Handwriting analysis or graphology is used in two separate applications. Some graphologists used handwriting analysis to make predictions about personality or likelihood of certain behaviors. In other cases, handwriting analysis may be used in the legal system to verify that a will is not forged, or to identify handwriting samples that have come from the the same source.

Handwriting analysis is thought to be a valid study by graphologists. They suggest that since the process of handwriting is connected to the central nervous system, the way in which a person writes may indicate certain personality types and traits. Others dismiss handwriting analysis for personality profiling as a pseudoscience.

While handwriting analysis as a science may be a debatable topic, many businesses employ graphologists to evaluate the handwriting of perspective employees. This is particularly common in Europe, but American employers may use this as well as one of the tools to select the best candidate for a job.

Handwriting analysis of people with writing disabilities is not considered a valuable pursuit, since there is clear dysfunction between the body and the brain’s ability to produce appropriate writing. Some critics of graphology have cited that requiring handwriting analysis of those with writing disabilities is tantamount to unlawful discrimination and hiring practices.

In the criminal justice system, forensic graphologists may examine handwriting to make statements regarding the likely personality of a subject. One can usually find that both sides of a case will employ a handwriting expert, thus the validity of expert testimony is often null, since reports cancel each other out.

Forensic graphologists used to have more ability to testify regarding handwriting analysis. Changes in laws in 2001 now allow a judge the discretion to disallow testimony when he or she feels that statements cannot be scientifically verified. This discretion can often eliminate testimony based on handwriting analysis.

The legal system also relies on graphology to identify writing coming from the same source. In this way, an incriminating written piece of evidence may be compared with writing of a suspected person, and possibly prove proximity or involvement in a crime. Handwriting analysis may also be used to proof wills or to show that the appropriate person may not have written legal documents.

There is no certification in the US for graphologists. However, there are several colleges where one can train specifically in the psychological evaluation of handwriting. None of these accredited universities are in the US. Two are in Italy, and there is also a university where one can earn a BA in handwriting analysis in Buenos Ares.

In the US, principal means of the learning the trade is through correspondence schools. This makes may feel that handwriting analysis is not really a legitimate science, especially since there are so few universities that offer it as such.