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Occupation AtlasForensic Science Technicians

O*NET · 19-4092.00

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Also called Ballistician · Ballistics Tech · Ballistics Technician (Ballistics Tech) · Biometric Fingerprint Tech · Biometric Fingerprint Technician (Biometric Fingerprint Tech) · Biometric Fingerprinting Tech · Biometric Fingerprinting Technician (Biometric Fingerprinting Tech) · Biometrician
63 more

Blood Splatter Analyst · Computer Forensics Tech · Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech) · Crime Analyst · Crime Lab Analyst · Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst) · Crime Lab Technician · Crime Lab Technician (Crime Laboratory Technician) · Crime Scene Analyst (CSA) · Crime Scene Examiner · Crime Scene Specialist · Crime Scene Tech · Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech) · Crime Specialist · Criminal Justice Technician · Criminalist · Criminalist Tech · Criminalist Technician (Criminalist Tech) · Criminologist · CSA · CSI · CSI (Crime Scene Investigator) · Digital Forensics Analyst · DNA Analyst · DNA Analyst (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Analyst) · DNA Examiner · DNA Examiner (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Examiner) · DNA Tech · DNA Tech (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Technician) · Evidence Specialist · Evidence Tech · Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech) · FDE · Fingerprint Classifier · Fingerprint Tech · Fingerprint Technician (Fingerprint Tech) · Firearms Examiner · Firearms Specialist · Forensic Analyst · Forensic Computer Examiner · Forensic Document Examiner (FDE) · Forensic Examiner · Forensic Investigator · Forensic Lab Tech · Forensic Lab Tech (Forensic Laboratory Technician) · Forensic Nurse Examiner · Forensic Science Examiner · Forensic Science Tech · Forensic Science Technician (Forensic Science Tech) · Forensic Scientist · Forensic Service Tech · Forensic Service Tech (Forensic Services Technician) · Forensic Specialist · Forensic Tech · Forensic Technician (Forensic Tech) · Forensic Technologist · Forensic Toxicologist · Investigator · Latent Fingerprint Examiner · Latent Print Analyst · Latent Print Examiner · Trace Evidence Tech · Trace Evidence Technician (Trace Evidence Tech)

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative5.94
  • R Realistic5.18
  • C Conventional4.98
  • A Artistic1.77
  • E Enterprising1.59
  • S Social1.50

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent29%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate36%
  • Bachelor's Degree15%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate17%
  • Master's Degree2%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (42%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Speakingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Complex Problem Solving3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Active Learningbasic3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Sciencebasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Social Perceptiveness3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
Show the other 23
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Service Orientation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Systems Evaluation3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Instructing2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Mathematicsbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Persuasion2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Operations Monitoring2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.63.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operation and Control2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Quality Control Analysis2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Negotiation2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Equipment Selection2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Troubleshooting2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operations Analysis1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Equipment Maintenance1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing1.50.9
  • Programming1.50.8
  • Management of Material Resources1.50.6
  • Management of Financial Resources1.40.4
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

15 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.4.9
  2. Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.4.8
  3. Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.4.7
  4. Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.4.5
  5. Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.4.5
  6. Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.4.4
  7. Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.4.3
  8. Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.4.3
  9. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.4.1
  10. Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.4.1
  11. Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.3.9
  12. Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.3.9
Show the other 12
  1. Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.3.8
  2. Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.3.4
  3. Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.3.3
  4. Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.4.1
  5. Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.4.1
  6. Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.4.0
  7. Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.4.0
  8. Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.4.0
  9. Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.3.7
  10. Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.3.7
  11. Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.3.6
  12. Analyze data from computers or other digital media sources for evidence related to criminal activity.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Law and Government4.53.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Public Safety and Security4.23.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Education and Training3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English Language3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and Electronics3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal Service3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administration and Management3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Administrative3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Show all 33
  • Chemistry3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Biology3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Telecommunications2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Physics2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Engineering and Technology2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Mathematics2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Communications and Media2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Geography2.21.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Production and Processing2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Mechanical2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Transportation2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Therapy and Counseling1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Design1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • History and Archeology1.4—
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Economics and Accounting1.1—
  • Sales and Marketing1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Flexibility of Closure4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision4.04.4Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.94.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category Flexibility3.84.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Information Ordering3.84.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Clarity3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Fluency of Ideas3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Perceptual Speed3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Speed of Closure3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Make sense of messy handwriting
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visualization3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Finger Dexterity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual Dexterity2.92.9
  • Originality2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Control Precision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.9
  • Memorization2.82.8
  • Multilimb Coordination2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Time Sharing2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Number Facility2.62.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Auditory Attention2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Static Strength2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Trunk Strength2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Stamina2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Response Orientation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Peripheral Vision1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate Control1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Night Vision1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Sound Localization1.80.9
  • Explosive Strength1.50.9
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.54.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.24.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.23.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.03.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Working with Computers4.03.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Processing Information3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.42.9
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.12.8
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing and Building Teams3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.92.7
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.92.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Training and Teaching Others2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Thinking Creatively2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.71.8Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.5
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Telephone Conversations4.2

Technology

32 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Guidance Software EnCase Enterprise

Hot (5; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (22)
  • Automated Biometric Identification System ABIS
  • Combined DNA Index System CODIS
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
  • DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
  • DM2 Bills of Lading
  • Eos Systems PhotoModeler
  • Graphics software
  • IBM Notes
  • Image enhancement software
  • Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
  • Laboratory information management system LIMS
  • Mideo Systems EZDoc Plus
  • Midwest Information Systems PAX-it
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
  • National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
  • SmartDraw Legal
  • The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
  • Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD
  • Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Police Identification and Records Officers
  2. Digital Forensics Analysts
  3. Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  4. Coroners
  5. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  6. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  7. Private Detectives and Investigators
  8. Intelligence Analysts
  9. Histology Technicians
  10. Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.