Many professionals currently working in death investigations or those wanting to enter the field of death investigations do not yet qualify for other national certification programs. Until now, no standardized basic knowledge certificate existed for those entering the field of death investigation or those working in other investigative capacities where more than a passing knowledge of death investigations may be needed.
This certification is intended to fill the gap in certification of basic knowledge of death investigations not previously available.
Exam Details

The Medicolegal Death Investigator Certification is not associated with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, (ABMDI). It is the goal of this certification to move students through the development of skills and experience toward a career in Medicolegal Death Investigation.
Tammy Dake, C-MDI, C-VA.
Missouri
Dottie Owens, D-ABMDI
Idaho
Laura Kneese, F-ABMDI
South Carolina
Dr. Priya Banerjee MD.
Rhode Island
Terri Armenta, BS, MS
California
Anthony Conarton, D-ABMDI
Pennsylvania
Nick Gregory, C-MDI
Arkansas
Darren Dake D-ABMDI, CI, CCI
Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I take this exam?
The exam is hosted through a third-party testing agency. You will sit for the exam in the presence of a proctor at a testing center chosen by you in your areas such as a library, college, or University.
What if I fail can I retake the test?
If you fail your first attempt at passing the exam you may retake the test in 30 days at the same location. The retest fee is $50 per attempt. You may attempt the exam as many as 3 times or until you reach the 6-month point from the date you completed the MDI course. You must wait 30 days between attempts and exams must be taken at the same testing center.
What is the passing score?
A passing score for each section of the examination is predetermined using standard cutting score methods.
Examination Grading
- The professional testing agency retained by the certification committee shall grade the examinations/retests.
- A passing score for each section is predetermined using standard cutting score methods. The applicant shall successfully pass each curriculum section of the examination.
- The professional testing agency shall provide pass/fail scores of initial testing to the applicant directly, as well as to the testing committee panel.
- A pass/fail score shall be released. Numerical scores are not recorded in the applicant’s file.
- The Death Investigation Academy and/or testing committee shall officially notify the applicant of examination results
Will this certification help me get a job?
This certification has been vetted by a panel of experts in the criminal and death investigation fields. This particular certification level is new to the industry, however, with this certification, you are demonstrating to a prospective employer that you meet National Knowledge Standards as set forth in publications by the NIJ and CDC.
Do I get a certificate after I pass the test?
Yes. You will receive a professional, frameable certificate in the mail within 3-4 weeks after passing the exam. In addition, you will receive written documentation in the form of a congratulatory letter sent with your certificate, and both documents will list your unique certification number as listed in the C-MDI database, which you can use to further verify your certification.
If I fail the test can I get a refund?
Refunds are not granted due to the costs associated with administering the exam.
How do I apply for the exam based on my education and experience?
The Death Investigation Academy does not accept applications based on education and experience.
How is the exam monitored and revised
Revisions to Examination
- The Certification Testing Committee shall meet at least once a year to review the test bank and evaluate it for current knowledge and technologies to ensure the examination remains reliable and valid to the profession.
- Questions are reviewed after every fifty (50) administrations and every year of offering.
- The Testing Committee shall consider test revision every year after statistical review. Revision is mandatory every three years.
- The Testing Committee, as an indicator of individual test item performance, shall also review question analysis. Poorly performing test questions are marked for review.
- Test revision shall consist of revising, rewriting, eliminating or adding new questions as deemed necessary under the supervision of the Testing Committee. Such revision shall meet the requirements set forth in the initial test development.
- The performance sections shall be revised and updated as deemed necessary, using the guidelines previously established.