Understanding Accreditation

The recognition of ACTAR accreditation in both the accident reconstruction industry and legal community encourages the integrity, consistency and professionalism of those involved in traffic accident investigation and reconstruction. ACTAR accreditation promotes the professional and intellectual development of those individuals, organizations and institutions involved in traffic accident investigation and reconstruction. ACTAR accreditation also assists the legal and scientific community in weighing the suitability of individuals offering their services as Accident Reconstructionists while improving public awareness of the profession as it relates to the legal system.

ACTAR is recognized in the United States and Canada as an independent accrediting organization for those who work in the field of Accident Investigation and Reconstruction. The weight of this credential can make it easier for an investigator to establish his suitability to present expert witness testimony in the legal system of both countries.

ACTAR accreditation is also held by reconstructionists in Australia, Brazil, Columbia, Jamaica, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and United Arab Emirates.  

Getting Started

To begin the process toward accreditation, the applicant must complete an application and remit an application fee of $150.00 US if the applicant is a member of one of the Participating Organizations or $175.00 US if they are not. The application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants not approved due to insufficient education, training or experience will be granted a one year period, beginning with the date their application is received, to submit updated information for consideration. During this one year period, the applicant will be considered as engaged in the application process and will incur no additional fees. Upon conclusion of the one year period, any applicant reapplying for accreditation must resubmit a new application and application fees.

Taking the Accreditation Exam

After the applicant is approved to sit for the accreditation examination they will have two years to take and pass both portions of the two part examination. If the applicant fails one part of the examination, only that part must be attempted again.

The examination fee is $50.00 US if the applicant is a member of a Participating Organization or $100.00 US if they are not. A list of scheduled examinations can be found here: Exam Calendar 

Notwithstanding an extension granted by the GBOD, a candidate who fails to pass both portions of the examination within a two (2) year period or three (3) attempts may restart the accreditation process. This is accomplished by contacting the Administrator to arrange for the granting of a new two (2) year eligibility period and payment of the appropriate fee. It is NOT necessary to complete a new application. If starting a new two (2) year eligibility period is necessary BOTH portions of the exam must be successfully completed within the new two (2) year eligibility period regardless previous success with one of the portions. With regard to applicants residing outside the United States and Canada, the two (2) year eligibility period will begin when the candidate sits for their first examination.

Becoming Accredited

Once a candidate successfully completes the two part examination and receives accreditation as a Traffic Accident Reconstructionist they will be required to accrue 80 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for each subsequent five (5) year accreditation period to maintain their accredited status.