Latent Print Certification

During the Tampa Conference, the Board of Directors endorsed several changes to certification board policies that will affect all boards. All IAI certifications are for five years with a one year “grace period” at the end of those five years during which time certificants may apply for recertification. Certification is technically lapsed during that one year period and if the individual recertifies, the date of recertification is retroactive to the date of expiration.

The board directed the Certification Quality Assurance Committee to make appropriate changes to the Certification Board Policy Manual eliminating that one year grace period. In its place will be a 90 day grace period during which time the applicant may apply for recertification but a service charge of $50 will be added to the normal recertification fee of $200 for IAI members ($300 for non-members). This will take effect after the appropriate changes have been made to the policy manual. In addition, those whose certifications are nearing expiration will be notified approximately one year before that expiration in order to provide ample time to prepare the documents and other materials required for recertification.

Another important change to certification policy will affect those grandfathered into the original Latent Print Certification Program.

In order to meet the standards of the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) no grandfathered certificants may be recertified unless they take the current test for certification that all new applicants are required to take (not the current recertification proficiency test). If you require further clarification or have any questions, please contact the LPCB Secretary.