So you want to compete in HOSA forensic science!? This is your guide to, well, pretty much everything! As seasoned competitors and individuals who hold HOSA close to their hearts, it is our goal to share HOSA forensics with as many people as possible. One thing to consider when reading this though, is that we compete with Arizona HOSA, and as stated by the HOSA guidelines, things may vary from state to state but are generally the same. Also remember, that forensics is a team event, so you have to have 2 people to compete.

     The most important thing to consider when thinking about a year in HOSA is that you don’t have to commit to forensics right away. Our first year, we both took the forensics and nursing assisting tests and qualified for both. Ultimately, we just liked forensics better. We know multiple people who have taken numerous online tests and chosen forensics to continue with. The point is, explore what you want and continue in the competition you like best - of course, we are biased that that competition is forensics though!

     After taking your online test, which is multiple choice, and qualifying (and deciding on forensics in this case), you will then move on to SLC (State Leadership Conference). At state, you will take your round 2 test, which is a hands-on crime scene analysis. The top 3 after state will then be able to move on to ILC (International Leadership Conference). If you place 4th or 5th though, make sure your advisor keeps an eye out for anyone in the top 3 who decides not to attend ILC, since then a spot would open up for the next highest score to go.

     While at internationals, the testing organization is generally the same except your multiple choice test is in person, as opposed to online. If you place high enough in this test then you will move on to round 2, which is again a crime scene analysis. At internationals, the top 10 will get to go on stage and the top 3 will be announced.

     The other tabs in this section of the website will give you a ton of other information regarding HOSA forensics, but it is also important to thoroughly review the competition guidelines, as well as other conference-specific information on the HOSA website. SLC information will be found on your state’s HOSA website, while ILC information can be found on the general HOSA site.

     The competition guidelines are very important since they not only have even more information that we list here but also include a rubric for the written round 2. They are also updated each year, so make sure to check for any changes.