Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst and Technician Licensing Program

As of January 1, 2019, Texas law requires all forensic analysts to be licensed. The term "forensic analyst" refers to any person who, on behalf of an accredited laboratory, technically reviews or performs a forensic analysis or draws conclusions from or interprets a forensic analysis for a court or crime laboratory. A forensic analyst or technician license is required in the following disciplines:

• Forensic biology;

• Toxicology;

• Seized drugs;

• Materials/trace;

• Firearms/toolmarks.

The Commission’s administrative rules governing forensic licensure are published in Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 651, Subchapter C. Specific requirements (by forensic discipline) are published in § 651.207 of the Texas Administrative Code.

In addition to mandatory licensure for analysts practicing in accredited disciplines, the Commission offers voluntary licensing programs for forensic anthropologists and forensic document analysts. Voluntary programs in digital evidence and friction ridge will be added in 2023.

ACCURACY OF DATABASE BIOGRAPHICAL AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: The employing laboratory information provided in the database is based on information either confirmed in a licensee’s application or provided by the licensee as an update to their employment status. Analysts are required to provide the Commission with an update when the analyst's employment status and/or employing laboratory changes. The same is true for changes in other biographical information, such as surname, etc.

CRIMINAL MATTERS ONLY: The Commission’s jurisdiction is limited to criminal matters and does not extend to civil or administrative proceedings. For questions regarding the information provided or for general questions regarding licensee status, please email licensing@fsc.texas.gov.