ABMDI Certification Exam Prep Study Guide 2026 PDF |
Forensic Death Investigation Principles, Medicolegal Death
Scene Procedures, Evidence Handling, Autopsy Support
Knowledge, Injury Interpretation, Time of Death
Estimation, Documentation Standards, and Professional
Ethics | Comprehensive Preparation for American Board
of Medicolegal Death Investigators Certification Success
, Question 1:
Which of the following is the primary role of a forensic pathologist in a death
investigation?
• A) To determine if charges should be filed
• B) To conduct autopsies and determine cause of death
• C) To gather evidence at the crime scene
• D) To interview witnesses
Correct Option: B
Rationale: The primary role of a forensic pathologist is to conduct autopsies and
determine the cause and manner of death. They gather information from medical
records and scene investigations, but their main responsibility is in post-mortem
examination.
Question 2:
What is the first step in a forensic investigation following a suspicious death?
• A) Secure the crime scene
• B) Interview the family members
• C) Call for an ambulance
• D) Conduct the autopsy
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Securing the crime scene is the first crucial step that ensures evidence
remains intact and uncontaminated. Only after the scene is secured can further
investigation and evidence collection occur.
Question 3:
In which cases is an autopsy generally required?
• A) Sudden deaths without a known medical history
• B) Deaths due to natural causes with no foul play
• C) Deaths occurring in a healthcare facility
• D) All of the above
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Autopsies are generally mandated in sudden, unexplained deaths,
particularly when the medical history is not clear. This helps to identify potential public
health issues and ensure all circumstances are examined thoroughly.
Forensic Death Investigation Principles, Medicolegal Death
Scene Procedures, Evidence Handling, Autopsy Support
Knowledge, Injury Interpretation, Time of Death
Estimation, Documentation Standards, and Professional
Ethics | Comprehensive Preparation for American Board
of Medicolegal Death Investigators Certification Success
, Question 1:
Which of the following is the primary role of a forensic pathologist in a death
investigation?
• A) To determine if charges should be filed
• B) To conduct autopsies and determine cause of death
• C) To gather evidence at the crime scene
• D) To interview witnesses
Correct Option: B
Rationale: The primary role of a forensic pathologist is to conduct autopsies and
determine the cause and manner of death. They gather information from medical
records and scene investigations, but their main responsibility is in post-mortem
examination.
Question 2:
What is the first step in a forensic investigation following a suspicious death?
• A) Secure the crime scene
• B) Interview the family members
• C) Call for an ambulance
• D) Conduct the autopsy
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Securing the crime scene is the first crucial step that ensures evidence
remains intact and uncontaminated. Only after the scene is secured can further
investigation and evidence collection occur.
Question 3:
In which cases is an autopsy generally required?
• A) Sudden deaths without a known medical history
• B) Deaths due to natural causes with no foul play
• C) Deaths occurring in a healthcare facility
• D) All of the above
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Autopsies are generally mandated in sudden, unexplained deaths,
particularly when the medical history is not clear. This helps to identify potential public
health issues and ensure all circumstances are examined thoroughly.
