A career in questioned document examination (QDE) usually requires a four year degree in the sciences along with at least two years of formal training in a forensic facility that handles questioned documents. Excellent eyesight and good color vision is also very helpful for this career; document examiners need to be able to detect subtle and important variations and differences on the documents they evaluate. In some cases, a gut feeling may be the primary lead for a questioned document examiner, rather than concrete and obvious visual evidence, and the examiner must be able to evaluate the document to determine if the suspicions are accurate.
Some colleges and universities offer forensics degrees with specific training in questioned document examination. If possible, students should consider attending one of these programs. If not, a degree in science with a focus on a topic like chemistry can be helpful. A chemistry degree can, for instance, allow a student to research paper, inks, and other topics relevant to a career in this field. While in school, students may also want to pursue internship opportunities to start getting real world experience.
Forensic laboratories make apprenticeship positions available to people who want to start training in fields like questioned document examination. These positions are usually limited, as labs need to focus on work first and training second. It helps to have internship experience along with a college degree from a reputable program. In some cases, people can start working in labs before graduation to build up skills while still in school.
A person who wants to pursue a career in questioned document examination can apply to more formal positions after education and apprenticeship requirements are met. It can help to join a professional organization, which may require passing a test to demonstrate competency. This membership can be helpful not just for job applications, but also for testimony on the stand, where a questioned document examiner needs to establish expert credentials.
Those interested in questioned document examination for the purpose of testifying in court may want to consider a graduate degree to increase their authority in court. It can also be helpful to take courses in testifying in court, as this is a learned, not natural, skill. Testimony needs to be clear, detailed, and authoritative. The ability to present scientific information in an accessible way is critical, as is the ability to hold up skillfully under cross examination from the opposing counsel, which has an interest in making an expert appear less than qualified to undermine the results.
