The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) is the U.S.'s premier analyst certification body composed of regional and national organizations representing forensic scientists and criminalists.

The ABC offers a certificate in comprehensive criminalistics, as well as in the specialty disciplines of molecular biology, drug chemistry, fire debris analysis, trace evidence - hairs and fibers, and trace evidence - paints and polymers.

The purposes of the ABC are to:

a. establish professional acceptable levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities for the practice of the science of criminalistics;

b. define a mechanism to achieve professional levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities;

c. promote growth within the profession of criminalistics;

d. encourage and promote adherence to high standards of ethics, conduct, and professional practice in criminalistics;

e. grant and issue certificates, and/or recognition, in cognizance of special qualifications in criminalistics;

f. cooperate with the several branches of federal and state governments and appropriate governmental and private agencies and organizations; and

g. maintain and furnish to interested persons lists of individuals who have been granted certificates by the ABC.