General Instructions:

Applicants must arrange for an official transcript of the degree used as the basis for qualification to be forwarded directly from the granting institution to the ABT Office. This document must be postmarked by May 31. If it is not possible to obtain official transcripts from non-U.S. colleges or universities, applicants must provide notarized copies of their diplomas and a listing of courses passed. For candidates claiming earned doctoral degree status, the course listing must permit a determination of educational equivalence to a doctoral degree. If notarized copies of diplomas or course listings are not provided, the applicant must satisfactorily explain their omission and provide an alternate method for determining educational status (e.g., recognition of the educational program by the Educational Commission on Foreign Veterinary Graduates).

Applicants must arrange for letters from present and former supervisors to be forwarded to the ABT Office. For self-employed applicants, letters from clients or employers may substitute if acceptable to the ABT Eligibility Committee. These letters must explicitly specify the time period of the position, and must accurately and fully document the applicant's duties, responsibilities and full-time professional experience in toxicology. The supervisor should review the above section on experience in toxicology before preparing the support letter. The supporting letters must cover the entire period of experience required with the actual degree conferral date used as the basis for qualification. The letters may contain other information as deemed appropriate by the supervisor or employer. This information will be disclosed to the applicant upon request so that accuracy can be assured. The letters must be postmarked by May 31.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to assure timely receipt of the required documentation. Incomplete or late documentation will result in an ineligible status. An applicant should not assume that transcripts or letters of verification requested from a third party have been sent to the ABT Office. If unsure, an applicant may call or e-mail the ABT Office to confirm receipt of requested documentation.

The Eligibility Committee of the ABT must have a complete dossier to review. The applicant must describe his/her experience as a toxicologist, including full job description(s) and bibliography (curriculum vitae). A listing of related toxicology activities is helpful. To
aid in the preparation of complete documentation describing the applicant's experience in toxicology (#3 on the certification application
form), several suggestions are listed below. These suggestions should be regarded as guidelines. The applicant may wish to provide additional relevant information.

Suggestions:

Simply providing the job title will not suffice. Duties and responsibilities can be described in terms of time allocated to specific activities, types of studies or functions performed, reporting relationships, toxicology personnel supervised, students or postdoctoral fellows trained, numbers and types of technical reports prepared and role played in the preparation of such reports, etc. Thoroughness is essential. Provide specific and detailed descriptions of each aspect of present and past employment activities in toxicology.

Many scientists with newly acquired degrees have a training period for the conduct of toxicological studies, or apply a previously acquired skill as a part of an overall team effort to toxicological studies. At what point within their scientific contribution and growth has "skilled technical work" changed to "full-time professional experience in toxicology"? For purposes of defining eligibility criteria, "full-time professional experience in toxicology" will begin when the individual has demonstrated the capability to conduct a toxicological study in an independent manner, to prepare a valid report of the results and to understand the interpretation of a toxicological study for professional use.

This definition will apply to post-doctoral as well as post-baccalaureate experience in toxicology. It will be incumbent upon the applicant, and particularly upon the sponsors of applicants, to provide adequate documentation to satisfy the definition.

A formal position description may be attached, but may not be sufficient by itself.

A list of publications using full bibliographic citations should be attached. Full length publications, review articles, books, chapters and abstracts should be listed under their respective headings.

List the name(s) of the supervisor(s) who will provide a supporting letter and the time periods they are covering.

Example of Toxicology Activities:

Presentations or interactions with regulatory, governmental or other international agencies; invited lectures, seminars, or participation in symposia.

Positions or memberships in professional, trade or academic associations, adjunct appointments; courses taught (indicate number of hours or lectures and brief summary of content), etc.

Honors, awards, appointments or other recommendations received from professional, academic, industrial or other organizations.

A listing of continuing education activities since obtaining highest degree. These activities could include: professional meetings attended (provide dates); short courses, workshops or specialty meetings attended; titles of journals read regularly; etc.

All forms, fees, supporting documentation and other materials submitted to the American Board of Toxicology become the property of the Board and will be maintained in confidentiality solely for evaluation of the candidate to take the certification examination.