Significance and Use
3.1 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.
3.2 This practice provides a framework for extending learning opportunities to promote and achieve higher standards of professional practice in forensic science.
3.3 This practice is not intended to be inclusive of all possible options nor to address the challenges of a particular discipline.
3.3.1 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.
3.3.2 This practice is not intended to supersede requirements from professional certification and licensure bodies.
3.3.2.1 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, 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); 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.
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.
