Education · 1 of 5

The path

A hard science degree first, then a long hiring process, then a year of training inside the lab.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Chemistry and biology are the two that decide whether this path is open to you. Keep your record clean, because every lab runs a deep background check.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Forensic science, chemistry or biology. A chemistry degree is often the safer choice, because it opens laboratory work everywhere if crime labs do not hire that year.

3. 3

   Internship in a laboratory

   Summers

   Crime labs and medical examiner offices take a small number of interns. It is the single strongest thing on an application.

4. 4

   Apply and clear the background

   Application, written test, panel interview, drug history, and at many agencies a polygraph. Expect months, and expect competition.

5. 5

   In-house training and a competency test

   6 to 18 months

   New analysts do not touch real casework alone. You work under a trainer through a written program and pass a competency test before your results go to court.