How do I become a forensic specialist
Get qualified to work as a forensic specialist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Forensic Specialist.
Common questions
Salaries for Forensic Specialists working in Australia right now start at $137,696 per annum. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining specialist qualifications in toxicology, pathology, odontology, and psychology, entomology.
Courses.com.au Team
There are no clear employment figures for Forensic Specialists working in Australia right now. They are mainly employed by government agencies, though some Forensic Specialists may work as independent consultants or academic lecturers.
Courses.com.au Team
Forensic Specialists have university qualifications in applied science, criminology, medical sciences, and/or forensics. Many qualified doctors and dentists become Forensic Specialists by taking a Master of Forensics. Suitable course combinations for new candidates include: Bachelor of Forensic Science + Master of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Applied Science + Master of Forensic Science, and Bachelor of Criminology + Master of Forensic Science.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Certificate III in Pathology Collection?
4th November 2021
Certificate III in Pathology Collection: Everything You Need to Know
10th February 2025All forensic specialist courses
Forensic Specialist careers
Forensic Specialists are qualified forensic scientists who have specialist skills in key areas such as drug testing (toxicology), cause of death and injuries (pathology), and dental identification (odontology). They work at crime scenes and in laboratories, collecting and testing evidence.
As a Forensic Specialist you could be directing personnel at a crime scene to ensure that evidence is gathered correctly and not damaged, taking detailed notes on collected evidence and recording the information in a secure database, writing a forensics report with findings and recommendations, or attending court to give evidence as an expert witness.
To succeed in this job role you’ll need a keen eye for detail, a commitment to evidence and data integrity, and the ability to write clear and succinct reports.
