Membership Requirements

Types of Membership

Full Members: Full (also referred to as "Regular") members are those who fulfill the qualifications set forth below. They must pay dues and have full voting privileges. Full membership in SOFT shall be available to individuals who have demonstrated their ability to function as forensic toxicologists as recognized by SOFT and who are actively engaged in forensic toxicology at the time of application. Applicants for Full membership must have the following education degrees and experience in forensic toxicology:

Ph.D. and one year experience, M.S. and two years' experience, B.S. or B.A. and three years' experience

  • Fee: $125 to apply, transferred to annual dues payment if approved for membership
  • Sponsors needed: Two Full SOFT Members in good standing

Associate Members: Applicants who do not qualify for Full membership, but who demonstrate interest in forensic toxicology, are eligible for Associate membership. Associate members pay dues but do not have voting privileges and do not qualify for Emeritus status.

  • Fee: $125 to apply, transferred to annual dues payment if approved for membership
  • Sponsors needed: One Full SOFT Members in good standing

Student Members: Students pursuing degrees and careers in disciplines related to forensic toxicology may apply for membership as Student Affiliate members. Students who are seeking advanced degrees and actively engaged in forensic toxicology need to apply as Full or Associate Members. Student Members pay reduced dues and do not have voting privileges.

  • Fee: $40 to apply, transferred to annual dues payment if approved for membership
  • Sponsors needed: One Full SOFT Members in good standing or an academic advisor

Retired Members: Retired Members are Full Members or Charter Members who have maintained 10 years of membership in SOFT and who have reached the age of 65. Retired Members have voting privileges but do not pay dues. Retired members do not receive a subscription to JAT. A JAT subscription may be added to membership at a cost of $40 per year.

  • Fee: No Fee ($40 JAT subscription)
  • Sponsors needed: No Sponsors needed

Emeritus Members: Emeritus Members are Full Members or Charter Members who have maintained 25 years of membership in SOFT and who have reached the age of 65. Emeritus Members have voting privileges but do not pay dues. Emeritus members do not receive a subscription to JAT. A JAT subscription may be added to membership at a cost of $40 per year.

  • Fee: No Fee ($40 JAT subscription)
  • Sponsors needed: No Sponsors needed

Membership Promotion: Current members of SOFT can apply for promotion to another membership category at any point in the year. You can review the requirements for each category under Types of Membership. There is no fee to apply for promotion, but you are responsible for your annual dues payment for the year.

  • Fee: No Fee
  • Sponsors needed: Promotion to Full two sponsors, Promotion to Associate one Sponsor

Sponsor References: Applicants will need to provide a sponsor for their application. A sponsor is a Full SOFT member in good standing. Student applicants may use an academic advisor as a sponsor in lieu of a SOFT member. References should not be related to applicants.

  • Full Member applicants must be sponsored by two Full Members of SOFT in good standing.
  • Associate Member Applicants must be sponsored by one Full Member of SOFT in good standing.
  • Student Member applicants must be sponsored by one Full Member of SOFT in good standing or an academic advisor.