Becoming a member of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) enables communication and collaboration with fellow practitioners and entitles you to a range of benefits. The Society is the main Professional Body for individuals working as forensic practitioners, academics, researchers and in related professions in the UK and is considered to be the 'international voice of forensic science'.

The most valued asset of the Society is our members, and we currently have almost 3,000 members worldwide. However, we would like to welcome more forensic professionals / students / enthusiasts as members. The larger the pool of forensic expertise, the richer the communication and collaboration, thus leading to effective sharing of best practice and research findings and subsequent progression within the various fields of forensic science.

Member Categories

  • Student (undergraduate only)

    Student membership is available for those who are studying an under-graduate qualification in forensic science or a related subject.

    More info > 

  • Affiliate 

    We recommend those wanting full (professional) Member status to first join as an Affiliate then apply to upgrade.  Affiliate status is also suited to those who may not work in the sphere of forensics but simply have an interest in the subject.

    More info >

  • Associate  (ACSFS)

    Associate status is suitable for recent graduates of forensic science or those in the first two years of their careers. Associates are entitled to use the post-nominal ACSFS.

    More info >

  • Member (MCSFS)

    This level of membership is for professionals who have worked in forensics for at least three years. Affiliates formally apply to become full Members and on approval are entitled to use the post-nominal MCSFS.

    More info >

  • Fellow (FCSFS)

    Fellowship of the Society recognises outstanding achievements in forensic science or closely related disciplines. Fellows must be full Members first, and are required to formally apply for Fellowship. On approval, they are entitled to use the post-nominal FCSFS.

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Join CSFS

Membership Criteria and Fees and Join

  Criteria
Level of membership Qualifications required? Experience required? Other requirements?
Student X X X
Associate ✓ ✓ X
Affiliate ✓ X X
Member (Professional) ✓ ✓* X
Fellow ✓ ✓*** X
Accredited/Chartered Forensic Practitioner ✓ ✓**** X
Retired/Concessionary** n/a n/a n/a
Fees
Annual Fee

  
£30 Join
£80 Join
£50 Join
£108 More info
£130 More info
£180 More info
£40 More info

✓* min of 2 years occupational forensic science or 
3 years lecturing

**The concessionary rate is available to those who are in full time education, retired or unemployed.  The annual fee is £40 irrespective of membership category. To qualify for these reduced membership fees, you must not be drawing a salary and should not be undertaking paid work as a consultant or otherwise. Written confirmation of this should be provided to the Membership Administrator.

✓*** min 2 years

✓**** min 3 years - this level is soon to be withdrawn/replaced and is NOT availble for new applicants at this time

Member Benefits

  • A quarterly members-only electronic newsletter
  • Online access to Science and Justice (10 years for Students & Affiliates full access back to Vol 1 for all Professional level).
  • Online access to interfaces, CSEye the home of crime scene articles, and Fingerprint Whorld. 
  • Reduced rates for online access of 5 Forensic Journals published by Elsevier.
  • Members are entitled to 20% discount on CPC Press books
  • Reduced rates at all Society conferences - offering learning and networking.

View complete list of Member Benefits >

Membership