Skills
Forensic Science Technician Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in forensic science technicians, and how to build and show them.
Forensic Science Technicians need technical skills such as evidence collection, crime scene photography, and chain of custody, plus people skills like objectivity and attention to detail. They also use tools such as Cameras and Fingerprint kits.
Technical (hard) skills
- Evidence collection
- Crime scene photography
- Chain of custody
- Lab analysis
- Report writing
- Courtroom testimony
People (soft) skills
- Objectivity
- Attention to detail
- Composure
- Integrity
Tools, equipment and technology
- Cameras
- Fingerprint kits
- Evidence packaging
- GC-MS and lab instruments
- Microscopes
- Lab information systems
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how forensic science technicians put their skills to work:
- How to document a crime scene
- How to maintain chain of custody for lab evidence
- How to testify as an expert
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Evidence collection” and “Crime scene photography.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “objectivity,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as IAI Crime Scene Certification near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our forensic science technician glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Forensic Science Technician training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.