Events & Training FAQs

Start with NBFE's Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) credential. These FAQs explain how to begin, meet the 40-hour training and/or experience requirement, and use the training and benefits included in certification. You will also find answers about workshop eligibility, fees, deadlines, and event registration.

• Q: Where do I start and which credential should I pursue first?

  A: Start with the Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) credential. CFMHE is NBFE's prerequisite credential and must be earned before pursuing NBFE's other certification credentials.

  Review the CFMHE Certification Requirements, then register for a live or on-demand CFMHE certification workshop. The workshop begins your training for certification; earning the credential also requires completion of the application, supporting documentation, report review, and examinations described below.

  Q: Do I need forensic mental health experience to begin?

  A: No. You can meet the 40-hour requirement entirely through qualifying forensic mental health training if you do not have forensic mental health experience. You must still satisfy the licensure and other certification requirements to receive the CFMHE credential.

  Q: How do I get the 40 hours required on the application?

  A: The CFMHE certification workshop and its included supplemental trainings provide 12 of the required 40 hours at no additional cost. You receive these training hours even if you begin without forensic mental health experience.

  Included training	Hours
  Forensic mental health evaluation workshop	8
  Handling depositions	2
  Artificial intelligence in forensic evaluation	2
  Total included training	12
  Remaining training and/or experience	28

  After completing the included 12 hours, you need 28 additional hours of qualifying forensic mental health training, experience, or a combination of both. If you have no qualifying experience, you can earn all 28 remaining hours through additional training. Qualifying training and experience completed before applying may also count when appropriately documented.

  Q: What does NBFE consider forensic mental health experience?

  A: Qualifying experience involves conducting evaluations to form professional opinions for courts or other legal proceedings, using professional knowledge and expertise supported by appropriate data. Hours may include interviewing examinees and collateral contacts, reviewing records, administering and interpreting tests, writing reports, and testifying when these activities are part of the forensic evaluation. Relevant case numbers must be provided in the application.

  
  

  Formal forensic mental health research that results in publication in one or more peer-reviewed academic or scientific journals may also count. Applicants must provide details about the research and copies of the relevant publications.

  Q: What training counts toward the forensic mental health hours requirement?

  A: Qualifying training consists of clock hours focused on forensic mental health and offered by a provider approved by a recognized continuing education authority. Relevant topics include child custody evaluation, substance use evaluation, domestic violence, expert witness testimony, malingering, competency, civil commitment, psychological testing, and forensic ethics. All NBFE courses are deemed forensic mental health-related.

  For complete definitions and documentation guidance, review the Certification FAQs.

  Q: Can I take additional training to earn the remaining 28 hours?

  A: Yes. You can complete the remaining hours through NBFE live events and on-demand trainings, or through qualifying forensic mental health training offered by another organization or association. Training from another provider must meet the forensic subject matter and continuing education provider requirements described above.

  Explore NBFE Live Training Events and NBFE On-Demand Training to find courses that help you complete the requirement.

  Q:What is the benefit of taking the additional training through NBFE?

  A: As part of your CFMHE certification registration, you receive the member rate on all NBFE trainings, including live events and on-demand programs. This benefit helps reduce the cost of additional training needed to complete the remaining hours. Each course has its own registration fee; review its registration page for the member rate.

  Q: What types of training does NBFE offer?

  A: NBFE offers live training events and recorded, on-demand programs focused on forensic mental health practice. Depending on the event, live training may be available online, in person, or in a hybrid format. On-demand programs allow participants to complete recorded training on their own schedule, subject to the program's access and completion requirements.

  Browse Live Training Events or On-Demand Training to choose a program.

  Q: What is the CFMHE certification workshop?

  A: The eight-hour workshop introduces forensic mental health evaluation and prepares participants for NBFE's certification process. Topics include forensic and clinical evaluation, ethical considerations, assessment, report writing, and expert witness preparation. The workshop schedule and attendance format are listed on the registration page.

  Completing the workshop fulfills part of the certification requirements. The CFMHE credential is awarded after the applicant completes the full application, training, documentation, report review, and examination process.

  Q: Who is eligible for CFMHE certification?

  A: U.S. applicants must hold a current mental health license in good standing for at least one full year in their state of practice. Eligible professions include clinical mental health counseling, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, clinical or counseling psychology, psychiatry, and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

  Intern, associate, and provisional status generally does not satisfy the licensure requirement unless the individual is legally permitted to diagnose and treat mental disorders without another licensed professional's supervision. International applicants should contact NBFE about the requirements applicable to their practice location.

  Q: Can students or interns attend the certification workshop?

  Yes. Student and intern registration options are available for certain workshops. Attendance allows participants to begin learning about forensic mental health evaluation before they qualify for full certification.

  Students and interns must meet NBFE's licensure and other certification requirements before receiving the credential. The registration page identifies the reduced tuition and any remaining balance due when the participant becomes eligible to continue the certification process.

  Q: How much does certification cost

  The self-paced certification course currently starts at $865 for nonmembers and $780 for members. For this rate, member eligibility refers to a current, non-expired membership with an NBFE professional partner.

  Live workshop fees, partnership discounts, and student or intern rates are listed on each event's registration page. Review the fees and registration category for the workshop you select before registering.

  Q: What does the certification fee include?

  NBFE's certification fee includes:

1.        The application fee.
   
2.       The eight-hour forensic mental health evaluation workshop, providing 8 continuing education hours.
   
3.        A two-hour on-demand webinar on handling depositions.
   
4.        A two-hour on-demand webinar on the use of artificial intelligence in forensic evaluation.
   
5.        The written examination fee.
   
6.        The oral examination fee.
   
7.        The certification fee.
   
8.        Free, 24/7 access to examination preparation recordings and study materials.
   
9.        One-on-one mentoring with an experienced CFMHE, including feedback on written evaluation reports.
   
10.        Access to the member portal, member forum, and member-only training resources.
    
11.        Member rates on all NBFE trainings, including live events, on-demand programs, and home study courses.
    
12.        Complimentary participation in select NBFE webinars.
    
13.        Complimentary attendance at virtual consultation group meetings.
    

• The included workshop and two additional webinars provide 12 hours toward the required 40 hours of forensic training and/or experience. Additional training purchases, annual renewal, and extensions are addressed below.

  Q: What must I complete to earn the CFMHE credential?

  Applicants must:

1.     Complete the application and pay the applicable certification fee.
2.     Provide proof of a qualifying license in good standing for at least one full year.
3.     Submit proof of malpractice insurance.
4.     Document at least 40 hours of qualifying forensic mental health training and/or experience, including NBFE's required 12 hours of training.
5.     Submit three current reference letters from mental health professionals addressing ethical character and clinical skills.
6.     Pass the written examination.
7.     Submit a sample forensic mental health evaluation report in NBFE's required format and complete the review and approval process.
8.     Pass the oral examination, which involves defending the sample report.
9.     Agree to follow the applicable professional code of ethics.

Review the CFMHE Certification Requirements for complete eligibility and application instructions.

Q: What are the written examination and sample report deadlines?

A: The written examination must be passed within 90 days of attending the live certification workshop or registering for the on-demand certification workshop.

By the applicable six-month deadline, the sample report must be submitted, reviewed, and approved, and an oral examination date must be confirmed. The oral examination itself may take place after that deadline. Allow time for committee review and any required revisions. Your application, supporting documents, and required training or experience must also be complete for the report review process.

An extension must be requested and paid for if the six-month deadline is missed. Contact NBFE if you need clarification about your deadline or an extension.

Q: Does certification determine which evaluations or tests I may perform?

A: The CFMHE credential documents completion of NBFE's certification process. Each practitioner remains responsible for verifying the evaluations and psychological tests permitted under their license, training, competence, and applicable jurisdictional requirements.

Those requirements may vary by profession, state, court, and type of evaluation. Contact your licensing board or the relevant court for guidance. NBFE's Certification FAQs and Fair Access to Tests page provide supplemental information about professional qualifications and testing.

Q: Can I apply if I have a history of disciplinary action?

A: NBFE evaluates eligibility case by case. A history of disciplinary action does not automatically make an applicant ineligible. Applicants must answer the application questions accurately and provide additional documentation when requested.

The Board considers the nature of the incident, regulatory findings, time elapsed, current restrictions, and other relevant facts. Application and certification fees are not refundable for applicants determined ineligible. Review the disciplinary history FAQ before applying.

Q: Are additional costs possible after I register for certification?

A: Yes. Additional courses purchased to meet the remaining training requirement may involve separate fees. Certification extensions and annual renewal also have separate fees. The current annual CFMHE renewal fee is $80, subject to the applicable renewal policies and fee waivers.

The certification package includes complimentary participation in select webinars and member rates on all NBFE trainings. Review each event's registration options to determine its fee.

Q: Do NBFE training programs offer continuing education credit?

A: Review the event description for the number of continuing education hours, approval statements, eligible professions, and instructions for requesting credit. The eight-hour CFMHE workshop provides 8 continuing education hours; the two required supplemental webinars provide 2 hours each.

Confirm that a selected program meets your licensing board's requirements. Completing a training program and earning a professional certification are separate outcomes.

Q: Where can I find event access and completion instructions?

A: Review your registration confirmation and the event description for attendance or recording access details, materials, and any completion requirements. Follow the instructions supplied for the program you selected. If you cannot locate your confirmation or need help accessing a program, contact NBFE.

Q: What is the cancellation and refund policy?

A: All NBFE training events are non-refundable. Registrants experiencing extenuating circumstances may request an exception. If approved, a full or partial refund is provided as an account credit usable toward future NBFE events or fees.

Review the Cancellation and Refund Policy before registering.

Q: Where can I find more detailed answers about forensic practice and certification?

A: Visit the Certification FAQs for supplemental answers about who may conduct forensic evaluations, whether certification is required, psychological testing, disciplinary history, and qualifying training or experience. Consult the CFMHE Certification Requirements for the complete certification process.

Q: Who should I contact with questions?

A: Email Valentino@nbfe.net or call or text (386) 293-1226 for assistance with registration, workshop access, certification requirements, or accommodation requests.