We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become a Crime Scene Examiner?

By David Bishop
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,767
Share

Crime scene examiners, also known as crime scene investigators or CSIs, are trained forensic technicians who collect and analyze evidence from locations where illegal activities occurred. These examiners are usually employed by federal, state or local police agencies and must undergo special training before being qualified to work as a CSI. There are several specialties within the field of forensics, each requiring a different educational background and training. Many of the more technical jobs usually require a four-year degree in a related scientific discipline along with post-graduate studies in forensics. Other CSI careers may only require the completion of a technical certification program.

The most common way to become a crime scene examiner in the United States is to first become a police officer and then apply for CSI training within the department. While most police jurisdictions do not hire civilians for crime scene work, larger cities may have some civilian forensic positions within their departments. Education requirements for CSI employees vary by municipality, but most offices will require at least a high school degree and some forensic training for entry-level positions. Many community and for-profit colleges around the U.S. offer coursework and certificate training to people seeking to become a crime scene examiner.

Another method that a person may pursue to become a crime scene examiner is to complete a two- or four-year degree in chemistry, biology or physics, and then seek either a post-graduate degree or certificate training in forensics. Some students also may consider a criminal justice degree along with a minor or concentration in forensic sciences. The limited number of open CSI positions has some professionals recommending completion of a regular science degree that will have more value in the overall job market.

Specialized field and lab work involving scientific forensic testing and evaluation usually require a higher level of education than the specialties that deal with fingerprint and evidence gathering. While this type of education and training may take a greater investment of time and resources early in a person's career, it can pay dividends in the long run as opportunities arise for advancement within the forensics office. Many of the managerial level positions require either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree in a relevant subject.

Anyone seeking to become a crime scene examiner should carefully research the career field before embarking on an education or training program. CSIs often work long hours with relatively low pay and may always be on call to deal with evidence gathering. Many forensic specialists burn out after a few years of dealing with poor working conditions and horrific crime scenes.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-a-crime-scene-examiner.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.