Education · 1 of 4
The path
Labs hire scientists, not fans of crime shows. Your degree should be a real science degree.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Chemistry, biology and math. A clean record matters, because every job needs a security clearance.
- 2
Science degree
4 years
Chemistry, biochemistry or biology, or a dedicated forensic science degree that still has a strong chemistry or biology core. In Ontario, Laurentian, Trent, Windsor and Ontario Tech all offer forensic science degrees. In Quebec, only UQTR (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières) does.
- 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
Apply and wait
1 to 3 years
Openings are posted rarely and draw many applicants. Many people work in an environmental or testing lab while applying.
- 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.