training Program — Now Online

Taught by Kathy Carlson, CFDE, CQDE
Next Cohort Begins: January 6, 2026 • Limited seats

Become the kind of forensic document examiner courts can trust. This year-long, interactive program blends weekly instruction, casework, and courtroom readiness—culminating in mock trial practice, a proficiency test, and a final exam.

Male student on zoom call for document examination training program with Kathy Carlson

Who This Program Is For

  • Aspiring forensic document examiners seeking structured, mentor-led training

  • Professionals transitioning from adjacent fields (legal, law enforcement, investigations)

  • New examiners who want disciplined methodology, not shortcuts

Student participating in online forensic document examination training program, analyzing handwriting and ink under magnification on a computer screen.

Program At a Glance

  • Format: Live weekly Zoom classes (~1 hour) + assignments

  • Duration: 1 year (38 lessons with scheduled breaks)

  • Start Date: January 6, 2026

  • Tuition: $5,500 (includes 4 required textbooks and all course materials)

  • Capstone: Mock trials, proficiency test, final exam (80%+ required)

  • Outcome: Courtroom-oriented training with options to apprentice with Kathy or another qualified examiner

What You’ll Learn

  • Core principles of handwriting and signature examination
  • Examination of alterations, indented writing, inks/papers, printing processes
  • Report writing that withstands scrutiny
  • Expert witness preparation and courtroom practice
  • Ethics, professional standards, and the business of practice

Curriculum

Year 1 — Foundational Studies (38 Lessons)

Weekly classes, reading, and assignments using four cornerstone texts (included):

  • 1

    Questioned Documents — Albert S. Osborn

  • 2

    Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals — Huber & Headrick

  • 3

    Business of Document Examination — Katherine Koppenhaver

  • 4

    Expert Witness — Dan Poynter

You’ll study 100+ real cases, complete weekly homework and discussions, deliver a research project (eligible for publication in the IADE annual journal), participate in a mock trial, and sit for a final exam.

Year 2 — Practical Application (Optional Extension)

Hands-on casework: approximately two cases per month, full analysis from intake through reporting, with a written report required for each case.

Note: The core Interactive Training Program is designed to be completed in one year. Practical casework in Year 2 is available for students seeking additional supervised experience.

Tuition & Policies

  • Tuition: $5,500 (due at sign-up; includes 4 textbooks and materials)
  • Payment details, cohort schedule, and course policies provided upon acceptance.
  • Seats are limited to preserve instructional quality. Early applications are encouraged.
aspiring forensic document examiner on zoom call with Kathy while taking notes

Weekly Flow

  • 1

    Receive assignments and reading each week

  • 2

    Complete work and submit via email

  • 3

    Meet live on Zoom for review, Q&A, and technique refinement

Small cohorts ensure individual attention and consistent, expert feedback.

What’s Included

  • All lesson materials and assignments

  • Four textbooks (provided with tuition)

  • Live weekly classes with Kathy Carlson

  • Mock-trial experience & proficiency testing

  • Final examination and individualized feedback

  • Guidance on apprenticeship opportunities (optional)

Have questions before you apply?
Call Kathy: 1-970-275-6846