January 2026 | ABMDI Certification Exam Prep –
American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators |
COMPLETE Practice Questions with Verified Answers |
Updated 2025–2026 Edition | High-Yield Study Guide for
Medicolegal Death Investigator Certification Exam
Success
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the Autopsy?
• A) To determine cause of death
• B) To provide legal evidence
• C) To assess estate values
• D) To conduct a scientific research
Correct Option: A) To determine cause of death
Rationale: The primary purpose of an autopsy is to investigate the circumstances
surrounding a person's death, determining the cause and manner of death. This is
crucial for legal, medical, and familial understanding.
Question 2:
Which of the following is considered an essential component of a death
investigation?
• A) Witness interviews
• B) Scene photography
• C) Medical history review
• D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale: A comprehensive death investigation relies on multiple factors,
including witness interviews, scene photography, and a review of the deceased's
medical history. Each component contributes to a holistic understanding of the
circumstances surrounding the death.
Question 3:
In forensic pathology, what does the term 'postmortem interval' (PMI) refer to?
• A) The time between death and burial
• B) The time since the individual was declared dead
• C) The time of death estimation
• D) The time of the autopsy
Correct Option: C) The time of death estimation
, Rationale: The postmortem interval refers to the estimated time that has elapsed
since death occurred. Proper estimation of PMI can provide valuable information
about the circumstances surrounding death and assist in criminal investigations.
Question 4:
Which of the following best describes the role of the Medical Examiner?
• A) To prosecute criminal cases
• B) To identify and investigate unexplained or suspicious deaths
• C) To provide mental health services for families
• D) To oversee law enforcement training
Correct Option: B) To identify and investigate unexplained or suspicious deaths
Rationale: The Medical Examiner's role is crucial in the identification and
investigation of unexplained or suspicious deaths, ensuring that the cause and
manner of death are adequately established for legal and medical purposes.
Question 5:
What legislation governs the maintenance of a decedent's confidentiality in death
investigations?
• A) Freedom of Information Act
• B) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• C) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
• D) Fair Labor Standards Act
Correct Option: B) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Rationale: HIPAA governs the protection of an individual's health information,
including that of deceased persons. Question 6:
Maintaining confidentiality is essential in death investigations to balance public
interest with privacy concerns.
Which of the following techniques is primarily used for identifying skeletal
remains?
• A) Autopsy
• B) Radiography
• C) DNA analysis
American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators |
COMPLETE Practice Questions with Verified Answers |
Updated 2025–2026 Edition | High-Yield Study Guide for
Medicolegal Death Investigator Certification Exam
Success
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the Autopsy?
• A) To determine cause of death
• B) To provide legal evidence
• C) To assess estate values
• D) To conduct a scientific research
Correct Option: A) To determine cause of death
Rationale: The primary purpose of an autopsy is to investigate the circumstances
surrounding a person's death, determining the cause and manner of death. This is
crucial for legal, medical, and familial understanding.
Question 2:
Which of the following is considered an essential component of a death
investigation?
• A) Witness interviews
• B) Scene photography
• C) Medical history review
• D) All of the above
Correct Option: D) All of the above
Rationale: A comprehensive death investigation relies on multiple factors,
including witness interviews, scene photography, and a review of the deceased's
medical history. Each component contributes to a holistic understanding of the
circumstances surrounding the death.
Question 3:
In forensic pathology, what does the term 'postmortem interval' (PMI) refer to?
• A) The time between death and burial
• B) The time since the individual was declared dead
• C) The time of death estimation
• D) The time of the autopsy
Correct Option: C) The time of death estimation
, Rationale: The postmortem interval refers to the estimated time that has elapsed
since death occurred. Proper estimation of PMI can provide valuable information
about the circumstances surrounding death and assist in criminal investigations.
Question 4:
Which of the following best describes the role of the Medical Examiner?
• A) To prosecute criminal cases
• B) To identify and investigate unexplained or suspicious deaths
• C) To provide mental health services for families
• D) To oversee law enforcement training
Correct Option: B) To identify and investigate unexplained or suspicious deaths
Rationale: The Medical Examiner's role is crucial in the identification and
investigation of unexplained or suspicious deaths, ensuring that the cause and
manner of death are adequately established for legal and medical purposes.
Question 5:
What legislation governs the maintenance of a decedent's confidentiality in death
investigations?
• A) Freedom of Information Act
• B) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• C) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
• D) Fair Labor Standards Act
Correct Option: B) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Rationale: HIPAA governs the protection of an individual's health information,
including that of deceased persons. Question 6:
Maintaining confidentiality is essential in death investigations to balance public
interest with privacy concerns.
Which of the following techniques is primarily used for identifying skeletal
remains?
• A) Autopsy
• B) Radiography
• C) DNA analysis
