Onboarding plan
Forensic Science Technician Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)
A practical, printable plan to take a new forensic science technician from first day to full productivity.
Forensic Science Technician onboarding at a glance
Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.
Before day one
- Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
- Verify required credentials: IAI Crime Scene Certification, ABC Diplomate (as applicable)
- Prepare equipment and access: cameras; fingerprint kits; evidence packaging; GC-MS and lab instruments
- Assign a buddy or preceptor
- Enroll the new hire in Forensic Science Technician training so foundations are covered before or during week one
Week one: orient and protect
- Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
- Wear PPE against biohazards
- Prevent contamination
- Follow chemical safety
- Seek support after traumatic scenes
- Shadow an experienced forensic science technician through a full shift
- Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)
Days 1–30: learn
Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.
- Supervised practice: document a crime scene
- Supervised practice: maintain chain of custody for lab evidence
- Supervised practice: testify as an expert
- Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
- 30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins
Days 31–60: contribute
Goal: handle a regular workload independently.
- Photograph and document crime scenes: independently
- Collect and preserve evidence: independently
- Maintain chain of custody: independently
- Analyze evidence in the lab: independently
- Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
- Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
- 60-day check-in
Days 61–90: own
Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.
- Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
- Begin cross-training on a secondary task
- Agree on a credential goal (for example, IAI Crime Scene Certification)
- Discuss the career path: Evidence Technician → Forensic Scientist → Senior Analyst
- 90-day review
Competency checklist
| Skill or task | Trained | Observed | Signed off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document a Crime Scene | |||
| Maintain Chain of Custody for Lab Evidence | |||
| Testify as an Expert | |||
| Evidence collection | |||
| Crime scene photography | |||
| Chain of custody | |||
| Lab analysis |
How to measure onboarding success
- Time to independent work on instruments or projects
- Documentation or data corrections required
- Rework, out-of-spec results or failed audits
- 90-day retention
How Forensic Science Technician training maps to this plan
- Introduction to the Forensic Science Technician Role
- A Day on the Job
- Essential Forensic Science Technician Vocabulary
- Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Common Tasks, Step by Step
- Tools, Equipment and Technology
- Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
- Skills Employers Look For
- Launching Your Forensic Science Technician Career
- Final Knowledge Check