Information for Students

Many students and their parents have contacted the NAFE with questions about Forensic Engineering. The following attempts to answer some of those questions:

To effectively function as a forensic engineer one first needs to be an engineer.  i.e.; completing formal education to obtain an accredited engineering degree then completing the required licensing examinations, which in  the USA is the Professional Engineering (PE) license, which is usually attained after 4-5 years of engineering  practice. 

It is also necessary to have  further experience in engineering practice and possibly advanced education sufficient to establish credibility as an expert in a specialized field of engineering to the satisfaction of prospective clients as well as those who will judge your experience in the legal system.

An engineering degree, plus actual practice experience in a basic engineering discipline, and a Professional Engineering license is the first step. Only when that is accomplished is the engineer likely to be deemed of sufficient qualification to be  accepted as an expert and be recognized as a forensic engineer.

If you are interested in this field the NAFE publishes peer reviewed journals on various engineering matters that were adjudicated. These journals may be purchased and may give you the insight to help you in your decision. You may visit the "Journal" section of this website to browse the various titles of the published journals. Contact the Executive Director:

You may wish to join the NAFE as a Student Member. Please visit the Membership section of this site.

Marvin M. Specter, P.E., L.S., F.NSPE
Hon.M.ASCE
Executive Director NAFE
174 Brady Avenue
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Tel (Toll Free): 866.NAFEORG
Fax (Toll Free): 877.741.0633
Email: nafe@nafe.org
Website: www.nafe.org

Last update: 05/13/2008

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