Survey results indicate that, overall, fire and explosion debris analysts across the country are dedicated to a high-quality analytical product. The survey also indicates, however, that some analysts have not had regular internal proficiency testing. New laboratory certification methods and requirements should be developed in response to this discovery. Also in response to the survey, members of the TWGFEX have formalized job descriptions for a variety of positions of interest to fire and explosion analysts and have developed minimum hiring and training requirements, which will be presented to the community for comment. Other survey results illuminated the need for the establishment of more rigorous analytical procedures in the laboratory. TWGFEX fosters the development of national guidelines for the collection and analysis of fire and explosion debris. In 1998, TWGFEX developed a 56-question survey divided into 5 main categories: (1) demographics; (2) job description; (3) education and training; (4) analytical protocols; and (5) general information. The survey was mailed to 610 private, local, State, and Federal forensic laboratories throughout the United States. The analysis was based on the 216 surveys that were completed and returned. Table links within the article allow access to information about specific categories of questions. Survey text included