Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

Standard Practice for 

Crime Scene Investigator 

Training, Continuing 

Education, Professional 

Development, Certification, 

and Accreditation

Crime Scene Investigation Subcommittee

Crime Scene/Death Investigation Scientific Area Committee

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

OSAC Proposed Standard

Standard Practice for Crime Scene 

Investigator Training, Continuing 

Education, Professional Development, 

Certification, and Accreditation

Prepared by

Crime Scene Investigation Subcommittee

Version: 1.0

Disclaimer:

This document has been developed by the Crime Scene Investigation Subcommittee of the 

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science through a consensus 

process and is proposed for further development through a Standard Developing Organization 

(SDO). This document is being made available so that the forensic science community and 

interested parties can consider the recommendations of the OSAC pertaining to applicable forensic 

science practices. The document was developed with input from experts in a broad array of 

forensic science disciplines as well as scientific research, measurement science, statistics, law, and 

policy. 

This document has not been published by a SDO. Its contents are subject to change during the 

standards development process. All interested groups or individuals are strongly encouraged to 

submit comments on this proposed document during the open comment period administered by 

ASTM International (www.astm.org). 
Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing 

Education, Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

1. Scope

1.1 This standard provides foundational requirements for the training, continuing education, 

professional development, certification, and accreditation of crime scene investigators/unit(s) to include 

training criteria to competency, documentation and implementation of training, and continuous 

development. This information is intended for crime scene investigators to help establish a training 

framework with program structure and content; for crime scene investigators as they acquire and 

maintain their knowledge, skills, and abilities; and for forensic science service providers to manage and 

support the continuous professional development of their employees.

1.2 This document outlines minimum training criteria and provides general information,approaches, 

and resources for crime scene investigators. This standard does not address proficiency testing 

programs or specific requirements of professional certification and licensure bodies, although the 

foundational requirements may be essential elements for such programs.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM WK40039 Standard for Training, Continuing Education and Professional Development for 

Forensic Science Practitioners (editorial note: this working standard number will be replaced with the 

actual ASTM number once adopted)

2.2 Some material in this standard is based on the Technical Working Group for Education and Training 

in Forensic Science, National Institute of Justice (TWGED, NIJ) Special Report, Education and Training in 

Forensic Science: A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Educational Institutions, and Students. 

Developed and Approved by TWGED. Washington, DC: US Dept. of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, 

National Institute of Justice, 2004. (Available from www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij)

3. Terminology

3.1 Crime Scene - An area, object or person from which evidence is identified, documented, 

collected, and/or interpreted. OSAC Lexicon

3.2 Crime Scene Investigator - a forensic science practitioner whose responsibility is to use the 

appropriate combination of knowledge, skills, and experience to undertake one or more of the following 

tasks in relation to a crime scene investigation: documentation, search for or identify evidence, evidence 

collection, and preservation of evidence. OSACLexicon

3.3 Crime Scene Unit - a specialized unit, team, or otherwise designated group whose members are 

involved in some aspect of crime scene investigation including evaluation, documentation, searching, 

identification, collection, and preservation of evidence. OSACLexicon

4. Significance and Use

4.1 This standard outlines criteria and implementation approaches for the training, continuing 

education, professional development, and certification of crime scene investigators (or accreditation of
Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

crime scene investigation units). The use of this standard can help establish training programs designed 

to achieve competency in crime scene investigation. The standard also describes measures to maintain 

competency through continuing education/professional development and certification and/or 

accreditation.

4.2 This standard can provide a framework for extending learning opportunities to promote and achieve 

higher standards of professional practice in crime scene investigation.

4.3 Certifying bodies in crime scene investigation impose continuing education and professional 

development requirements on their license or certificate holders. Such requirements are intended to 

encourage professionals to expand their knowledge base and keep abreast of new developments. For 

crime scene investigation certification these requirements might be satisfied through completion of 

internal training, completion of college, university, or extension coursework or through attendance at 

conferences and seminars. Individuals in such positions should obtain and document their on-going 

training and development as required by their certifying body.

5. Documentation

5.1 Training, Education, and DevelopmentRecord - Documentation is mandatory for the recognition 

of any claimed training or continuing professional development. The employer shall maintain an official 

training record for each employee and provide the trainee with a copy of or access to the records. The 

trainee is encouraged to keep a personal copy of the training record and should do so if not employed 

by a forensic science service provider. At a minimum, the record shallcontain:

5.1.1 Documentation that any position requirements have been satisfied (such as a transcript,if 

a degree or specific coursework is a prerequisite for the job),

5.1.2 A certificate or statement of successful completion of the initial training, with 

documentation that all required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) have been acquired 

relative to the stated objectives.

5.1.3 Documentation of education, subsequent training, or professional development. This 

might include any earned academic, continuing education credits, or certificates.

5.2 Documentation clearly showing total number of hours or days involved shall be maintained to 

achieve or maintain professional development.

6. Training to Competency Programs

6.1 This section applies to the initial training to competency in the field. This standard provides a 

common framework that shall be used for crime scene investigators to help ensure that crime scene 

units are meeting minimum criteria.

6.2 Model training criteria are:

6.2.1 Minimum requirement is an Associate's Degree, or equivalent number of hours ofpostsecondary education, with at least 8 hours of physical science from a regionally accredited 

university or college. It is strongly recommended, since scientific testing can and does occur at
Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

crime scenes, that the practitioner possess a Bachelor’s Degree with science coursework.

6.2.2 Current practical experience and acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities may be 

substituted when assessing whether a current practitioner meets the minimum educational 

requirement.

6.2.3 Those individuals already working in crime scene investigation may not be required to 

complete a newly designed training program; however, it is recommended that when 

competencies are added to the training program, those individuals undergo competencytesting.

6.3 Structure for training is defined for practitioners. In addition to the core specific elements 

detailed in ASTM WK40039 Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing 

Education, and Professional Development Programs, the practitioner shall meet the following training 

requirements, be tested on the information and demonstrate competency before beginning on-scene 

independent work.

6.3.1 Minimum crime scene investigation elements shall include the following:

6.3.1.1 history and basic theory of crime scene investigation (e.g. Locard’s Theory,use 

of evidence, defining a crime scene)

6.3.1.2 relevant and current literature

6.3.1.3 nature and properties of evidence types and forms in which it maybe 

discovered

6.3.1.4 response (e.g. safety, security, scene logs, legal considerations)

6.3.1.5 methodologies and validation studies (e.g. documentation,search, 

enhancement, collection, packaging, preservation)

6.3.1.6 associated tools, equipment, and instrumentation

6.3.1.7 interpretations

6.3.1.8 knowledge of related fields

6.3.1.9 reporting and Testimony

6.3.2 The trainee’s progress shall be assessed at appropriate intervals (e.g. end of lectures, 

lessons, or exercises). Assessment mechanisms shall be chosen to reflect the job duties of the 

practitioner to include:

6.3.2.1 oral exams

6.3.2.2 written exams

6.3.2.3 exercises with emphasis on those that reflect actual casework situationsand 

levels of difficulty

6.3.2.4 review of mock casework

6.3.2.5 mock trials or oral board
Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

6.3.3 The training might also include learning opportunities such as:

6.3.3.1 apprenticeships

6.3.3.2 internships

6.3.3.3 professional conferences

6.3.3.4 instrumental or discipline-specific workshops

6.3.3.5 training opportunities held jointly with other agencies

6.3.3.6 tours of manufacturing facilities

6.3.3.7 research projects

6.3.4 Program structure and content shall include the following documented components:

6.3.4.1 learning objectives

6.3.4.2 instructor (however named) qualifications

6.3.4.3 student (however named) requirements

6.3.4.4 detailed syllabus

6.3.4.5 performance goals

6.3.4.6 periodic assessments

6.3.4.7 competency testing

6.3.4.8 period of supervised casework/mentorship

6.3.4.9 program assessment mechanisms (e.g., instructor and studentfeedback)

6.3.4.10 documentation clearly showing total number of hours or days involved for 

each subject matter assessed

7 Continuing Education and Professional Development

7.1 All practitioners shall remain current in crime scene investigation through relevantcontinuing 

education and professional development activities. Crime scene management and its parent agency 

shall provide support and opportunities for this continuing professional development. 1 2 3

1 Education and Training in Forensic Science: A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Educational Institutions, 

and Students, National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Washington, DC, June 2004.

2 Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, National Academy of Sciences Press, 

Washington, DC, 2009

3 Continuing education encompasses a broad spectrum of post-secondary learning activities and programs that 

include: degree credit courses, non-degree career training, workforce training, and formal personal enrichment 

courses (both on campus and online). The specific learning activities or programs usually issue a certificate, 

continuing education units (CEUs), or international learning units (ILUs) for the purpose of documenting attendance 

at a seminar or course of instruction.
Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

7.1.1 A minimum of 48 hours, over the course of two years, of continuing education and 

professional development shall be obtained by all crime scene investigators. At least 24 hours 

must be continuing education in crime scene topics.

7.2 Crime scene investigators shall maintain, improve, and broaden their KSA’s through facilitated 

learning opportunities, including college degrees and coursework, conferences, and informal learning 

opportunities situated in practical exercises.

7.3 Continuing education and professional development shall be structured, measurable,and 

documented.

7.3.1 Structure—Continuing education and professional development shall include one or more 

of the following documented components:

7.3.1.1 written goals and objectives

7.3.1.2 subject matter expert instructor(s) in the subject area

7.3.1.3 written syllabus or program description

7.3.1.4 quantifiable elements, such as CEUs, academic credits, number of hours,or 

points.

7.3.2 Measurement—Assessment mechanisms shall include one or more of the following:

7.3.2.1 oral exams or reports

7.3.2.2 written exams or reports

7.3.2.3 amount of time performing the training activity

7.3.2.4 instructor or presenter evaluations

7.3.2.5 practical exercises with emphasis on those that reflect real caseworksituations

7.3.2.6 observation of technical performance

7.3.2.7 criteria for passing competency tests.

7.3.3 Documentation—Documentation mechanisms shall include one or more of the following:

7.3.3.1 a procedure (however named) for the documented review of scientificliterature 

to satisfy continuing education and professional developmentrequirements

7.3.3.2 issuance of a certificate of completion or diploma,

7.3.3.3 publishing a paper

7.3.3.4 verifying attendance using an attendance log, or

7.3.3.5 recording of presentation or exercise.

7.4 Implementation—Training and continuing professional development can be implemented in a
Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

variety of ways to maximize opportunities, minimize costs, and ensure high standards of professional 

practice. Implementation shall include one or more of the following:

7.4.1 Seminars, lectures, professional meetings, and in-service classes also add to the 

professional development of forensic science practitioners. Content and attendance shallbe 

documented.

7.4.2 Continuing education and professional development shall include externaltraining.

7.4.3 Continuing education and professional development can be delivered in-person, online, 

self-directed or computer-based, including, but not limited to the following:

7.4.3.1 courses taught at the post-secondary educational level

7.4.3.2 equipment operation or maintenance courses taught by vendors

7.4.3.3 in-service classes conducted by the employer

7.4.3.4 in-service training taught by external providers

7.4.3.5 participation in relevant scientific meetings or conferences (e.g., delivering an 

oral or poster presentation, attending a workshop, providing reports on conferences)

8 Certification and Accreditation

8.1 All crime scene units shall either have all crime scene investigation personnel certified or the crime 

scene unit shall be accredited. Ideally, all personnel will be certified and the crime scene unit will be 

accredited.

8.1.1 Certification

8.1.1.1 An individual’s certification shall be completed within 2 years of becoming 

eligible for certification by a crime scene investigation certifying body. The certifying 

body shall be accredited to ISO 17024 or accredited by a qualifying ISO 17011 body or 

equivalent.

8.1.2 Accreditation

8.1.2.1 A crime scene unit’s accreditation shall be to the ISO 17020 orISO 17025 

standards or equivalent, recognized standard from a Standards Development 

Organization (SDO).

8.2 This requirement shall be met no later than 5 years after the adoption of thisstandard.

8.3 Crime scene management and its parent agency shall provide funding, support, and opportunities 

for certification and/or accreditation.

9 Administration

9.1 The forensic science service providers, crime scene units, and their parent agencies shall establish a 

process to oversee, coordinate, and document all training, testing to competency, andcontinuing
Standard Practice for Crime Scene Investigator Training, Continuing Education, 

Professional Development, Certification, and Accreditation

professional development of forensic science practitioners. Competency testing should be used as a 

measure of assessing the necessary KSA’s of a forensic science practitioner. Forensic science service 

providers and their agencies may be better equipped to implement continuing professional 

development to access opportunities and programs at no or reasonable cost, where permitted by 

agency policy or law.

9.2 Forensic science practitioners and their supervisors should be allocated time and funding for 

continuing education, professional development, and mentorship. Management may need to adjust 

resources and staffing to maintain casework loads.

10 Keywords

10.1 Continuing Education, Professional Development, Competency, Training, ForensicScience, 

Certification, Accreditation, Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Scene,CSI