The training programs or courses that should be taken will cover the following material. Those listed below are only guidelines.

Crime Scene Management
This segment should give an overview of the entire crime scene investigation process and identified the correct crime scene processing protocol to be used in all crime scenes. The CSI's should  learn to identify, evaluate, process and package physical evidence from crime scenes. This also includes how a crime scene should be protected, 1st Responders responsibility, and a basic overview of the interpretation of the crime scenes.

Crime Scene Photography
This segment covers basic photography techniques as well as general crime scene and forensic evidence photography. CSI's should be taught the appropriate techniques to be used in photographing a crime scene and related evidence. To adequately cover the topic of night photography, a night photographic session should be required.

Latent Print Processing
In this component, basic latent print techniques should be emphasized. The CSI's are expected to demonstrate the use of proper techniques for using fingerprint powder at crime scenes and also develop fingerprint and footwear impressions (two-dimensional). Besides using fingerprint powders, chemical enhancement techniques for use at crime scenes should be studied.

Impression Evidence
In this segment, the CSI's should be trained to identify, document and recover three-dimensional evidence. This will include footwear, tire tracks and fingerprints from crime scenes. This includes the photography and casting of the impression evidence. As in the previous segments, evaluation of the CSI's ability should be assessed through written exams, photography ability and practicals.

Biological and Trace Evidence
This segment was designed to educate the CSI's in the proper techniques used at crime scenes to identify, document, collect, and preserve bodily fluids and bloodstain pattern evidence. Chemical processing should be used to enhance blood impression evidence. CSI's should be assessed in their ability to identify, document and collect trace evidence (hairs, fibers, soil, safe insulation, etc.) using appropriate techniques. Photograph evaluations as well as written and practical examinations should be conducted.

Crime Scene Sketching, Note Taking and Report Writing
The paper documentation phase of crime scene processing was emphasized in this course. CSI's should learn how to take proper notes, complete a comprehensive crime scene report, and produce a quality crime scene sketch. Basic techniques as well as computer applications should be used to accomplish these tasks. CSI’s evaluations included written examinations, evaluation of notes taken, sketches and report writing skills.

Crime Scene Investigation
Crime scene processing protocol should be emphasized in this capstone portion of the FCSI program. CSI's were required to use previously acquired knowledge and skills to complete several mock crime scene scenarios, including those that may be conducted at night. CSI's should be required to appropriately process all mock crime scenes and provide thorough presentations of their findings. The final assessment should include the photographs of the scenes, their rough notes, a list of evidence collected, a comprehensive written report and a final sketch. The list of evidence must include information as to what analysis is to be conducted on the evidence, an evaluation of the evidence.

Crime Scene Interpretation and Courtroom Testimony
This final segment completes the intensive training required for certification by ICSIA by using the skills they have previously learnt to interpret crime scenes. They may use classroom presented scenarios to hone their skills of interpretation based on the facts proved in the cases. This segment should also include courtroom testimony, as presented by a panel of judicial professionals, including a judge, prosecuting attorney and defense attorney.

There are many courses, training, classes offered through professional organizations, private contracts and police agencies. These are critical in your training.

Academia offers various degrees, certificates and courses, however most of the courses are offered without lab work. Some do offer lab work such as the Criminal Justice Institute in Little Rock, Arkansas. They offer a degree program and technical certificate program with both classroom and lab work.

While we do not recommend any particular University, College, or on-line courses all should be scrutinized to meet your needs.