Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level I

The Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level I Certificate is designed to give graduates a recognized credential that can translate into greater recognition in a future career in forensics. After completing the required courses offered through the Texas Forensic Science Academy graduates will have a foundational understanding of forensics topics. All courses are available online making this a unique certificate!

Required Courses

Once all courses have been completed, applicants should confirm they meet all certificate requirements using the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level I Application and return it to the TEEX Law Enforcement & Protective Services Excellence division. Eligibility of each candidate will be reviewed and email notification of decision will be sent.

Note: All courses must be taken within seven (7) years of the date of application. Only one course from another provider will be accepted if the curriculum and hours match TEEX curriculum.

Upon successful completion of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level I Certificate, continue your education with the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level II Certificate.

Expand All Collapse All

Funding Options DHS/FEMA Veterans Benefits GSA

Delivery Types Online Face-to-Face Blended Online Instructor-Led

Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level I

Course Number	Title	Description	Division
FSA115	Foundations of Fingerprint Comparison	Quick View Course Description close FSA115 – Foundations of Fingerprint Comparison Identification of suspects through fingerprint comparison is critical for many investigators. This online course teaches participants the fundamental principles of fingerprint comparison while guiding them through the ACE-V Methodology (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification). Participants will be provided with the history and science of fingerprint analysis and comparison while simulating the role of an expert witness in court. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Foundations of Fingerprint Comparison course #40063. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA116	Foundations of Forensic Photography	Quick View Course Description close FSA116 – Foundations of Forensic Photography Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional investigative documentation. For the final project, participants have the opportunity to capture photographs at a simulated crime scene, acting in the traditional role of an investigator for the case. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Foundations of Forensic Photography course #667369. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA118	Foundations of Courtroom Testimony	Quick View Course Description close FSA118 – Foundations of Courtroom Testimony Those who conduct investigations or deal with evidence are expected to testify as expert witnesses. This means they must establish credibility the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This course provides participants with an understanding of the basic factors that create effective courtroom testimony. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Courtroom Testimony course #40065. This course, along with the 24-hour Face-to-Face FSA119 Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications, will meet the 40-hour Courtroom Testimony requirement for multiple Texas Forensic Science Academy Certificate Programs. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA300	Investigative Tools and Equipment	Quick View Course Description close FSA300 – Investigative Tools and Equipment This online course prepares participants to be able to identify and select proper tools and equipment used by different law enforcement personnel. Participants will learn about the twelve different equipment categories, how to properly clean and store equipment, and how to use personal protection equipment to protect against biological hazards while tying together all information into practical activities. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Tools and Equipment course #667370. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA301	Scene Basics: Security, Searches, and Documentation	Quick View Course Description close FSA301 – Scene Basics: Security, Searches, and Documentation This online course prepares participants to establish and secure scene boundaries, utilize proper search methods, and scene documentation. Participants will learn case documentation techniques, such as note taking, videography, photography, sketches, and reports while tying together all information into practical activities. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Scene Basics course #2210. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA303	Basic Fingerprint Processing	Quick View Course Description close FSA303 – Basic Fingerprint Processing This online course prepares participants for basic fingerprint processing. Participants will learn about the powders, brushes, tape, and cards used for developing prints, and how to locate, process, and document prints while tying together all information into practical activities. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Basic Fingerprint Processing course #3999. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE
FSA304	Fingerprint Processing on Difficult Surfaces	Quick View Course Description close FSA304 – Fingerprint Processing on Difficult Surfaces This online course prepares participants to be able to identify and select proper fingerprint processing techniques for difficult surfaces encountered in the field. Participants will learn about the three types of difficult surfaces and the associated processing techniques. All information will be tied together in a final activity whereby the participant will simulate the collection of a fingerprint from a piece of evidence identified as a difficult surface. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Fingerprint Processing on Difficult Surfaces course #78051. Full course information and schedule Contact Information Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence Phone: (979) 845-6677 Email: ilepse@teex.tamu.edu	ILEPSE