The International Association for Identification (IAI) is the largest forensic organization in the world. It was originally formed as the International Association for Criminal Identification in October 1915. Through the years it has grown into an educational and certification body with over 6,000 members worldwide.

The award is presented to an Active Member of the Association, who have made "the most significant and valuable contribution in the area of identification and allied sciences." The laureates are:

The award is to be awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors to a new forensic science practitioner and active member of this association, to highlight the creativity, originality, professionalism, and innovation of his research in the recovery and identification of forensic evidence, in the early stages of his career.

This award recognize an individual who, "in the opinion and judgment of the IAI's Board of Directors, is deemed to have made an "outstanding contribution to the Association." The laureates are:

Distinguished membership may be conferred only on a Member by a majority vote of the I.A.I. Board of Directors in recognition of the Member's superior efforts in the furtherance of the aims and purposes of the I.A.I. A Distinguished Member retains all the rights, privileges, and obligations of the class of membership he or she held prior to being designated as a Distinguished Member.

The Dedication to Service Award is awarded to individuals who have shown outstanding dedication over time to the Association and its objectives. The laureates are:

There are four means of obtaining training through the IAI:

There are eight (8) certifying boards: