Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 1

OSAC 2021-N-0026

Standard for Education 

and Training of Forensic 

Toxicology Personnel

Forensic Toxicology Subcommittee

Seized Drugs and Toxicology SAC

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 2

Draft OSAC Proposed Standard

OSAC 2021-N-0026

Standard for Education and Training 

of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

Prepared by 

Forensic Toxicology

Version: 1.0

July 2021

Disclaimer:

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the [insert subcommittee or other unit name] of 

the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science following a 

process that includes an open comment period. This Proposed Standard will be submitted to a 

standards developing organization and is subject to change. 

There may be references in an OSAC Proposed Standard to other publications under 

development by OSAC. The information in the Proposed Standard, and underlying concepts and 

methodologies, may be used by the forensic-science community before the completion of such 

companion publications.

Any identification of commercial equipment, instruments, or materials in the Proposed Standard 

is not a recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Government and does not imply that the 

equipment, instruments, or materials are necessarily the best available for the purpose.
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 1

1 Foreword

2 This document was developed to provide the minimum requirements for educational 

3 qualifications, training, competency, experience, continuing education, and certification of 

4 laboratory personnel performing or overseeing forensic toxicology analysis and breath alcohol 

5 instrument calibration. This standard was developed by the Forensic Toxicology Subcommittee 

6 of the Organizational Scientific Area Committees.
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 2

7 Table of Contents

8 1. Scope 5

9 2. Normative References 5

10 3. Terms and Definitions 5-6

11 4. Minimum Standards 7-11

12 Annex A 12-13

13 Annex B 13

14 Bibliography 13
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 3

15 1 Scope

16 This document provides minimum requirements for educational qualifications, training, 

17 competency, experience, continuing education, and certification of laboratory personnel 

18 performing or overseeing forensic toxicology analysis and breath alcohol instrument 

19 calibration. This applies to the following sub-disciplines: postmortem toxicology, human 

20 performance toxicology (e.g., drug-facilitated crimes and driving-under-the-influence of 

21 alcohol or drugs) and other forensic testing (e.g., court-ordered toxicology, general 

22 forensic toxicology). Laboratory personnel that exclusively perform administrative or non23 technical duties are outside the scope of this document. This document does not 

24 address proficiency testing or requirements of specific professional certification and 

25 licensing bodies.

26 2 Normative References

27 N/A

28 3 Terms and Definitions

29 For purposes of this document, the following definitions and acronyms apply.

30 Analyst - An individual (however named) who conducts, directs or reviews the analysis of 

forensic toxicology samples, evaluates data1 and reaches conclusions; 31 2 may sign a report for 

32 court or investigative purposes as a consequence of such examinations. This person does not 

33 provide interpretive opinions related to the results of toxicological tests

34 1 “Evaluates data” refers to the evaluation of scientific data to meet reporting criteria.

35 2 “Reach conclusions” refers to the decision to report the substance as detected and 

36 quantify, if applicable, or not detected and submit those findings for review. 

37 Breath Alcohol Program – An organizational structure including policies, procedures, 

38 responsibilities and resources necessary for implementing core breath alcohol activities. The 

39 program includes, but may not be limited to, requirements or specifications for reference 

40 materials, training of operators, maintenance and calibration of instrumentation, the evidential 

41 breath alcohol test sequence, and record retention.

42 Certification – The recognition by an independent certifying body that an individual has acquired 

43 and demonstrated specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities.

44 Competency – The demonstration of technical skills and knowledge necessary to perform 

45 forensic analysis successfully.

46 Continuing Education - Ongoing training whereby personnel remain current, or advance to a 

47 higher level of expertise, specialization, or responsibility.
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 4

48 Course – An officially recognized program of instruction that is taught through an accredited 

49 college or university program in which the student’s successful completion is documented by an 

50 official record of the institution.

51 Credential – A formal recognition of a professional’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (e.g., 

52 diploma, license).

53 Education – Formal coursework at an accredited college or university.

54 Experience – Direct observation of and participation in the practice of a discipline.

55 Laboratory Personnel – Individuals who perform analytical or laboratory-based functions of a 

56 technical nature. This excludes administrative or non-technical support staff.

57 Methodology – The analytical processes and procedures used to support forensic toxicology 

58 (e.g., chromatography, spectroscopy or immunoassay).

59 Professional Development – The education and training that contributes to career advancement 

60 and succession planning (e.g., administration, leadership, management and fiscal 

61 responsibility).

62 Qualifications – The combined education, training, and experience of an individual.

63 Reference Material – A material or substance, sufficiently homogenous, stable, and of known 

64 concentration with respect to one or more specified properties, which has established to be fit 

65 for its intended use in a measurement process.

66 Technician – An individual (however named) who performs basic analytical functions but does 

67 not evaluate data, reach conclusions or sign a report for court or investigative purposes.

68 Toxicologist – An individual (however named) who provides factual information and/or 

69 interpretive opinions related to the results of toxicological tests for court or investigative 

70 purposes. May be further defined by role [e.g., Toxicologist (General), Toxicologist (Alcohol), 

71 Toxicologist (Breath Alcohol)] .

72 Toxicology Supervisor – An individual (however named) who is responsible for the technical and 

73 administrative oversight of the toxicology laboratory.

74 Training – The formal, structured process of teaching and assessment, through which personnel 

75 reach a level of scientific knowledge and expertise required to perform specific tasks.

76 4. Minimum requirements for Personnel

77 4.1 Educational Qualifications

78 One indication of professional standing is educational qualifications. Diplomas and formal 

79 academic transcripts are required as proof of academic credentials.
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 5

80 Minimum standards for education are summarized in Annex A for each category of employment. 

81 Core scientific topics are listed in Annex B.

82 4.1.1 Technician: Associates degree in Natural Science, Applied Science, or Technology from

83 an accredited institution.

84 4.1.2 Analyst: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science (Preference in Chemistry, Toxicology, 

85 Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or Biology) or Applied Science (Forensic Science, Medical 

86 Sciences) from an accredited institution; completion of general and organic chemistry with 

87 associated laboratory classes.

88 4.1.3 Toxicologist: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science (Preference in Chemistry, Toxicology, 

89 Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or Biology) or Applied Science (Forensic Science, Medical 

90 Sciences) from an accredited institution; completion of general and organic chemistry with 

91 associated laboratory classes; at least one (1) college-level course from Column A and one (1) 

92 from Column B located in Appendix B. Supplemental trainings (40-hour course or time 

93 equivalent to 3 credit courses) can be substituted for interpretive coursework.

94 4.1.4 Toxicology Supervisor: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science (Preference in Chemistry, 

95 Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or Biology) or Applied Science (Forensic Science, 

96 Medical Sciences) from an accredited institution; completion of general and organic chemistry 

97 with associated laboratory classes; at least one (1) college-level course from Column A and one 

98 (1) from Column B located in Annex B. Supplemental trainings (40-hour course or time 

99 equivalent to 3 credit courses) can be substituted for interpretive coursework.

100 4.2 Training, Experience, & Competency

101 Personnel require training to build competency. The length of the initial training provided to the 

102 individual depends upon the scope of work to be performed, as well as the qualifications of the 

103 individual. The depth of training is appropriate to the job function(s). Regardless of 

104 qualifications, all technical personnel are provided training to ensure competency in all assigned 

105 areas detailed in the training elements section. Prior to assuming independent responsibility, 

106 personnel must successfully demonstrate competency in their job function(s).

107 Minimum standards for training and experience are summarized in Annex A for each category of 

108 employment.

109 4.2.1 Training and Experience

110 The source of training can be internal and/or external to the forensic laboratory. Training 

111 partnerships are valuable because they provide broad perspectives and facilitate consistency of 

112 professional practice. Sources include government agencies, academic institutions, training 

113 academies or institutions, private sector organizations, manufacturers, professional societies, 

114 and mentors.
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 6

115 4.2.1.1 Training Program: The laboratory shall have a documented training program which must 

116 address both theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform job 

117 functions. Documentation of completion of the elements of the training program are retained. 

118 The relevance and content of the training program shall be evaluated by the organization 

119 annually.

120 4.2.1.1.1 Training Elements: Specific training elements shall include the following areas where 

121 applicable for the specific job duties as summarized below:

122

Element Suggested Training Content

Administrative and Laboratory Policies Accreditation; Document and record control; Method 

validation; Quality management; Safety and security 

(Biological, chemical, and physical hazards; Security); 

Standard operating procedures

Alcohol toxicology Interpretation (Mathematical calculations); 

Pharmacodynamics; Pharmacokinetics; Physiology 

(Blood to breath ratio)

Analytical Methodology Aliquoting; Isolation techniques; Qualitative analysis; 

Quantitative analysis; Theory

Calibrating device Dry gas cylinder (Barometric pressure; Theory; 

Uses/limitations; Wet/dry offset); Wet bath simulator 

(Partition ratio; Temperature; Theory; Uses/limitations)

Communication Report writing; Verbal and nonverbal skills (Nontechnical; Technical)

Evidence Chain of custody; Collection; Concepts; Preservation; 

Retention

Human Factors Factors such as bias that may affect analytical results 

and interpretations

Instructional development Adult learning principles; Knowledge and/or 

development of curriculum; Use of assigned multimedia equipment

Instrumentation History; Limitations; Maintenance and troubleshooting; 

Operation; Technical functions (adjustment/calibration); 

Testing functions; Theory

Legal aspects Applicable federal, state, or local laws and rules 

(regulations); Case law; Terminology; Testimony 

(Courtroom procedure; Deposition and courtroom)

Quality control Reference Material (Uses/Limitations; Preparation; 

Traceability); Theory

Standards of conduct Ethics; Professionalism

Statistical analysis Calculations; Control charts and/or trending; 

Measurement assurance; Measurement uncertainty; 
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 7

Terminology

Toxicology Interpretation; Pharmacodynamics; Pharmacokinetics; 

Physiology

123 4.2.1.2 Experience

124 Experience is a component of building competency prior to performing the job function. 

125 Experience includes both practical and theoretical aspects of the discipline. 

126 Minimum standards for training and experience are summarized in Annex A for each category of 

127 employment.

128 4.2.2 Competency

129 4.2.2.1 Initial Competency: Regardless of academic qualifications or past work 

130 experience, all individuals shall satisfactorily complete a competency assessment prior 

131 to assuming independent responsibilities. The format for initial competency 

132 assessment(s) are specified in the training program (see Section 4.2.1). The program 

133 may use different formats such as oral, written, and video as a means of ensuring and 

134 documenting competency. Verification document(s) demonstrating that personnel 

135 achieved the required competence must be maintained by the laboratory.

136 4.2.2.2 Ongoing Competency: The laboratory shall monitor competency of personnel on 

137 a continuous basis, documented annually. Competency shall be assessed at the 

138 appropriate level commensurate with job duties. The laboratory shall establish a 

139 predetermined, acceptable level of performance. The laboratory shall establish 

140 remediation and corrective action plans when expected outcome(s) are not achieved.

141 4.3 Certification

142 Certification provides the public and the judicial system a means of identifying those 

143 practitioners who successfully demonstrate competency. It provides an additional means of 

144 verifying ethical standards and is an external review of ongoing competency.

145 Standards for Certification Bodies include: A formal application process, verification of minimum 

146 educational qualifications, review of official transcript(s) from an accredited college or university 

147 sent directly to the certification body, review professional references from practitioners with 

148 knowledge of the applicant’s experience in forensic toxicology submitted directly to the 

149 certification body, verification of required training and experience, statement of adherence to a 

150 professional code of conduct, and perform a proctored written examination appropriate to the 

151 level of certification. Certification bodies shall predefine criteria for successful completion, have 

152 a periodic requalification process and a process to reapply for certification in the event an 

153 individual does not qualify.
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 8

154 Minimum standards for training and experience are summarized in Annex A for each category of 

155 employment.

156 4.4 Continuing Education

157 All laboratory personnel have an ongoing obligation to remain current within the discipline 

158 through continuing education and professional development activities appropriate for the scope 

159 of job functions. While casework is the primary focus, individuals should also strive to advance 

160 the profession. This may be accomplished through professional involvement such as research, 

161 mentoring, teaching, participating in professional organizations, scientific publications and other 

162 professional activities. Recognition of any continuing education or professional development

163 requires proper documentation. The laboratory is responsible for maintaining permanent, official 

164 training records. Assignment of CE credit for various activities is the purview of the respective 

165 Certification Bodies. 

166 The laboratory and/or personnel shall maintain documentation of attendance through a 

167 mechanism such as certificates of completion, duration of training, program agenda/syllabi, 

168 travel documentation (if applicable). The activities must be independently verifiable and may 

169 include attending seminars, conferences, coursework, professional meetings or documented 

170 training sessions/classes in relevant subject areas. Continuing education activities also include 

171 an individual’s contribution to the field of forensic toxicology. Examples include presentations, 

172 publications in peer-reviewed literature, or authorship of books or chapters. Continuing 

173 education and professional development is a combination of internal and external activities. The 

174 sources of external continuing education and professional development are diverse (e.g., 

175 government agencies, academic institutions, training academies or institutions, private sector 

176 organizations, professional societies, vendors). Continuing education and professional 

177 development can be delivered in-person or online. Continuing education and professional 

178 development from organizations that provide recognized continuing education credits are 

179 preferred. 

180 It is the responsibility of the laboratory to ensure that the following resources shall be available 

181 and accessible to laboratory personnel: Reference texts in key subject areas (e.g., analytical 

182 chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology), reference literature containing physical, chemical, 

183 pharmaceutical and/or analytical data, and relevant periodicals and peer-reviewed journals. 

184 Laboratory management has an ongoing responsibility to provide support and opportunities for 

185 continuing education and professional development.

186 Minimum standards for training and experience are summarized in Annex A for each category of 

187 employment.
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 9

188

189 ANNEX A

Technician*

(Breath Alcohol, Blood 

Alcohol, and Drug 

Toxicology)

Analyst*

(Breath Alcohol, Blood 

Alcohol, and Drug 

Toxicology)

Toxicologist*

(Breath Alcohol, Blood 

Alcohol, and Drug 

Toxicology)

Toxicology Supervisor*

Scope* Performs basic analytical 

functions but does not 

evaluate data, reach 

conclusions or sign a 

report for court or 

investigative purposes. 

May also perform 

functions related to 

instrumentation including 

maintenance, verification, 

adjustment, calibration, 

and other activities.

Conducts, directs or 

reviews the analysis of 

forensic toxicology 

samples, evaluates data 

and reaches conclusions; 

may sign a report for 

court/investigative 

purposes based on 

examinations. The analyst 

may testify but does not 

provide interpretive 

opinions. Duties and 

responsibilities may also 

include those of a 

Technician.

Provides interpretive 

opinions related to the 

results of toxicological tests 

for court or investigative 

purposes. Duties and 

responsibilities may also 

include those of an Analyst.

Responsible for the 

technical and 

administrative oversight of 

the toxicology or breath 

laboratory. Duties and 

responsibilities may also 

include those of a 

Toxicologist.

Education Associates degree in 

Natural Science, Applied 

Science, or Technology

Bachelor’s degree in 

Natural Science 

(Preference in Chemistry, 

Toxicology, Biochemistry, 

Pharmacology or Biology) 

or Applied Science 

(Forensic Science, Medical 

Sciences)

Bachelor’s degree in 

Natural Science 

(Preference in Chemistry, 

Toxicology, Biochemistry, 

Pharmacology or Biology) 

or Applied Science 

(Forensic Science, Medical 

Sciences)

Bachelor’s degree in 

Natural Science 

(Preference in Chemistry, 

Toxicology, Biochemistry, 

Pharmacology or Biology) 

or Applied Science 

(Forensic Science, 

Medical Sciences)

Required Courses Chemistry (6 semester h) General & organic 

chemistry (16 semester h).

General & organic 

chemistry (16 semester h), 

1 analytical and 1 

interpretive course.

General & organic 

chemistry (16 semester h), 

1 analytical and 1 

interpretive course.

Supplemental trainings N/A N/A Supplemental training (40-

hour course) can be 

substituted for interpretive 

coursework.

Supplemental training (40-

hour course) can be 

substituted for interpretive 

coursework.

Training and Experience Completion of formal, 

structured training 

program appropriate to job 

function

Completion of formal, 

structured training program 

appropriate to job function

Completion of formal, 

structured training program 

appropriate to job function

Completion of formal, 

structured training 

program and 5 years 

experience

Certification Not required Preferred Preferred Required
Standard for Education and Training of Forensic Toxicology Personnel

DRAFT 10

Continuing Education 4 hours relevant to job 

function with 1 hour from 

external sources.

Sufficient to maintain 

certification or 8 hours 

relevant to forensic 

toxicology with 2 hour from 

external sources.

Sufficient to maintain 

certification or 16 hours 

relevant to forensic 

toxicology with 4 hour from 

external sources.

Sufficient to maintain 

certification

190 *An individual (however named) who fulfills scope.

191 ANNEX B

Column A – Analytical science courses Column B – Interpretive science courses

Analytical chemistry

Chemical informatics

Instrumental analysis

Mass spectrometry

Quantitative analysis

Separation science

Spectroscopic analysis

Biochemistry

Drug metabolism

Forensic toxicology

Medicinal chemistry

Pharmacology

Physiology

Toxicology

Supplemental training (40-hour course)

192

193 Bibliography

194 1. Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX) Standard for 

195 Laboratory Personnel

196 2. Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX) Standard for 

197 Breath Alcohol Personnel