What is the difference between a forensic document examiner and a graphologist?
A forensic document examiner (FDE) is a trained individual who applies allied sciences and analytical techniques to questions concerning documents, such as signatures, handwriting, printing processes, ink, and paper. Graphologists, on the other hand, attempt to predict character traits from handwriting examination. While some graphologists also may call themselves handwriting analysts or FDEs, most do not possess the required training, education, and apprenticeship qualifications required by the ABFDE, the certifying board established in 1977 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to recognize qualified FDEs in government laboratories and private practice.
