Forensic Examiner Training
In order to be a Forensic Examiner in the state of Utah, one must be familiar and comply with applicable
Utah law in conducting and reporting on evaluations and focus on the relevant legal issues pertaining to the particular
type of evaluation ordered by the court. In addition, one must meet the qualifications required under one of the following
two levels:
1. Doctorate Level
- be licensed in Utah as a medical physician or psychiatrist; OR
- have a Doctorate degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university, be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed to practice in the state of Utah, and have at least three years experience performing mental health assessments and forensic examinations; OR
- have a Doctorate degree in Psychology from an accredited college or university, be licensed as a Psychologist in the state of Utah, and have at least three years experience performing psychological or forensic examinations.
- have a Masters degree from an accredited college or university, be licensed in one or more Behavioral Science fields (i.e., Psychology or Social Work), and have at least three years experience performing mental health assessments and forensic evaluations
- competency to proceed
- mental status at the time of offense
- guilty and mentally ill pleas
- not guilty by reason of insanity pleas
- exception to death penalty motions
All Forensic Examiners must attend a mandatory annual training in order to obtain or maintain designation. For more information about the annual training contact dfaretta@utah.gov or call (801) 344-4217.
