Photographs, fingerprints and DNA are major elements in the work of a CSI.
Criminology and forensics have become increasingly popular fields of study since the debut of the hit television show "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." As a beginner CSI in California, you might have duties such as collecting and preserving evidence from crime scenes, verifying fingerprint matches, preparing case reports and testifying in courts. Your exact duties may be highly specific, depending on your job and specialty; for example, you might be trained to spend the bulk of your time analyzing firearms or DNA evidence.
Likewise, the exact training you need depends on the type of job you seek (most jobs do not have the title of "CSI" but rather something like "Forensics Specialist" or "Latent Print Examiner" or "Forensics Scientist," depending on the jurisdiction and the job), but some requirements are relatively general in law enforcement agencies across California.
High School Diploma
Although most forensics jobs require a college degree, some are open to high school or GED graduates, especially if you have related experience (for example, as a police officer).
Bachelor's Degree in a Physical Science
You can get almost any entry-level CSI job with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in one of the following majors: forensic science, chemistry, biology, or biochemistry. Any of those concentrations are acceptable for most entry-level positions as a forensics specialist in California. Other useful majors include criminology, criminal justice and the like, and more specific physical sciences such as pharmacology, microbiology or entomology.
Courses in Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis
Regardless of your major, make sure to take at least eight semesters of chemistry and three semesters of quantitative analysis, which will open the door to almost any CSI job. Other courses that will help you find work include statistics, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Take courses that include laboratory work, especially lab work in forensics.
Photography Skills
Being able to take effective photos at crime scenes is a basic skill for any CSI. Even a beginner course at your local community college can help; there are also books available about the craft of photographing physical evidence from crime scenes.
California Driver's License
Most forensics jobs in California require you to have a valid, local driver's license, especially jobs that require going to crime scenes. If you are applying for jobs that take place wholly in a laboratory, you might not need the driver's license.
California Criminalist Exam
Depending on the specific job you want, you might have to take the criminalist examination given by the California attorney general's office. The examination process includes a background check, medical exam and drug screening.
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