International Association
for Identification
Crime Scene Certification
Program.
Administered in
Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Association for Identification
A Chartered Division of the International Association for Identification
In response to requests
from governmental and judicial agencies for a means of identifying
qualified professionals, the International Association for
Identification established several certification programs. One of these
is a Crime Scene Certification Board. This board is analogous in
purpose, function and organization to certifying boards in many other
specialties. This certification program, administered by the WAI Crime
Scene Certification Committee, is structured in three levels; Level I -
Crime Scene Technician (CST), Level II - Crime Scene Analyst (CSA), and
Level III - Senior Crime Scene Analyst (SCSA).
The general requirements
are that the applicant be of good moral character, high integrity, of
good reputation and must possess high ethical professional standing.
Eligibility to challenge the examination is determined by an application
detailing the professional activities of the applicant, years of
experience and education. Additional information on the three levels,
recommended texts and the application forms are available below.
All applicants must
submit two letters of endorsement. One of these should be from a
superior within the applicant's agency and the second from an associate
in the field of crime scene investigation, who is a member of a state or
regional division and/or the IAI.
Eligibility to challenge
one of the levels of the tri-level examination will then be determined
by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board. Upon receipt of eligibility
the applicant will have ninety days during which the examination must be
scheduled and completed. The WAI Crime Scene Committee conducts the
written examination at a mutually agreeable site. The applicant must
attain a minimum score of 75% to be granted certification.
The examination is very
comprehensive and rigorous. It should not be taken lightly and only
those who are confident that they meet the requirements and
qualifications should apply for the appropriate level. The application
fee is not refundable. Though voluntary, certification is an indication
of the individuals desire to assess one's current knowledge in his field
of forensic science and encourages professional development.
Crime Scene Certification
is issued for a period of five years and is subject to renewal at that
time. Application for renewal must be accompanied by evidence of
twenty-four hours of continued training, accumulated during the
preceding five years. A letter from the IAI regional representative
verifying continued involvement in the field and payment of the
established fee must accompany the application for re-certification.
Although certification as
a Crime Scene Technician (CST), Crime Scene Analyst (CSA), or Senior
Crime Scene Analyst (SCSA) by the I A I Crime Scene Certification Board
is not necessary to be an admirable analyst, it is a benchmark of one's
qualifications. Attaining the title of Certified Crime Scene Technician
or Analyst does not come without some cost and effort. Considerable time
is necessary to study and review the recommended texts in preparation
for the examination. Review of the endorsed texts should not be taken
lightly, since the examination is very comprehensive. There is, however,
a feeling of professional accomplishment to have voluntarily submitted
to an examination by one's peers and successfully met the requirements
for certification.
L. Thomas Johnson
Chairman
WAI Crime Scene Certification Committee
For more information including
forms for certificates visit the
IAI's website |
