we look at the new requirements for IAI Latent Print Examiner certification.  Notice that the time requirement for the test is now 8 hours, and that there is a new reference on the recommended reading list.  In addition, only 2 years of experience are required to apply for the test and you don't have to complete one section before moving on to the next... you can have them all open at once if you would like.

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Latent Print Examiner Certification Requirements
From www.theiai.org
12-18-05

General Qualifications:
    An applicant for certification must be of good moral character, high integrity, good repute, and must possess a high ethical and professional standing. Applicants must provide a signed statement affirming the IAI Latent Print Certification Code of Ethics.

Technical Training Required:
    Minimum of 80 hours of formal training in latent print matters.

Basic Experience Required:
    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:
    A Bachelor's Degree plus two (2) years full-time experience as required by Section 3.C.
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 required by Section 3.C equals the Bachelor's Degree requirement.
    Educational requirements are not applicable to re-certification.

Endorsements:
    All applicants for certification must submit two letters of endorsement. If the applicant is employed by a public law enforcement agency, one letter shall be from a superior within the applicant's department or agency and one shall be from an associate in the field of latent print identification, certified by the I.A.I. and who is a member of division and/or the parent body.
    If the applicant is in private practice, both letters shall be from members of the Criminal Justice System, provided however, that one of the two shall be from one in the field of latent print identification certified by the I.A.I. and is a member of a division and/or the parent body.

    If the applicant is using the experience substitution to meet the educational requirements, letters of endorsement should include information concerning the number of years basic, and full-time experience the applicant possess.

Examinations:
    Certification shall be determined by testing. The certification text was developed and is maintained by the I.A.I. Latent Print Certification Board. The applicants have 8 hours to complete parts a, b, and c of the test. The test is as follows:

    Comparison of 15 latent prints with inked prints. Must correctly identify 12 of the latent prints with NO erroneous identifications. Passing score: 80%.

    Pattern Interpretation of 35 Inked Impressions. Passing score: 90%

    True and false, multiple choice questions relative to the history of fingerprints, pattern interpretation and latent prints. Passing score: 85%

    Either oral board testing and/or presentation of a case for review to include latent print, inked print, charted enlargements and court qualifying questions and answers.

    If the applicant has already testified in a court of law as an expert, the applicant may submit a case for review, or may submit to the oral board testing.

    If the applicant has not given testimony in a court of law as an expert, the applicant shall be required to undergo oral board testing.

    Anyone failing the test for any reason other than an erroneous identification must wait 6 months from the test date to reapply.

    Anyone failing the test by making one or more erroneous identifications must wait 1 year before they can reapply to take the test.

    Those reapplying must submit a new application with all attachments plus whatever fee may be in effect at that time.

    Applicants failing any part of the test need only retake that part which he/she failed, unless an erroneous identification was made in which case the entire test must be retaken.

Suggested Reading Materials
    Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Science of Fingerprints
    Robert D. Olsen, Sr., Scott's Fingerprint Mechanics
    Henry C. Lee, Advances in Fingerprint Technology
    United Kingdom Home Office, Fingerprint Detection by Fluorescent Examination
    Ashbaugh, David (1999). Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis

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Until next Monday morning, don't work too hard or too little.

Have a GREAT week!