Latent Print Certification

The Certification Process – A Quick Reference Guide

Before you even consider applying for certification, it is important to first determine whether you feel you possess the most important component to successfully passing the test, namely, experience in latent print comparisons. This cannot be emphasized enough as it is often the reason people are unsuccessful in attaining their certification where they didn’t have enough time “under the glass” so to speak. It is strongly recommended that anyone applying to take the test should be comparing latent prints on a regular basis as this is the only way to properly train your eye for those more difficult comparisons which you can expect on the test. So if you have what it takes, read on.

The following is a quick reference guide to the certification process.

Prerequisites

Technical Training - Minimum of 80 hours of formal training in latent print matters.
Basic Experience Requirements - Minimum of two (2) years full-time experience in the comparison and identification of latent print material and related matters. If less than full-time experience for the given time period is possessed, times must be accumulated to reach an acceptable minimum.
Education Requirements - Bachelor's Degree plus two (2) years full-time experience OR an Associate Degree (or documentation of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of college credits) plus 3 years full-time experience as a latent print examiner equals the Bachelor's Degree requirement OR four (4) years full-time experience as a latent print examiner equals the Bachelor's Degree requirement.

How to Apply

Obtain a new application form and instructions for their submission. These can also be obtained from the Secretary of the Latent Print Certification Board at the address below.
Attach two (2) recent photographs to the application.
Attach two (2) letters of endorsement.
Attach a signed form affirming the IAI Certified Latent Print Examiner's Code of Ethics as stated in Section IV.
Ensure your application is fully complete. The completed application should then be returned to the Secretary of the Certification Board together with the application fee of $200.00 for IAI members ($300.00 for non-members), which is non refundable.

Only those persons who believe they clearly meet the stated qualifications and requirements for certification should submit applications.
Start reading the Suggested reading materials. The answers to all questions on the written portion of the test can be found in these publications.
Before taking the test or before granting certification, names of all applicants for certification will be published in the JFI’s Identification News at least 30 days prior.

Note: Your local IAI Division (or designate) will contact you to schedule a suitable date once your application has been approved. See Division/Regional Certification Committee for more information on how your local committee will handle your testing.

The Certification Test

There are four (4) parts to the test.
1. Latent Print Comparisons – you must correctly identify a minimum of 12 of 15 comparisons with no erroneous ID’s. Passing score: 80%.
2. Pattern Interpretation – you must correctly interpret a minimum of 32 of 35 inked impressions. Passing score: 90%.
3. Written examination – True/False and multiple choice questions. Passing score: 85%.
4. Either oral board testing and/or presentation of a case for review to include latent print, inked print, charted enlargements (with written explanation on how conclusion was reached) and list of court qualifying questions.
On the day of the examination, you will receive the first three parts of the test. You will have a full eight (8) hours to complete parts a, b and c of the test and can work on them in any order you choose. When completed, or when time is up, all parts of the test will be resealed and returned to your proctor.
Your proctor will forward your test package to the Secretary of the Latent Print Certification Board for scoring.
If you failed any part of the test, you will receive a letter to that effect. You will be able to retake the failed portion(s) at a date no less than six months later or one year if you made an erroneous ID.
If successful, you will receive a letter with your respective scores. (Note: Your scores will remain confidential and will NOT be made available to anyone without your written permission).
Upon notification of successful completion of Parts A, B and C, you will then be directed to submit to Part D. If you have testified in latent prints before and can provide supporting documentation to that effect, you may choose either option as outlined above. If not, your local division (or designate) will schedule a date and location for your oral board testing.
Oral Board Testing – This will be a moot court and will take place within six (6) months of your written test. See Division Certification Committee for further details.
If your Division decides you are successful in completing Part D, they will forward all materials to the Latent Print Certification Board for review. If everything is acceptable, the Board will issue you your certificate and a certification card which will be valid for five (5) years. Congratulations on your achievement!
Your name will then be added to the Roster of Certified Examiners and you may carry your I.A.I Latent Print Certification designation proudly.

Recertification

You will be required to recertify upon expiry of your certification after five years. During that time, you are required to accumulate a minimum of 80 continuing Education/Professional Development credits. (Details here)
You will receive a letter from the Latent Print Certification Board Secretary outlining your recertification requirements.
You will then receive a package containing a comparison test, designed to test your continued competency. This will consist of five latent prints and five inked cards. The latent prints will all be identifiable to the inked cards provided. All latent prints must be correctly identified to pass this test and you will have 30 days to complete it.
Sign the form to say you completed the test without assistance and return the test to the Latent Print Certification Board Secretary for marking. You must also enclose the recertification fee of $200.00 for IAI members ($300.00 for non-members), which is non refundable.
If successful, you will receive a letter from the LPCB secretary and your new recertification card.
If you fail the recertification test, or if you fail to respond to your recertification request within a year of your certification expiration date, your certification will be suspended, pending you completing and submitting a new application.

As always, qualifications, requirements, fees, and application procedures for certification are subject to revision by the Latent Print Certification Board, so check the website for regular updates.

For further information, contact:

James E. Bush, Secretary
Latent Print Certification Board, I. A. I.
Mississippi Crime Laboratory
PO Box 4450
Meridian, MS 39304
Phone: (601) 483-5273
Fax: (601) 483-5278
E-mail: jbush@mcl.state.ms.us