How to Become A CSI South Africa

A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is in charge of extracting every possible piece of evidence from a particular crime scene.

Below are steps to Become A CSI South Africa

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field

It’s important to have background knowledge into the foundations of crime scene investigator’s responsibilities. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, or a Bachelor of Science in Biology will prepare you with the knowledge you’ll need to succeed as a crime scene investigator.

Step 2: On-The-Job-Training

Real-life work experience will provide you with the intricate know-how employers are looking for when hiring for jobs. Obtaining an internship or a job within the crime scene investigator field or similar will add to your educational background in this area and make you a more desirable candidate

Step 3: Earn CSI certifications and State licensure

Depending on the state, there are different requirements for state licensure as a crime scene investigator. Through the International Association for Identification (IAI), you can complete various certifications to further your career depending on the crime scene investigator specialty you’d like to master.

Step 4: Higher education could provide advancement opportunities

Be aware that this is not the only route to take to become a CSI, just the most common. Some become crime scene investigators directly through the police force, without earning their Bachelor’s degree and only using their experience in the field.

Crime Scene Investigator Job Duties

What does a CSI do?

Here are some of the specific job duties that a crime scene investigator will come across frequently in his or her professional career:

Cooperate and collaborate with federal and state law enforcement

Secure crime scenes to ensure that the evidence is not tampered with or contaminated

Take careful measurements of each scene they come across

Photograph all pieces of physical evidence, making sure to include a scale to know the exact size of the object being photographed

Where can I study CSI in South Africa?

Institutions Offering Certificate in Crime investigation

Skills Academy, Pretoria. Subjects covered. (i) Investigative Sciences Introduction. (ii) Forensic Science Introduction. (iii) Mathematics and Statistics Introduction.

Gauteng City College, Johannesburg. Duration: 6 months.

Tshwane Institute of Technology, Pretoria.

How much does it cost to become a CSI in South Africa ?

The cost of a Bachelor of Science degree in Crime Scene Investigation program ranges between R 307076.97and R 1178318.60

How many years does it take to become a CSI?

Those who wish to become certified CSIs can opt for 1 of the 4 certifications offered by the International Association for Identification (IAI). The overall process of becoming a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) might take at least 7-8 years.

Is CSI a good job?

Crime Scene Investigation is a fascinating and rewarding job. But be forewarned: the reality is far from what you see on TV.

Is CSI a hard job?

After initial training on the job, crime scene investigators continue learning on the job. Those with skill and experience are highly regarded by police. Breaking into the field can be difficult because of the number of applicants for each opening, especially in desirable locations.

Do you need to be smart to be a CSI?

It is expected that you have attended a quality or have a degree in biology for lab techs and are able to apply that knowledge to your field duties. Second of all, you not only have to be smart, but you also have to know a lot of things. If you’re below average, you can’t be a CSI.

How much do CSI agents get paid?

Salary and Career Outlook

According to data from the BLS, crime scene investigators and forensic science technicians earn a median yearly salary of R865385.74 with the top 10% of earners making more than R 1441262.17.

Are CSI in high demand?

That being said, the BLS estimates that both occupations will be in demand between 2019 and 2029, experiencing higher rates of growth than the current national average for all occupations (4 percent). While not all of these jobs will be specific to crime scene investigation, some certainly will.