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Best criminal investigator certifications
The best certifications for a criminal investigator are Certified Criminal Investigator, Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Criminal investigator certifications demonstrate your competency as a criminal investigator to employers. However, not all criminal investigator certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best criminal investigator certifications. Obtaining a criminal investigator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for criminal investigators
| Rank | Criminal investigator certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Criminal Investigator | ACFEI, Cr.FA |
| 2 | Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS) | NAFC |
| 3 | Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) | ACFE |
| 4 | Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) | ASIS |
4 best criminal investigator certifications
1. Certified Criminal Investigator
The Certified Criminal Investigator program instructs, measures, and assesses knowledge and competency of investigators in both the public and private sectors. Providing a foundation of forensics basics, this course creates a measure of standardization in the field of investigation. As the National Academy of Sciences' report on the Forensic Sciences reflects, certification for investigators is more crucial than ever before to fill the gaps in the field.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required?
2. Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
3. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
The ACFE established and administers the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. Globally preferred by employers, the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation denotes proven expertise in fraud prevention, detection, deterrence and investigation. Members with the CFE credential gain a professional advantage and quickly position themselves as leaders in the global anti-fraud community.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a criminal investigator?
The best criminal investigator certification is Certified Criminal Investigator. The Certified Criminal Investigator is awarded by the American College of Forensic Examiners. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this criminal investigator certification:
- To become a certified Certified Criminal Investigator, you don't need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for criminal investigators?
The most in-demand criminal investigator certification is Certified Fraud Examiner based on all active job postings. Having this criminal investigator certification will give you access to more criminal investigator jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a criminal investigator career and salary?
The Certified Criminal Investigator certification will help you to secure a chief of police position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A chief of police's average salary is $94,684 whereas criminal investigators make an average salary of $54,520.
The most common combination of criminal investigator certifications include: Certified Criminal Investigator, Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Online courses for criminal investigators to earn certifications
1. International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes
‘Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes’ is the second course in Leiden University’s new series on International Law in Action. The first course covered international courts and tribunals in The Hague in general. This second course provides an insider perspective into the work of international criminal courts and tribunals. You will learn about the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in The Hague. Atrocities produce unspeakable forms of violence. We will explore...
2. Introduction to International Criminal Law
-- About the Course -- From the Nuremberg trial to the case against Saddam Hussein, from the prosecution of Al-Qaeda terrorists to the trial of Somali pirates – no area of law is as important to world peace and security as international criminal law. Taught by one of the world’s leading experts in the field, this course will educate students about the fundamentals of international criminal law and policy. We will explore the contours of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes,...
3. Criminology and Criminal Psychology Certified CSI+ Course
Learn Criminal Law and Start your career with certification of Criminal Law and Criminal Psychology, Learn Criminology...
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5. Hot Topics in Criminal Justice
The American criminal justice system is in need of reform. We incarcerate too many people. We pay insufficient attention to scientific advances that can help separate out the most and least culpable and dangerous. We grant the police far too much power to use force and technological surveillance. As a way of thinking about dealing with these problems, this course examines two over-arching issues: What should we do with people who have committed crime, and how should we identify who they are? On...
6. Criminal Law in 120 Minutes: A Fast Track Course
A 2 hour fast track summary of Criminal Law, targeting all common law LL.B examinations!...
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8. Forensic Psychology: Criminal Profiling Certificate
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Become a specialist in criminal investigations and forensic profiling, start your career and add certificate to resume!...
10. Introduction to Criminology: Explaining Crime
Learn to Speak About Criminal Psychology and the Sociology of Crime Like an Expert...
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Protect your network - Put cybercriminals in jail. Learn computer forensics, malware analysis and hacker investigations...
13. Digital Forensics Masterclass: Forensic Science 2023 DFMC+
Learn digital forensics and be computer forensics investigator / Certificate after completing course / DFMC+ / DFIR 2023...
14. Digital Forensics and Cyber-Crime Investigation
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Learn how to create a safe, secure, and inclusive work environment...
16. CYBER CRIME & CYBER LAW - DR. PAVAN DUGGAL - CYBERLAW UNIV.
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How to find hidden sources. How to look for documents and people...
18. AML Case Investigation Skills
A guide to conducting AML case investigations, writing quality case narratives and the submission of STRs (STR filing)...
19. Forensic accounting, fraud investigation and fraud analytics
The 14 hour course(50casestudies) helps to understand fraud examination, forensic audit,financial crime, data analytics...
20. The Complete Computer Forensics Course for 2023 PRO: CFCT+
Start Computer Forensics Career now and see your Growth step by step and Unlock your potential. Digital Forensics Police...