Forensic Custody Evaluator (FCE) Certification

New York State law requires that court-ordered forensic evaluations involving child custody and visitation be performed by a New York-licensed psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist who has been certified as a Forensic Custody Evaluator.

To become FCE certified, eligible professionals must complete a training program administered by the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Licensees must also complete recertification training every two years to maintain their certification and eligibility to perform such services.

A valid FCE training certificate issued by OPDV is sufficient documentation to be assigned by a court. The list found on OPDV’s website and provided to OCA/courts are updated and provided as quickly as possible. However, NYSCADV and OPDV maintain the master list of certified FCEs and can confirm the current certification status upon request if needed.

For certification status confirmation or information on how to become certified, please contact [email protected] 

See course dates

This list is not for solicitation or fund-raising purposes.

Pursuant to Executive Law § 575(3)(o) and Domestic Relations Law § 240 (1)(a-3), certified FCEs can practice statewide. Any reference to counties in the below list reflects the geographic area where an individual frequently provides forensic custody evaluation services, as identified by the evaluator, for ease of identification. This list is not intended to limit the geographic area in which one can provide evaluation services.