I've been working crime scenes as a technician for 3 years and finally decided to sit for the CSI certification. I'm about 6 weeks out from my test date and wondering how much the written exam reflects actual field work versus textbook knowledge. The study materials feel like they're covering a lot of theory I never use on the job.
My practice scores are hovering around 68-72% and I've read you need at least 75% to pass. Doing about 90 minutes of study every night after work. The evidence collection and chain of custody sections feel solid, but the forensic photography standards are tripping me up - I keep second-guessing the technical specs.
Has anyone here taken it recently? I'm curious whether the actual exam leans more toward photography and documentation or more toward the lab analysis side of things. I don't want to over-invest in sections that barely show up.
Also - any tips on whether the scenario-based questions are multiple choice or written response? That's going to seriously change how I prep for the last few weeks.
Your 68-72% practice scores are fine for 6 weeks out. I was scoring 65% at that stage and passed with a 77%. The real exam felt slightly easier than most practice materials I used.
I passed mine last fall with an 81%. The photography section is worth more than people expect - probably 20% of the questions touched on documentation standards. Don't skip it.
The scenario questions are all multiple choice, which is a relief. But they're tricky because two answers always look almost identical.
Just make sure you know the difference between class and individual evidence cold. That distinction shows up constantly and I'd say I saw it reframed maybe 8-10 different ways across the exam.
Chain of custody made up a big chunk when I sat for it in 2024. If you're solid there that's a good sign. The photography stuff is honestly just memorizing a checklist - it clicks fast once you drill it a few times.