Crime Scene Certification
Do I have to be a member of the International Association for Identification to be certified?
NO, you do not have to be a member of the International Association for Identification to apply or be certified but we highly encourage you to join the IAI.
How long does the certification last?
Certification is for a period of five years. You must apply for recertification before the end of the five years. (See below)
How does the application process work?
- Ensure that you meet the requirements for the level for which you are applying
- Fill out the applications form as directed
- Send the application form to the Crime Scene Certification Board (CSCB) c/o the IAI office in Mendota Heights, MN.
- Once the application is received it is time stamped in and the 90 day period starts.
- The duplicate information is forwarded to the local Division in which you reside.
- If there is not a Division in your area it will be sent to a member of the parent body CSCB for review.
- The Division representative will review your application for accuracy, and verify the information that you have submitted.
- After your application is approved you will be contacted by a local
IAI Division representative who will make arrangements for a “agreed” upon
location to take the test. (Online testing is set for the future.)
Note: The approval process and testing should take no longer than 90 days from receipt of the application. A certification test may not be out any longer than 60 days from the date it is sent to the proctor.
Once I apply how much time do I have to study the material?
Do not apply for certification until such time as you have studied the required material.
I will be eligible to begin the certification process and had some questions.
The two new books for crime scene investigator certification, will it only be those two books or will more books be added?
Only those two (2) books.
If it is only those two books, will chapters be listed at a later date?
No, you are responsible for the entire text.
How often are the required reading texts changed?
Texts may not be changed for a period of 3 years from the date that they are put into effect.
Should an author come out with a newer edition during that period and there are significant updates to the material the CSCB will introduce the new edition after posting a notification on the web page. In some cases you may be given the opportunity to take either test.
Can you take the test at the IAI Educational Conference?
Yes, if your application is in early enough to be approved. Testing is usually done on Tuesday or Wednesday of the Conference week.
Do any on-line courses count towards the training requirements needed for crime scene certification?
No they do not and this includes all on-line college courses.
Is there a group discount?
No each application requires the same amount of time to process.
The certification fee is high!
Consider that the fee covers five years. That is 30 dollars per year.
I have the qualifications to apply for certification as a Senior Crime Scene Analyst - but should I apply for the Crime Scene Investigator certification and work my way up?
You may apply for any of the crime scene certifications that you qualify for. After studying the material, apply for the certification that you feel most comfortable in being tested for.
If I fail a crime scene certification test how long do I have to wait to reapply to be tested?
Effective March 1, 2010 you must wait a minimum of 60 days before reapplying for certification testing and submit an entirely new application with the $150.00 processing fee.
I am doing research on Crime Scene investigation, and want to find out what is required to receive a Crime Scene Certification. Does one have to earn an associate or bachelors degree?
No, only the courses listed under the “Continuing Education/Professional Development”
Can I hold two crime scene certifications?
Yes; you will be able to hold one of the certifications in crime scene and also a certification in crime scene reconstruction.
Crime Scene Recertification
Will I be notified that I need to recertify?
Yes, a notice will be sent to you six (6) months prior to your expiration date, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you apply for recertification prior to your expiration date.
Why do I have to take a test to recertify?
All IAI Certification programs now require that applicants for recertification take a test to ensure proficiency as part of our accreditation program.
Does the participation/attendance at forensic meetings include classes I have attended in the forensic sciences such as, blood pattern recognition, count as credits?
You cannot count meetings, and the courses within those meetings (sort of double dipping), unless you have a certificate for a workshop, as with the IAI Annual Educational Conference.