ASTM E2917-24

Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice separately outlines criteria and implementation approaches for the training, continuing education, and professional development of forensic science practitioners. The use of this practice can help establish training programs designed to achieve competency in targeted disciplines. The standard also describes measures to maintain competency through continuing education/professional development.  
4.2 This practice provides a framework for extending learning opportunities to promote and achieve higher standards of professional practice in forensic science.  
4.3 This practice is not intended to be inclusive of all possible options nor to address the challenges of a particular discipline.  
4.3.1 This practice does not address proficiency testing programs or specific requirements of professional certification and licensure bodies, although the foundational requirements addressed may be essential elements for such programs.  
4.3.2 This practice is not intended to supersede requirements from professional certification and licensure bodies.
4.3.2.1 Licensing and certifying bodies in a number of fields typically impose continuing education and professional development requirements on their license or certificate holders. Such requirements are intended to encourage professionals to expand their knowledge base and keep abreast of new developments. Depending on the field, these requirements might be satisfied through internal training; completion of college, university, or extension coursework; or through attendance at conferences and seminars. Individuals in such positions should obtain and document their on-going training and development as required by their licensing or certifying body.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides foundational requirements for the training, continuing education, and professional development of forensic science practitioners to include training criteria toward competency, documentation, implementation of training, and continuous professional development. This information is intended for forensic science service providers to help establish a training framework with program structure and content; for forensic science practitioners as they acquire and maintain their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs); for subject matter experts when developing discipline specific training practices; and for training programs to manage and support the continuous development of their employees.  
1.2 This practice outlines minimum training criteria and provides general information, approaches, and resources for all disciplines. The standard would complement additional specific requirements for each forensic science discipline (for example, relevant degree programs, higher education) if developed by subject matter experts in their respective fields. Discipline specific training programs should address the content and means for developing and testing competency for each applicable topic identified in Practice E2917.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2024
• ICS: 03.100.30 - Management of human resources
• ICS: 07.140 - Forensic science
• Technical Committee: E30 - Forensic Sciences
• Drafting Committee: E30.11 - Interdisciplinary Forensic Science Standards

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2917-19a - Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E2808-21a - Standard Guide for Microspectrophotometry in Forensic Paint Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3260-21 - Standard Guide for Forensic Examination and Comparison of Pressure Sensitive Tapes
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3309-21 - Standard Guide for Reporting of Forensic Primer Gunshot Residue (pGSR) Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E860-22 - Standard Practice for Examining and Preparing Items That Are or May Become Involved in Criminal or Civil Litigation
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E2927-23 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Soda-Lime Glass Samples Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Forensic Comparisons
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3329-21e1 - Standard Practice for Establishing an Examination Scheme for Explosive Residues
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3234-20 - Standard Practice for Forensic Paint Analysis Training Program
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3392-24 - Standard Guide for Forensic Physical Fit Examination
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E2224-23ae1 - Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3189-19 - Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3255-21 - Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3284-23 - Standard Practice for Training in the Forensic Examination of Primer Gunshot Residue (pGSR) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3295-23 - Standard Guide for Using Micro X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF) in Forensic Polymer Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E1843-20 - Standard Guide for Sexual Violence Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection Protocol
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM E2917-24: Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs establishes foundational requirements for the training and ongoing professional growth of forensic science practitioners. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports the development of structured, measurable, and comprehensive training programs, helping forensic science service providers and practitioners achieve and maintain competency. By aligning educational initiatives with industry best practices, ASTM E2917-24 promotes higher standards of professional practice and continuous learning within the forensic science community.

Key Topics

ASTM E2917-24 addresses critical aspects of forensic science practitioner education and training, including:

• Training Program Framework: Outlines minimum training criteria for competency, including academic prerequisites, program structure, learning objectives, instructor qualifications, and the inclusion of both core and discipline-specific content.
• Competency Assessment: Defines mechanisms for evaluating the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of practitioners, including periodic assessments and competency testing.
• Documentation Requirements: Emphasizes thorough documentation of all training, continuing education, and professional development activities for audit and verification purposes.
• Continuing Education: Recommends at least 16 hours of annual continuing education or professional development over a three-year period, covering diverse post-secondary and workplace learning activities.
• Professional Development Approaches: Encourages both structured and informal learning, including classroom-based, online, self-directed, and experiential opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, and professional conferences.
• Function of Service Providers: Stresses the responsibility of forensic science organizations to coordinate, support, and document employee training and development.

Applications

ASTM E2917-24 is designed for widespread use by forensic science service providers, practitioners, training program managers, and subject matter experts across all forensic disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Establishing Training Programs: Ensures new practitioners acquire the foundational and discipline-specific KSAs needed for independent casework.
• Maintaining Competency: Provides a framework for ongoing education, helping practitioners stay current with advancements in forensic science and related legal requirements.
• Supporting Certification and Licensure: Complements existing certification or licensure requirements by detailing essential elements of training and development, while not superseding regulatory or certifying body standards.
• Facilitating Documentation: Mandates comprehensive tracking of all training and development endeavors, which is critical for quality assurance and compliance.
• Promoting Best Practices: Serves as a model for forensic laboratories and agencies aiming to improve their internal training efficiencies, quality management processes, and workforce competency.

Related Standards

For those implementing or referencing ASTM E2917-24, related standards include:

• ASTM E620: Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts, which outlines best practices for scientific reporting and expert testimony.
• ISO/IEC 17025: General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, establishing quality and technical requirements for laboratory competence.
• Requirements from Professional Certification or Licensure Bodies: For full compliance and professional recognition, practitioners should also consider requirements from relevant certification or licensing organizations in forensic science.

---

By following ASTM E2917-24, forensic science organizations and professionals can build robust training, continuing education, and professional development programs that foster ongoing competency, accountability, and excellence in forensic practice. This standard ensures that forensic practitioners are well-prepared to meet current and future challenges in the field.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2917 − 24 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing
Education, and Professional Development Programs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2917; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Some material in this practice is based on the Technical Working Group for Education and Training
in Forensic Science, National Institute of Justice (TWGED, NIJ), Special Report, Education and
Training in Forensic Science: A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Educational Institutions,
and Students (1).
1. Scope 1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This practice provides foundational requirements for the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
training, continuing education, and professional development
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
of forensic science practitioners to include training criteria
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
toward competency, documentation, implementation of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
training, and continuous professional development. This infor-
mation is intended for forensic science service providers to
2. Referenced Documents
help establish a training framework with program structure and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
content; for forensic science practitioners as they acquire and
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Tech-
maintain their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs); for
nical Experts
subject matter experts when developing discipline specific
2.2 ISO Standards:
training practices; and for training programs to manage and
ISO 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of
support the continuous development of their employees.
Testing and Calibration Laboratories
1.2 This practice outlines minimum training criteria and
provides general information, approaches, and resources for all
3. Terminology
disciplines. The standard would complement additional spe-
3.1 Definitions:
cific requirements for each forensic science discipline (for
3.1.1 apprenticeship, n—a relationship where an individual
example, relevant degree programs, higher education) if devel-
works for an entity while learning skills (1).
oped by subject matter experts in their respective fields.
3.1.2 competency, n—demonstration that a forensic science
Discipline specific training programs should address the con-
practitioner has acquired and demonstrated specialized
tent and means for developing and testing competency for each
knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in the standard prac-
applicable topic identified in Practice E2917.
tices necessary to conduct examinations in a discipline or
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
category of testing prior to performing independent casework
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
(2).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.3 continuing education, n—the mechanism through
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
which a forensic science practitioner increases or updates
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
knowledge, skills, or abilities (KSAs), reinforces knowledge,
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on Interdisciplin- For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ary Forensic Science Standards. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E2917 – 19a. DOI: the ASTM website.
10.1520/E2917-24. Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
this standard. Switzerland, https://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2917 − 24
or learns of the latest research, developments, or technology 4.3.1 This practice does not address proficiency testing
related to his or her profession. programs or specific requirements of professional certification
and licensure bodies, although the foundational requirements
3.1.4 forensic science practitioner, n—an individual who (1)
addressed may be essential elements for such programs.
applies scientific or technical practices to the recognition,
4.3.2 This practice is not intended to supersede require-
collection, analysis, or interpretation of evidence for criminal
ments from professional certification and licensure bodies.
and civil law or regulatory issues; and (2) issues test results,
4.3.2.1 Licensing and certifying bodies in a number of fields
provides reports, or provides interpretations, conclusions, or
typically impose continuing education and professional devel-
opinions through testimony with respect to such evidence (3).
opment requirements on their license or certificate holders.
3.1.5 forensic science service provider, n—a forensic sci-
Such requirements are intended to encourage professionals to
ence agency or forensic science practitioner providing forensic
expand their knowledge base and keep abreast of new devel-
science services (3).
opments. Depending on the field, these requirements might be
3.1.6 internship, n—an in-depth educational or training
satisfied through internal training; completion of college,
program that offers a period of supervised practical experience
university, or extension coursework; or through attendance at
in a forensic science setting (1).
conferences and seminars. Individuals in such positions should
3.1.7 knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), n—the level of obtain and document their on-going training and development
information, qualifications, and experience needed to perform as required by their licensing or certifying body.
assigned tasks.
5. Documentation
3.1.7.1 Discussion—Knowledge refers to acquired under-
standing of the principles and practices related to a particular
5.1 Training, Education, and Development Record—
job, skills refer to acquired analytical and psychomotor
Documentation is mandatory. The employer shall keep an
behaviors, and abilities refer to the talents, observable
official training record for each employee and provide the
behaviors, or acquired dexterity.
trainee with a copy of or access to the records. The trainee is
3.1.8 objectives, n—descriptions of expectations that learn- encouraged to keep a personal copy of the training record and
ers must be able to exhibit before they are considered compe-
should do so if not employed by a forensic science service
tent; objectives outline: provider. At a minimum, the record shall contain:
5.1.1 Documentation that any position requirements have
3.1.8.1 condition, n—the environment or circumstances in
been satisfied (such as a transcript, if a degree or specific
which the performance must be accomplished;
coursework is a prerequisite for the job);
3.1.8.2 desired performance, n—what must be known or
5.1.2 A certificate or statement of successful completion of
demonstrated; and
the initial training, with documentation that all required KSAs
3.1.8.3 standard, n—the level of proficiency required to
have been acquired relative to the stated objectives;
demonstrate an acceptable level of competence for the task or
5.1.3 Documentation of education, subsequent training, or
job (4).
professional development. This might include any earned
3.1.9 professional development, n—the mechanism through
academic or continuing education credits or certificates; and
which a forensic science practitioner improves personal skills,
5.1.4 Unambiguous documentation of the total number of
successfully handles increasing responsibility, makes contribu-
hours or days involved to achieve or maintain professional
tions to the profession, and reinforces ethical behaviors.
development.
3.1.10 training, n—the formal, structured process through
6. Training-to-Competency Programs
which a forensic science practitioner reaches a level of
scientific competency after acquiring the knowledge, skills,
6.1 This section applies to the initial training to competency.
and abilities (KSAs) required to conduct specific forensic
This practice provides a common framework that shall be used
analyses.
across forensic disciplines to help ensure that programs are
meeting minimum criteria. For the development of discipline-
4. Significance and Use
specific training standards, forensic science service providers
4.1 This practice separately outlines criteria and implemen-
and subject matter experts shall establish the minimum com-
tation approaches for the training, continuing education, and
petency requirements for each element of training in 6.3 and
professional development of forensic science practitioners. The
include discipline-specific examples and references, as appro-
use of this practice can help establish training programs
priate.
designed to achieve competency in targeted disciplines. The
6.2 Model training criteria shall include:
standard also describes measures to maintain competency
6.2.1 Entry qualifications that include minimum academic
through continuing education/professional development.
credentials/requirements (for example, bachelor’s degree in a
4.2 This practice provides a framework for extending learn-
relevant program), and
ing opportunities to promote and achieve higher standards of
6.2.2 Program structure and content that include the follow-
professional practice in forensic science.
ing documented components:
4.3 This practice is not intended to be inclusive of all 6.2.2.1 Objectives,
possible options nor to address the challenges of a particular 6.2.2.2 Instructor (however named) qualifications,
discipline. 6.2.2.3 Student (however named) requirements,
E2917 − 24
6.2.2.4 Syllabus, 6.3.3 The trainee’s progress shall be assessed at appropriate
6.2.2.5 Periodic assessments, intervals (for example, end of lectures, lessons, or exercises).
Assessment shall be based upon predefined acceptance criteria.
6.2.2.6 Period of supervised casework/mentorship,
6.2.2.7 Program assessment mechanisms (for example, in- Assessment mechanisms shall be chosen to reflect the job
duties of the analyst to include:
structor and student feedback), and
6.3.3.1 Oral exams.
6.2.2.8 Competency testing mechanisms and minimum ac-
6.3.3.2 Written exams.
ceptance criteria,
6.3.3.3 Practical exercises with emphasis on those that
6.2.2.9 Evaluation of the training program to assess its
simulate actual casework situations and levels of difficulty.
efficacy and relevance within a four-year period.
6.3.3.4 Review of mock casework.
6.3 Program content shall be designed to include both core
6.3.3.5 Mock trials or oral board.
and discipline-specific elements.
6.3.4 The training could also include learning opportunities
6.3.1 Core specific elements shall include the following:
such as:
6.3.1.1 Standards of conduct and professional ethics.
6.3.4.1 Appr
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2917 − 19a E2917 − 24 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing
Education, and Professional Development Programs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2917; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Some material in this practice is based on the Technical Working Group for Education and Training
in Forensic Science, National Institute of Justice (TWGED, NIJ), Special Report, Education and
Training in Forensic Science: A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Educational Institutions,
and Students (1).
1. Scope
1.1 This practice provides foundational requirements for the training, continuing education, and professional development of
forensic science practitioners to include training criteria toward competency, documentation, and implementation of training, and
continuous professional development. This information is intended for forensic science service providers to help establish a
training framework with program structure and content; for forensic science practitioners as they acquire and maintain their
knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs); for subject matter experts when developing discipline specific training practices; and for
training programs to manage and support the continuous development of their employees.
1.2 This practice outlines minimum training criteria and provides general information, approaches, and resources for all
disciplines. The standard would complement additional specific requirements for each forensic science discipline (for example,
relevant degree programs, higher education) if developed by subject matter experts in their respective fields. Discipline specific
training programs should address the content and means for developing and testing competency for each applicable topic identified
in Practice E2917.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on Interdisciplinary
Forensic Science Standards.
Current edition approved June 1, 2019Feb. 1, 2024. Published June 2019February 2024. Originally approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E2917
– 19. DOI: 10.1520/E2917-19A.19a. DOI: 10.1520/E2917-24.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2917 − 24
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 apprenticeship, n—a relationship where an individual works for an entity while learning skills (1).
3.1.2 competency, n—demonstration that a forensic science practitioner has acquired and demonstrated specialized knowledge,
skills, and abilities (KSAs) in the standard practices necessary to conduct examinations in a discipline or category of testing prior
to performing independent casework (2).
3.1.3 continuing education, n—the mechanism through which a forensic science practitioner increases or updates knowledge,
skills, or abilities (KSAs), reinforces knowledge, or learns of the latest research, developments, or technology related to his or her
profession.
3.1.4 forensic science practitioner, n—an individual who (1) applies scientific or technical practices to the recognition, collection,
analysis, or interpretation of evidence for criminal and civil law or regulatory issues; and (2) issues test results, provides reports,
or provides interpretations, conclusions, or opinions through testimony with respect to such evidence (3).
3.1.5 forensic science service provider, n—a forensic science agency or forensic science practitioner providing forensic science
services (3).
3.1.6 internship, n—an in-depth educational or training program that offers a period of supervised practical experience in a
forensic science setting (21).
3.1.7 knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), n—the level of information, qualifications, and experience needed to perform
assigned tasks.
3.1.7.1 Discussion—
Knowledge refers to acquired understanding of the principles and practices related to a particular job, skills refer to acquired
analytical and psychomotor behaviors, and abilities refer to the talents, observable behaviors, or acquired dexterity.
3.1.8 objectives, n—descriptions of expectations that learners must be able to exhibit before they are considered competent;
objectives outline:
3.1.8.1 condition, n—the environment or circumstances in which the performance must be accomplished;
3.1.8.2 desired performance, n—what must be known or demonstrated; and
3.1.8.3 standard, n—the level of proficiency required to demonstrate an acceptable level of competence for the task or job (4).
3.1.9 professional development, n—the mechanism through which a forensic science practitioner improves personal skills,
successfully handles increasing responsibility, makes contributions to the profession, and reinforces ethical behaviors.
3.1.10 training, n—the formal, structured process through which a forensic science practitioner reaches a level of scientific
competency after acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to conduct specific forensic analyses.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice separately outlines criteria and implementation approaches for the training, continuing education, and
professional development of forensic science practitioners. The use of this practice can help establish training programs designed
to achieve competency in targeted disciplines. The standard also describes measures to maintain competency through continuing
education/professional development.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland,
https://www.iso.org.
E2917 − 24
4.2 This practice provides a framework for extending learning opportunities to promote and achieve higher standards of
professional practice in forensic science.
4.3 This practice is not intended to be inclusive of all possible options nor to address the challenges of a particular discipline.
4.3.1 This practice does not address proficiency testing programs or specific requirements of professional certification and
licensure bodies, although the foundational requirements addressed may be essential elements for such programs.
4.3.2 This practice is not intended to supersede requirements from professional certification and licensure bodies.
4.3.2.1 Licensing and certifying bodies in a number of fields typically impose continuing education and professional development
requirements on their license or certificate holders. Such requirements are intended to encourage professionals to expand their
knowledge base and keep abreast of new developments. Depending on the field, these requirements might be satisfied through
internal training; completion of college, university, or extension coursework; or through attendance at conferences and seminars.
Individuals in such positions should obtain and document their on-going training and development as required by their licensing
or certifying body.
5. Documentation
5.1 Training, Education, and Development Record—Documentation is mandatory. The employer shall keep an official training
record for each employee and provide the trainee with a copy of or access to the records. The trainee is encouraged to keep a
personal copy of the training record and should do so if not employed by a forensic science service provider. At a minimum, the
record shall contain:
5.1.1 Documentation that any position requirements have been satisfied (such as a transcript, if a degree or specific coursework
is a prerequisite for the job);
5.1.2 A certificate or statement of successful completion of the initial training, with documentation that all required KSAs have
been acquired relative to the stated objectives;
5.1.3 Documentation of education, subsequent training, or professional development. This might include any earned academic or
continuing education credits or certificates; and
5.1.4 Unambiguous documentation of the total number of hours or days involved to achieve or maintain professional development.
6. Training-to-Competency Programs
6.1 This section applies to the initial training to competency. This practice provides a common framework that shall be used across
forensic disciplines to help ensure that programs are meeting minimum criteria. For the development of discipline-specific training
standards, forensic science service providers and subject matter experts shall establish the minimum competency requirements for
each element of training in 6.3 and include discipline-specific examples and references, as appropriate.
6.2 Model training criteria shall include:
6.2.1 Entry qualifications that include minimum academic credentials/requirements (for example, bachelor’s degree in a relevant
program), and
6.2.2 Program structure and content that include the following documented components:
6.2.2.1 Learning objectives,Objectives,
6.2.2.2 Instructor (however named) qualifications,
6.2.2.3 Student (however named) requirements,
6.2.2.4 Syllabus,
E2917 − 24
5.2.2.5 Performance goals,
6.2.2.5 Periodic assessments,
6.2.2.6 Period of supervised casework/mentorship,
6.2.2.7 Program assessment mechanisms (for example, instructor and student feedback), and
6.2.2.8 Competency testing,testing mechanisms and minimum acceptance criteria,
6.2.2.9 Evaluation of the training program to assess its efficacy and relevance within a four-year period.
6.3 Program content shall be designed to include both core and discipline-specific elements.
6.3.1 Core specific elements shall include the following:
6.3.1.1 Standards of conduct and professional ethics.
6.3.1.2 Safety, including biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
6.3.1.3 Policy, including administrative, standard operating procedures, quality assurance and control, non-conformance
remediation procedures, documentation and record control, accreditation standards and requirements, certification/licensure
standards, regulatory compliance, and security issues.
6.3.1.4 Legal issues, including expert testimony, depositions, rules of evidence, criminal and civil law procedures; legal
obligations to disclose information (5) and to preserve evidence; and evidence authentication (for example, chain-of-custody).
6.3.1.5 General forensic concepts including evidence handling, interdisciplinary issues (for example, recognition, collection, and
preservation of evidence), and chain of custody.
6.3.1.6 Communication, including written, oral, and nonverbal communication skills, report writ
...