Education · 1 of 4

The path

Labs hire scientists, not fans of crime shows. Your degree should be a real science degree.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Chemistry, biology and math. A clean record matters, because every job needs a security clearance.

2. 2

   Science degree

   4 years

   Chemistry, biochemistry or biology, or a dedicated forensic science degree that still has a strong chemistry or biology core. Ontario Tech University runs one of the better known forensic science programs, and a few other Ontario and Quebec schools have them too.

3. 3

   Master's degree

   2 years

   Not always required, but competitive hires often have one. It also gives you the instrument experience labs want.

4. 4

   Apply and wait

   1 to 3 years

   Openings are posted rarely and draw hundreds of applicants. Many people work in an environmental or testing lab while applying.

5. 5

   In-house training and court qualification

   1 to 2 years

   Once hired you train on the lab's own methods, pass competency tests, then do mock court before you testify for real.