The Certified Forensic Interview (CFI) program was created by the International Association of Interviewers (IAI) to raise the level of professionalism of every individual and organization involved in the interviewing field. The Certified Forensic Interviewer examination was developed by more than 40 leading professionals, including interview experts, law enforcement and corporate representatives. Each member of the development team used their expertise to make sure the CFI examination addressed the core skill sets identified during extensive surveying of public and private sector interviewers and interrogators.
The objective of this certification program is to create comprehensive, universally accepted professional standards combined with an objective measure of an interviewer’s knowledge of those standards.
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The ultimate goal is that every person and every organization with a stake in interviewing will benefit from the program, as will the reputation and effectiveness of the entire profession.
Founded by the developers of the Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI) designation, IAI takes the skills and insights of the professional interviewer to a whole new level by providing a wide range of essential members-only offerings previously only available for CFIs. This is a great way to become part of a group that is focused on Interviewing if you don’t yet qualify to become a CFI.
Knowledge is power. That is why the time is right to join IAI – the only association focused on the unique needs of Interviewers and Investigators.
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- International Association of Interviwers
- IAI Membership Renewals
- CFI Exam Information
- CFI Study Materials
- CFI Prep Seminar
- CFI Recertification
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For information on the International Association of Interviewers
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For information on IAI Membership Renewals.
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The examination is based upon 15 major content areas. Each of the content areas is briefly described and followed by an outline of the topics included in the area. In addition, the number of test items devoted to each major content area is noted. The examination is composed of 160 items. (140 scored items, 20 research items) Performance on the research items do not affect your score. The research items are not identified.
1. Preparation and Interview Setting (12 Questions) 2. Legal Aspects (13 Questions) 3. False Confessions (6 Questions) 4. Interpretation of Behavior (15 Questions) 5. Accusations (8 Questions) 6. Showing Understanding/Rationalization/Themes (9 Questions) 7. Assumptive Question (6 Questions) 8. Enticement Question/Baiting Question (6 Questions) 9. Denials/Backing Out (12 Questions) 10. Statements (10 Questions) 11. Telephone Interview (7 Questions) 12. Fact Gathering/Cognitive Interviews (12 Questions) 13. Sexual Harassment Interviewing (8 Questions) 14. Behavioral Interviews (8 Questions) 15. Field Interviews (8 Questions) 140 Total Questions A number of categories overlap into other areas. There are 3 types of questions asked on the exam (Recall, Application & Analysis). A 95 raw score (69.5%) is the cut score to earn the CFI designation
Applicant experience must meet one of the four following criteria listed below, as well as two to four years in a public or private position responsible for investigation, interviewing or interrogation. Experience as a full time faculty member at an accredited educational institution teaching interview and interrogation techniques shall meet the one of the three education/experience requirements listed below.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher plus two years of experience as stated above.
- Associates degree plus three years of experience as stated above.
- High school diploma or GED plus four years of experience as stated above.
- Minimum two years experience as a full time faculty member at an accredited educational institution teaching interview and interrogation techniques.
- In addition, a person convicted of a felony, any crime of moral turpitude or misdemeanor relating to honesty, theft, embezzlement, fraud or the like shall be ineligible to become a CFI.
- Applicant must provide a copy of certified transcript of education ONLY if using college degree rather than experience to qualify.
- Applicant must successfully pass the prescribed background, which may include a criminal background check, and examination process
For further information regarding the CFI exam and to submit an application:
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For CFI Study Materials
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For CFI Prep Seminar information
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For more information on CFI Recertification
