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Forensic collision investigator

Alternative titles for this job include Accident investigator, collision investigator

Forensic collision investigators use science and engineering skills to investigate the causes of road traffic and vehicle related incidents.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 variable

You could work

on call on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could study for a foundation degree or degree with a university in partnership with a professional body like AiTS. 

Courses include:

  • University Certificate of Professional Development (UCPD) Forensic Road Collision Investigation
  • Foundation Degree in Forensic Road Collision Investigation

The certificate is the starting point if you want to become a forensic road collision investigator. On completion, you could then move on to the foundation degree.

After the foundation degree, you can 'top up' to the BSc (Hons) Professional Studies in Forensic Road Collision Investigation.

Qualifications are offered on a part-time basis through a mix of online and classroom learning.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, including maths or science, or the UCPD in Forensic Road Collision Investigation, for the foundation degree

More Information

Work

You could start as a trainee collision investigator, with a police force or company that provides forensic investigation services.

You'll usually need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths, English and a science, or equivalent. You'll also need good IT, problem solving and communication skills

You might be able to transfer into an investigation department if you have related experience, for example as a police officer or insurance investigator, then train on the job.

Direct Application

You may be able to apply for an investigator job if you have qualifications and several years' experience in engineering, science, technical testing or health and safety.

Other Routes

You could take a private training course in road traffic investigation. It's important to check that the course you do is approved by a recognised awarding body or institution.

Further information

Find out more about a career in collision investigation from The Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 years of age
  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a forensic collision investigator, you could:

  • attend accident scenes, sometimes at short notice
  • gather evidence including photos, video and laser scans
  • examine vehicles and vehicle parts
  • check witness statements to build a picture of what happened
  • create plans of the scene and make time and distance studies
  • work out vehicle speeds through the amount damage
  • check tachograph information on vehicles
  • get technical information from vehicle manufacturers
  • prepare reports for the police and other parties
  • act as an expert witness in court cases

Working environment

You could work on the road or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into management or work on a freelance or consultancy basis.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a forensic collision investigator right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

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Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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