Basic Laser Scanning Certification Course
Build the knowledge behind the scan.
Develop the fundamental knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence to use terrestrial laser scanning for forensic and investigative documentation.
Hardware-Agnostic. Practitioner-Focused. Built for the Real World.
IAFSM BLSC Certification • Valid for 5 Years
A SCANNER IS A TOOL.
KNOWING HOW TO USE IT IS THE SKILL.
Laser scanning has transformed the way investigators, reconstructionists, and forensic professionals document the world around them.
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But collecting millions of points is only the beginning.
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The Basic Laser Scanning Certification from IAFSM provides a foundation in the principles, practices, and applications that allow professionals to understand their data, make reliable measurements, communicate their findings, and approach courtroom scrutiny with greater confidence.
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The BLSC is hardware-agnostic, making its core principles applicable across laser scanning platforms and workflows.
EARN
THE KNOWLEDGE.
ADVANCE
THE PROFESSION.
STRENGTHEN
THE PRACTICE.
What will you learn?
SCIENCE
History, principles, physics and fundamental concepts behind laser scanning.
ANALYSIS
Working with registered point clouds and applying appropriate analytical techniques.
From acquisition to evidence.
The BLSC takes a practical, multidisciplinary approach to laser scanning. Participants develop an understanding of the technology and its application throughout the forensic documentation workflow.
CAPTURE
Understanding scanning practices and considerations for forensic documentation.
VISUALIZATION
Turning scan data into useful, understandable investigative and demonstrative products.
MEASUREMENT
Understanding 3D concepts and extracting reliable measurements from scan data.
COURTROOM
Understanding best practices, admissibility considerations and how to communicate 3D evidence.
What makes BLSC different?
NOT A VENDOR CERTIFICATION.
it is...
A PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION.
HARDWARE AGNOSTIC
Learn principles that apply across scanning platforms rather than training around one manufacturer's ecosystem.
PRACTITIONER LED
Learn from instructors with extensive experience applying laser scanning in real-world forensic and investigative environments.
FORENSICALLY FOCUSED
Go beyond collecting data to understanding documentation, analysis, visualization and presentation.
ASSESSED KNOWLEDGE
Complete the required coursework and successfully pass the written examination to demonstrate achievement of the certification's minimum training standard.
IS THIS CERTIFICATION FOR YOU?
Built for professionals who use measurement to document reality. The Basic Laser Scanning Certification is designed for professionals who use or support laser scanning as part of their investigative, reconstruction, documentation, or evidence-management responsibilities.
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS
Build a stronger foundation for documenting complex scenes and physical evidence.
ACCIDENT & COLLISION RECONSTRUCTIONISTS
Strengthen your understanding of 3D measurement and laser-scanning applications in reconstruction.
FIRE INVESTIGATORS
Apply 3D documentation techniques to complex fire and incident scenes.
FORENSIC SPECIALISTS
Develop a broader understanding of the acquisition, analysis and presentation of spatial evidence.
LAW ENFORCEMENT & GOVERNMENT
Establish a common foundation for personnel using laser scanning within an agency or forensic program.
PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS & CONSULTANTS
Demonstrate a recognized foundation in laser-scanning principles and practices.
EDUCATORS & STUDENTS
Build foundational knowledge for teaching, research and future professional practice.
CERTIFICATION PATH
The road to certification follows a structured process designed to build knowledge and ensure proficiency in forensic laser scanning techniques.
Certification is currently valid for five years.
01
APPLY
→
02
PRE-COURSE
WEBINARS
03
→
IN-PERSON
TRAINING
04
→
PARTICIPATE
& COMPLETE
REQUIREMENTS
05
→
PASS
EXAM
→
CERTIFIED
✓
BLSC
5-YEAR CERTIFICATION
Written Examination
Hardware-Agnostic
Practical Training
$500
IAFSM Member
$700
Non-Member
PREREQUISITES &
REQUIREMENTS
The BLSC is designed for professionals who already have an introduction to laser scanning and want to build a stronger foundation.
RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE
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Up to six months of laser-scanning experience and/or
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Prior training provided by a laser-scanning hardware manufacturer
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Familiarity with 3D software
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT
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Participants must bring a laptop capable of installing and running CloudCompare during the course.
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Install CloudCompare prior to course, download HERE.
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A three-button mouse with a scroll wheel is highly recommended for navigating the software.
PRE-COURSE PREPARATION
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Three approximately one-hour webinars must be completed before the in-person course:
      (Participants are encouraged to follow along with
       the CloudCompare training using the software.)