4 Hours / 4 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on AAFP: So, You Wanna Be a Board-Certified Forensic Psychologist, Huh? is presented by Lori Hauser, PhD, ABPP in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).

This program prepares participants for board certification in forensic psychology. It begins by describing how the specialty of forensic psychology differs from other specialties and highlights the benefits of board certification. It walks participants through the application process in detail, using example examination questions, review templates, and scoring rubrics to reduce the mystique of the process. Common pitfalls encountered by candidates are explored, and strategies for avoiding them are discussed. The salient texts, domains, and resources for preparing for the board examination are highlighted, with specific emphasis on the relevant case law. Techniques for improving reports are highlighted to improve candidates’ overall work product and ability to defend it at orals.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe at least three (3) benefits of acquiring board certification in forensic psychology
  • 2 Describe the four (4) steps involved in board certification in forensic psychology and the parameters that govern each step
  • 3 Describe at least one (1) common pitfall encountered by candidates at each step of the process and how to avoid it
  • 4 Describe at least three (3) ways to create a more solid work product for the defense at orals

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for psychologists specializing in forensic or clinical psychology who are preparing for board certification in forensic psychology. It is designed for professionals seeking to develop foundational skills in legal and forensic assessment, report writing, and the application of case law.

    • Psychologist
    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Mental Health Professional

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at all experience levels who are preparing for board certification in forensic psychology.

    Beginner:
    New to forensic psychology or board certification; seeking foundational knowledge about the specialty, its distinctions, and the certification process.

    Intermediate:
    Some exposure to forensic psychology; familiar with basic concepts and interested in deepening understanding of the application process, examination content, and common candidate challenges.

    Advanced:
    Experienced in forensic or related specialties; seeking to refine report writing, enhance oral defense skills, and master advanced strategies for board certification success.

  • Practice Setting

    Psychologists specializing in forensic or clinical psychology typically work in environments where mental health intersects with the legal system. These settings require professionals to conduct forensic assessments, provide expert testimony, and prepare detailed reports for courts or legal proceedings. The work environment is often structured, confidential, and may involve collaboration with attorneys, judges, law enforcement, and other mental health professionals. Practitioners may work in public or private sectors, including hospitals, correctional facilities, government agencies, private practices, or academic institutions.

    • Court clinics or forensic evaluation units
    • State or federal correctional facilities
    • Private forensic psychology practices
    • Psychiatric hospitals or secure treatment centers
    • Government agencies (e.g., departments of mental health, child protective services)
    • Academic or research institutions specializing in forensic mental health
    • Law enforcement agencies or police departments
    • Community mental health centers with forensic services

Presented By

Lori L. Hauser, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist at Whiting Forensic Hospital

Lori L. Hauser, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified forensic psychologist employed at Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. There, she oversees the competency restoration service and conducts forensic evaluations – competency, as well as general and sexual violence risk management – for the hospital. She is the Practice Sample Review Chair for the American Board of Forensic Psychology, is the Treasurer for the American Academy of Forensic Psychology, and previously represented Forensic Psychology on the Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology. Dr. Hauser also provides training and consultative services, both nationally and internationally, to practitioners and investigators in the areas of interviewing and credibility assessment, risk / threat assessment, and cognitive bias, as well as competency evaluation and restoration.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Lori L. Hauser, PhD, ABPP

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Introduction to Forensic Psychology as a Specialty
    -Distinctions from other specialties
    -Benefits of board certification

  • Application and Examination Process
    -Step-by-step walkthrough of the application
    -Sample examination questions, templates, and scoring rubrics

  • Common Pitfalls and Avoidance Strategies
    -Challenges faced by candidates
    -Practical approaches to overcome them

  • Study Materials and Core Content Areas
    -Key texts, domains, and preparation resources
    -Emphasis on relevant case law

  • Improving Written Work and Oral Defense
    -Techniques for enhancing forensic reports
    -Preparing to defend work during oral examinations

We are proud to partner with

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

We are proud to partner with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) for this training. AAFP is a non-profit organization of board-certified forensic psychologists whose mission is to contribute to the development and maintenance of forensic psychology as a specialized field of study, research, and practice. The Academy does this by providing high-quality continuing education workshops, providing a forum for the exchange of scientific information among its members, and conferring awards upon outstanding students and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology.

Learn More About Our Partner

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.