ABMDI Certification Exam January/February 2026 Comprehensive Prep
Memo | American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Complete
Study Guide, Practice Questions & Answers, Scene Investigation,
Evidence Handling, Death Classification, Legal Standards, Ethics &
Professional Procedures
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the ABMDI certification?
A) To enhance professional networking opportunities
B) To establish competency in death investigation
C) To promote forensic science education
D) To provide continuing education credits
Correct Option: B
Rationale: The ABMDI certification is designed to establish a standard of competency
for professionals involved in death investigation, ensuring they possess the necessary
skills and knowledge.
Question 2:
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a death investigator?
A) Securing the death scene
B) Performing autopsies
C) Conducting criminal investigations
D) Collecting evidence at the scene
Correct Option: C
Rationale: While death investigators may work closely with law enforcement, their
primary responsibilities do not include conducting criminal investigations, which are
generally the purview of law enforcement officers.
Question 3:
What is the first step in the death investigation process?
A) Conducting interviews with witnesses
B) Reviewing medical history
C) Notifying the next of kin
D) Securing the scene
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Securing the scene is the first critical step in the death investigation process
to preserve evidence and maintain the integrity of the investigation.
,Question 4:
In cases of sudden or unexpected death, which of the following must be reported to the
authorities?
A) Death due to natural causes
B) All sudden deaths
C) Deaths occurring after a prolonged illness
D) Deaths occurring in a hospital
Correct Option: B
Rationale: All sudden or unexpected deaths must be reported to the authorities for
proper investigation and documentation, as they may require further examination to
determine the cause of death.
Question 5:
Which document is essential for the proper documentation of a death investigation?
A) Social media report
B) Police report
C) Death scene diagram
D) Personal diary
Correct Option: C
Rationale: A death scene diagram is essential for accurately documenting the scene, as
it provides a visual representation of the evidence and layout at the time of the
investigation.
Question 6:
Which manner of death is classified as a homicide?
A) Death by natural causes
B) Accidental overdose
C) Intentional harm by another person
D) Death due to illness
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Homicide is defined as the intentional killing of another person, making it a
unique classification compared to natural, accidental, or suicidal deaths.
Question 7:
,What type of evidence is most crucial in a death investigation?
A) Physical evidence
B) Circumstantial evidence
C) Testimonial evidence
D) Trace evidence
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Physical evidence, such as blood samples and weaponry, is crucial in death
investigations as it provides direct proof that can be crucial for determining cause and
manner of death.
Question 8:
What is the main role of a forensic pathologist in a death investigation?
A) To secure the death scene
B) To perform autopsies and determine cause of death
C) To interview witnesses
D) To compile the final report
Correct Option: B
Rationale: A forensic pathologist’s primary role is to perform autopsies to ascertain the
cause and manner of death, providing critical information for investigations.
Question 9:
Which of the following best describes “exsanguination”?
A) Death due to a stroke
B) Sudden cardiac arrest
C) Severe loss of blood
D) Death due to asphyxiation
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Exsanguination refers specifically to the severe loss of blood, often leading
to death if not controlled.
Question 10:
What is the purpose of a death certificate?
A) To officially document the cause of death
B) To notify the next of kin
, C) To initiate criminal proceedings
D) To secure life insurance
Correct Option: A
Rationale: A death certificate serves as the official document that records the cause,
manner, and circumstances of death for legal and statistical purposes.
Question 11:
In determining the cause of death, what is a common method used?
A) Physical examination only
B) Autopsy
C) Medical imaging
D) Witness statements
Correct Option: B
Rationale: An autopsy is a common and critical method used to determine the cause of
death through a thorough examination of the body and its organs.
Question 12:
Which agency is primarily responsible for investigating deaths that occur under
suspicious circumstances?
A) Medical Examiner’s Office
B) Health Department
C) Local Hospital
D) Social Services
Correct Option: A
Rationale: The Medical Examiner’s Office is specifically tasked with investigating
deaths that occur under suspicious circumstances to ensure accurate cause and
manner assessment.
Question 13:
What does the term “post-mortem” refer to?
A) Before death
B) After death
C) During life
D) Physical examination of the living
Memo | American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Complete
Study Guide, Practice Questions & Answers, Scene Investigation,
Evidence Handling, Death Classification, Legal Standards, Ethics &
Professional Procedures
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the ABMDI certification?
A) To enhance professional networking opportunities
B) To establish competency in death investigation
C) To promote forensic science education
D) To provide continuing education credits
Correct Option: B
Rationale: The ABMDI certification is designed to establish a standard of competency
for professionals involved in death investigation, ensuring they possess the necessary
skills and knowledge.
Question 2:
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a death investigator?
A) Securing the death scene
B) Performing autopsies
C) Conducting criminal investigations
D) Collecting evidence at the scene
Correct Option: C
Rationale: While death investigators may work closely with law enforcement, their
primary responsibilities do not include conducting criminal investigations, which are
generally the purview of law enforcement officers.
Question 3:
What is the first step in the death investigation process?
A) Conducting interviews with witnesses
B) Reviewing medical history
C) Notifying the next of kin
D) Securing the scene
Correct Option: D
Rationale: Securing the scene is the first critical step in the death investigation process
to preserve evidence and maintain the integrity of the investigation.
,Question 4:
In cases of sudden or unexpected death, which of the following must be reported to the
authorities?
A) Death due to natural causes
B) All sudden deaths
C) Deaths occurring after a prolonged illness
D) Deaths occurring in a hospital
Correct Option: B
Rationale: All sudden or unexpected deaths must be reported to the authorities for
proper investigation and documentation, as they may require further examination to
determine the cause of death.
Question 5:
Which document is essential for the proper documentation of a death investigation?
A) Social media report
B) Police report
C) Death scene diagram
D) Personal diary
Correct Option: C
Rationale: A death scene diagram is essential for accurately documenting the scene, as
it provides a visual representation of the evidence and layout at the time of the
investigation.
Question 6:
Which manner of death is classified as a homicide?
A) Death by natural causes
B) Accidental overdose
C) Intentional harm by another person
D) Death due to illness
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Homicide is defined as the intentional killing of another person, making it a
unique classification compared to natural, accidental, or suicidal deaths.
Question 7:
,What type of evidence is most crucial in a death investigation?
A) Physical evidence
B) Circumstantial evidence
C) Testimonial evidence
D) Trace evidence
Correct Option: A
Rationale: Physical evidence, such as blood samples and weaponry, is crucial in death
investigations as it provides direct proof that can be crucial for determining cause and
manner of death.
Question 8:
What is the main role of a forensic pathologist in a death investigation?
A) To secure the death scene
B) To perform autopsies and determine cause of death
C) To interview witnesses
D) To compile the final report
Correct Option: B
Rationale: A forensic pathologist’s primary role is to perform autopsies to ascertain the
cause and manner of death, providing critical information for investigations.
Question 9:
Which of the following best describes “exsanguination”?
A) Death due to a stroke
B) Sudden cardiac arrest
C) Severe loss of blood
D) Death due to asphyxiation
Correct Option: C
Rationale: Exsanguination refers specifically to the severe loss of blood, often leading
to death if not controlled.
Question 10:
What is the purpose of a death certificate?
A) To officially document the cause of death
B) To notify the next of kin
, C) To initiate criminal proceedings
D) To secure life insurance
Correct Option: A
Rationale: A death certificate serves as the official document that records the cause,
manner, and circumstances of death for legal and statistical purposes.
Question 11:
In determining the cause of death, what is a common method used?
A) Physical examination only
B) Autopsy
C) Medical imaging
D) Witness statements
Correct Option: B
Rationale: An autopsy is a common and critical method used to determine the cause of
death through a thorough examination of the body and its organs.
Question 12:
Which agency is primarily responsible for investigating deaths that occur under
suspicious circumstances?
A) Medical Examiner’s Office
B) Health Department
C) Local Hospital
D) Social Services
Correct Option: A
Rationale: The Medical Examiner’s Office is specifically tasked with investigating
deaths that occur under suspicious circumstances to ensure accurate cause and
manner assessment.
Question 13:
What does the term “post-mortem” refer to?
A) Before death
B) After death
C) During life
D) Physical examination of the living
