Crime Scene Technician College Credit Certificate (CST-CT)
Students earning the Crime Scene Technician certificate are eligible to sit for the certification examination offered through the International Association of Identification (IAI). Persons earning IAI Certification can serve in positions including, but not limited to, Crime Scene Technician, Crime Scene Photographer, Fingerprint Classification Specialist, Crime Lab Assistant/Investigator, Latent Print Examiner, and Property and Evidence Staff. While the Crime Scene Technician certificate is a stand-alone program open to all students, this certificate also enhances employment opportunities for students earning the LAW-AA and/or LAW-AS degree. Entities employing persons with IAI Certification include, but are not limited to, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, State Attorneys' Offices, Public Defenders' Offices, Medical Examiners' Offices, law firms and insurance firms.
Crime Scene Investigators are charged with collection, inventory, and documenting evidence found at a crime scene. It is their job to testify in court as to its probative value and link to the defendant or defendants. Anyone with a criminal record would not be hired by any agency based on their liability as a witness, so completing the program is not recommended for anyone with a criminal record:
This is a restricted entry program based upon special requirements needed to work for a Law Enforcement Agency.
- Citizen of the United States.
- High school diploma or GED (transcript required).
- Not discharged from Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
- Good moral character and NOT have been convicted of a felony, or any misdemeanor involving lying or perjury.
- Submit to and pass background investigation to include a fingerprint check.
We strongly encourage you to contact the Business Department for assistance in planning your program of study.
Department Head:
Debra Kuhl, (850) 484-2504
dkuhl@pensacolastate.edu
Program Contact:
Marc Ward, (850) 484-2575
dmward@pensacola.edu
Certificate Requirements
Required Courses
Total Credit Hours: 28