IAI Certification Test for 
LATENT PRINT EXAMINERS


Part 1  -  Comparison of 15 latent prints with inked prints.  Must correctly identify 12 of the latent prints with no erroneous identifications. 

Passing score 80%


Part 2  -  Pattern Recognition - Interpretation of 35 inked Fingerprint pattern types.

Passing score 90%


Part 3  - True & False, Multiple Choice Questions relative to history of fingerprints, and latent prints.  Suggested study materials include the F.B.I.'s "Science of Fingerprints", Lee's "Advances in Fingerprint Technology", and Olsen's "Scott's Fingerprint Mechanics", United Kingdom’s “Fingerprint Detection by Fluorescence Examination". 

Passing score 85%

These three parts of the test are given in one 6 1/2-hour time period and then returned to the Secretary of the Certification Board for grading.  If the applicant does not complete the above test in a satisfactory manner, he/she must wait six months before being eligible to again apply for certification and only the sections not passed will need to be taken.  If there is an erroneous identification, he/she must wait one year before reapplying and the complete test will have to be retaken.  If completed in a satisfactory manner, the fourth and final part of the test is as follows:

Part 4  -  If the applicant for certification has previously testified in a court of law to a  latent print identification, he/she must submit a case for review.  If the  applicant has not testified, he/she must participate in a mock trial as the expert  fingerprint witness.

In order to qualify for certification as a latent print examiner by the IAI, the applicant must complete all four parts of the test in a satisfactory manner.