Forensic technicians or forensic scientists, are an important part of solving crimes. They find, catalog, and analyze evidence so that criminals can be found and brought to justice.
To become a forensic science technician, you'll need to meet education and training requirements, and possibly other requirements as well.
Keep reading to learn more about what forensic science technicians do and what's required to become one.
What is a Forensic Science Technician?
Forensic science technicians are responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence for criminal investigations.
The specific job duties of a forensic science technician will depend on the technician's specialty. Common job duties include:
- Collecting, cataloging, and transporting evidence
- Conducting biological, chemical, and microscopic analyses of evidence
- Determining what evidence needs to be collected and the best method of collecting that evidence
- Interpreting the results of evidence analysis
- Recording the location and position of evidence as well as any other observations
- Taking photographs of the crime scene and any evidence
Forensic science technicians who work at crime scenes are sometimes called crime scene investigators. Some specialize in specific areas of crime scene investigation.
Those who work in the lab can also specialize in areas like ballistics, DNA, forensic biology, and forensic chemistry. The specialization determines what types of equipment and tests they use.
Occasionally, the term 'forensic science technician' may also refer to those who specialize in computer-based crimes. These technicians are often called computer forensics analysts.
Forensic Science Technician Education and Training Requirements
Regardless of the specialty, all forensic science technicians need a certain amount of education and training before they can begin their careers.
The specific requirements will depend on the area you work and who your employer is, but we've listed some general requirements below.
Forensic Science Technician Education Requirements
Most forensic science technicians are required to have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degrees are four-year, undergraduate degrees.
Many colleges and universities offer degrees in forensic science that are designed to train students to become forensic science technicians.
Some programs allow students to specialize in particular areas of forensic science, like biology, chemistry, criminology, or toxicology.
You can find a list of accredited forensic science programs through the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).
Students interested in becoming forensic science technicians can also major in areas like biology, chemistry, or physical science.
Police Academy
In some places, only sworn police officers can become forensic science technicians. This means that you'll need to complete your education at a police academy as well.
Police academies vary in their requirements, but most take a minimum of six months. During this time you'll have a mix of hands-on training and coursework.
Topics covered in the police academy may include:
- Ethics
- Firearms
- Laws
- Physical Fitness
- Self-Defense
- The Criminal Justice System
Police academies may be run by the police department itself or through local community colleges or other facilities.
Forensic Science Technician Training Requirements
Typically, forensic science technicians get on-the-job training once they've been hired but before they can work independently.
During this time, technicians in training work under the guidance of experienced forensic science technicians. They'll learn things like:
- Evidence Processing
- Laboratory Specialties
- Methods of Evidence Analysis
- Procedures for Collecting and Documenting Evidence
Some employers may require forensic science technicians to pass a proficiency exam at the end of the training period.
Training periods can vary in length depending on your specialization and your employer. Training for some specializations can last up to a year or so.
Forensic Science Technician Credential Requirements
Certifications and licensure are not always needed to become a forensic science technologist, but some employers and/or jurisdictions may require them.
There are a few different bodies that offer certification for forensic science technicians.
American Board of Criminalistics
The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) is made up of regional and national forensic science organizations.
Currently, five certifications can be obtained through the board. These are:
- Biological Evidence Screening (ABC-BIO)
- Comprehensive Criminalistics (ABC-CC)
- Drug Analysis (ABC-DA)
- Forensic DNA (ABC-DNA)
- Molecular Biology (ABC-MB)
To qualify for a certification, candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree, have at least two years of field experience, and pass the certification exam.
American Board of Forensic Toxicology
The American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) is a board that specifically focuses on certifying qualified forensic toxicologists.
It offers different levels of certification depending on your education and professional experience.
General requirements include being actively employed in the field of forensic toxicology and possessing high ethical and professional standards.
Become a Forensic Science Technician
To become a forensic science technician, you'll need to earn at least a bachelor's degree and complete on-the-job training.
Depending on where you work, you may also need to go through the police academy and/or pursue certification.
With the steps above, you can be on your way toward a career as a forensic science technician today!
