BASIC LASER SCANNING CERTIFICATION (BLSC) COURSE
Hosted by the International Association of Forensic & Security Metrology (IAFSM)
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Location: Embassy Suites, Boulder, Colorado (Conference Venue)
The IAFSM will be offering the Basic Laser Scanning Certification (BLSC) Course on the Sunday prior to the 2026 Joint IAFSM/ACSR Crime Scene Reconstruction Educational Conference. This course is a premier opportunity to gain certification in the fundamental principles and best practices of terrestrial laser scanning, taught by leading experts in the field.
IMPORTANT - Read Before Registering
In order to be accepted to participate in the BLSC course, you must:
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Complete the online BLSC Questionnaire
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Submit all necessary pre-course requirements (see details below)
Registration will not be confirmed until these requirements are completed.
Prerequesites
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6 months of laser scanning experience and/or manufacturer-provided training
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Familiarity with 3D software
Course Overview
The BLSC provides participants with a hardware-agnostic foundation in laser scanning concepts, applicable to any make or model of scanner. The curriculum blends theory, practical exercises, and real-world applications for crash and crime scene documentation. Topics include:
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History and physics of laser scanning
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Scene documentation for crash and crime investigation
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Visualization and analysis techniques
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Best practices for data capture and processing
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Considerations for admissibility in court
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Hands-on exercises using CloudCompare and other 3D software
This course is taught by multiple instructors with decades of combined experience in forensic laser scanning and practical scene documentation.
Key Benefits
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Validation of Knowledge – Certification backed by the IAFSM
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Better Performance – Understand and apply best practices
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Enhanced Courtroom Credibility – Demonstrate recognized training standards
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Increased Confidence – Operate scanning hardware and software with skill
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Professional Recognition – Earn respect from peers in the forensic community
Resume/CV Impact: The BLSC certification is recognized within the forensic and reconstruction community as a credible, minimum standard of laser scanning training, valid for five years.
Accident
Reconstructionists
Crime Scene
Investigators
Fire
Investigators
Forensic
Engineers
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Pre-Course Requirements
(Must be completed prior to February 22, 2026)
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Online BLSC Questionnaire (mandatory to secure your spot)
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Three Required Webinars (approx. 1 hour each):
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A History of Laser Scanning
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Physics of Light
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CloudCompare
Tip: Many students find the CloudCompare section challenging. It is highly recommended to download and install CloudCompare in advance and follow along during the video.
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Laptop Preparedness – Bring a laptop capable of installing and running CloudCompare, plus a 3-button mouse (with scroll wheel) for software navigation
Exam questions will come from both the webinar content and in-person course material.
In-Person Course
(Sunday, February 22, 2026)
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Full day of instruction with lectures, discussions, and software-based exercises
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Hands-on work with CloudCompare and other tools
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Course schedule provided by the Instructor
Post-Course Certification Requirements
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Full attendance and participation in the in-person class
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Successful completion of the written exam
Certification Validity
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5 years from the date of issue
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Renewal is required to keep pace with technological and software advancements
Capacity & Cost
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Space is limited—maximum attendance set by the Instructor
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Cost:
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$500 – IAFSM Members
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$700 – Non-members
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Note: This registration is separate from the conference registration. BLSC attendees must also purchase a conference ticket.
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the BLSC course or registration for the course, please contact us.
