About the Course

The Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner Course is a two‑day, in‑person program that prepares participants to conduct a psychological autopsy or contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team examining the circumstances surrounding a suicide. Psychological autopsies gather detailed information about the factors present in the lives of individuals who die by suicide. This population‑ and community‑specific data plays a critical role in informing suicide prevention efforts.

The training is interactive and experiential, with two eight‑hour days that include discussion, role‑plays, case‑based application, and section quizzes.

• Session I: Provides an advanced foundation in suicidology and introduces the psychological autopsy protocol through guided practice.
• Session II: Focuses on interviewing, data organization, research methodologies that shape the process, structured inquiry using the protocol, and communication skills that support rapport and trust with interviewees.

Ethical considerations are integrated throughout, emphasizing respectful, supportive, and trauma‑informed approaches that honor individuals and communities affected by loss.

Learning Objectives:

• Define key concepts in advanced suicidology, including biological, psychological, social, and environmental risk and protective factors.
• Explain the purpose, scope, and methodological foundations of the psychological autopsy as a research, investigative, prevention, and postvention tool.
• Apply the psychological autopsy protocol to retrospective case material using a structured, systematic approach.
• Conduct a simulated psychological autopsy interview using evidence‑informed communication to establish rapport, build trust, and gather accurate information.
• Organize and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from the psychological autopsy process in accordance with professional standards.
• Implement ethical best practices when engaging individuals and families impacted by suicide, including trauma‑informed and culturally responsive approaches.
• Analyze psychological autopsy findings to develop prevention‑informed recommendations for clinical practice, organizational policy, or community interventions.

Eligibility

To enroll in the Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner Course, applicants must meet one of the following:

• Previously certified as a PACT Practitioner by AAS within the last five years; or
• Hold an advanced degree in a mental, medical, or public health field and have at least three years of experience in a role related to suicide intervention or postvention; or
• At least five years as a certified law enforcement officer or active‑duty military, or ten years in the Army National Guard, and a role related to suicide death investigation, peer support, or suicide prevention; or
• Completion of AAS’s Suicide Death Investigation Course© (SDIC).

Certification

Individuals who complete AAS‑provided psychological autopsy training are eligible to pursue certification through the American Association of Suicidology, which administers and authorizes the process. Completion of AAS training is required to advance to Phase II. Phase II involves successfully completing either a mock psychological autopsy or an actual investigation and submitting it to AAS for formal review and evaluation. After completing the Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner Course, participants have three months to submit a written psychological autopsy for evaluation. Final approval of certification status rests solely with AAS.

Certifications earned after May 2026 are valid for three years. To renew, submit proof of 20 hours of suicidology‑related professional development; a new three‑year certificate will be issued upon approval.

Recertification (for certifications issued prior to 2026)

To renew as a Psychological Autopsy Practitioner (formerly Investigator), individuals must meet one of the following:

• Submit a completed psychological autopsy for AAS review; or
• Provide documentation of 20 hours of suicidology‑specific training; or
• Complete the new two‑day training.

Is the Psychological Autopsy Certified Training (PACT) Practitioner Course offered virtually?
No. The two‑day training is offered in person only.

How often is the course offered, and how can we host it?
Offerings are scheduled based on interest and host availability. Organizations interested in hosting should contact pact@suicidology.org for scheduling and hosting requirements.

What is the cost of the course?
The individual rate is $950 for non‑AAS members and $850 for AAS members. Each cohort requires a minimum of 20 and allows a maximum of 30 participants. Organizations may host the course for a flat fee of $20,000 and register up to 30 attendees. Hosts that provide a training space receive three complimentary registrations.

Are there certification fees?
The initial certification fee is $150. For certifications issued prior to 2026, the recertification fee is $100.

What happens if my certification lapses?
AAS will renew psychological autopsy certifications that expired between 2020 and 2026 upon proof of 20 hours of suicidology‑specific training or submission of a completed psychological autopsy by December 1, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals with a lapsed certification must attend the new two‑day recertification course.

Does completion of AAS’s Suicide Death Investigation Course© (SDIC) qualify me for certification?
SDIC focuses on determining if a death is a suicide; the Psychological Autopsy Training (PAT) focuses on why. SDIC can fulfill an eligibility pathway to attend the Psychological Autopsy course, but SDIC alone does not confer certification as a Psychological Autopsy Practitioner.

Approved CE Provider

The American Association of Suicidology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAS maintains responsibility for the program and its content.