CHHS Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate Practice Exam

Browse all practice questions for the CHHS Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate Practice Exam. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

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CHHS Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success! course image
Be Mindful of Broken Glass When Searching for PrintsWhen looking at a window for prints, what should you be cautious about?Crime scene sketches capture layout, orientation, and spatial relationships to help investigationsWhat type of details are documented in crime scene sketches?Discovering the Mysteries of Mitochondrial DNA InheritanceWhat is mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) inherited from?Environmental Factors Can Pose Big Challenges for Crime Scene InvestigatorsName a common challenge faced during the collection of evidence.Lack of Evidence in Crime Investigations: What Does It Indicate?What can a lack of evidence during an investigation indicate?Mastering the Essentials of Biological Evidence in Crime Scene InvestigationsWhich situation represents the need for biological evidence collection?Understanding Ballistics in Crime Scene InvestigationsWhat is ballistics concerned with in crime scene investigations?Understanding Biological Evidence Beyond DNATrue or False: Biological evidence only includes items with recoverable DNA.Understanding the Different Types of Evidence in Crime Scene InvestigationsWhich are the three main types of evidence collected in crime scene investigations?Understanding the Different Types of Fingerprints in Crime Scene InvestigationWhat type of print is created when a fingerprint is deposited in a material like wax or soap?Understanding the Flexible Nature of Crime Scene ProcessingTrue or False: The sequence of processing a scene is always the same regardless of circumstances.Understanding the Importance of Controls When Testing EvidenceWhat is the significance of having a control when testing evidence?Understanding the Importance of Establishing a Chain of CustodyWhat is a critical process to follow when handling evidence to maintain admissibility in court?Understanding the Importance of Timely Preservation for DNA EvidenceWhich aspect of a crime scene is crucial for collecting DNA evidence?Understanding the Key Responsibilities of a Crime Scene InvestigatorWhat is an essential part of the crime scene investigator's responsibilities?Understanding the Limitations of mt-DNA Analysis in ForensicsWhat is a significant limitation of mt-DNA analysis?Understanding the Role of Evidence Tags in Forensic InvestigationsWhen maintaining chain of custody, what is true about evidence tags?Understanding the Role of F-stop in PhotographyWhat does the F-stop control in photography?Understanding the Role of Forensic Pathologists in Crime Scene InvestigationsWhat is a common method used in forensic pathologists' investigations?Understanding the Role of Genomic DNA in InheritanceWhat does genomic/nuclear DNA represent?Understanding the Role of Physical Evidence in Corroborating Victim AccountsWhat type of evidence can help to corroborate or dispute a victim's account?Understanding What Information Is Unacceptable in Crime Scene ReportsWhat type of information is considered unacceptable in a crime scene report?Understanding Why Eyewitness Accounts Are Less Reliable Than Physical EvidenceWhy is an eyewitness account considered less reliable compared to physical evidence?What Does a Purple Result Mean in Amylase Tests?Which color result indicates a positive reaction for amylase in a presumptive test?What Surfaces Are Key for DNA Evidence in a Burglary Investigation?Which item is NOT usually swabbed for DNA evidence in a burglary?Why Photographing a Crime Scene Is Essential for InvestigatorsWhy is it important to photograph a crime scene?
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  • What is the main purpose of DNA analysis in forensic science?
  • What type of cases are noted to have the highest percentage of DNA evidence?
  • Why is thorough note-taking considered crucial in investigations?
  • Why is it important to note what is not present at a crime scene?
  • What is a common type of electronic device that may yield forensic evidence?
  • What is the purpose of a digital forensics investigation?
  • What information must be included on a packaged item of evidence?
  • Which question best explains the presence of latent prints at a crime scene?
  • What role does physical evidence play in helping authorities understand the crime?
  • If you notice only a small portion of a print when lifting, what should you do?
  • When should you document the scene before beginning evidence processing?
  • Is it necessary for each item of evidence to have its own individual evidence tag?
  • Which of the following is NOT a duty of a crime scene investigator?
  • What can the orientation of finger pads in the womb influence?
  • Which type of fingerprint does not require any processing to make it visible?
  • What does forensic anthropology typically involve?
  • What are the three main types of crime scene search patterns?
  • What do Triangulation coordinates consist of?
  • What term is often used to refer to evidence in the context of its role?
  • What are the three types of evidence commonly found at a crime scene?
  • Why is it necessary to assess safety before collecting evidence?
  • What characteristic makes fingerprints unique to individuals?
  • What are the three primary types of sketches used in crime scene investigations?
  • In terms of evidence storage, why is refrigeration necessary?
  • Why is biological fluid analysis significant in forensic serology?
  • What is the primary role of a forensic pathologist in criminal investigations?
  • What is one use of bite marks in forensic investigation?
  • What is the term used to describe the influence of TV dramatizations of forensic science on jurors' opinions?
  • How quickly can ultraviolet light potentially destroy DNA evidence?
  • What type of lighting is best for searching prints?
  • Which factor can affect the estimation of time of death?
  • What is the primary concern when someone touches a surface without gloves regarding fingerprints?
  • What is the purpose of a crime scene sketch?
  • What does the term "evidence re-evaluation" refer to?
  • What does Luminol specifically react with in a blood sample?
  • What does the chain of custody in evidence handling ensure?
  • What is the primary goal of forensic science in crime investigation?
  • How many measurements are typically taken to establish Triangulation coordinates?
  • Which of the following is a common source of physical evidence?
  • Which factors should an investigator consider when documenting the weather at a crime scene?
  • What is the purpose of a grid search pattern at a crime scene?
  • What type of analysis does forensic serology focus on?
  • What should you do after completing the initial walkthrough at a crime scene?
  • What type of evidence includes verbal or written statements from those involved in a crime?
  • Which aspect of photographic composition does the F-stop NOT control?
  • What is the primary use of luminol in crime scene investigations?
  • What is the primary purpose of collecting evidence at a crime scene?
  • What is the significance of a preliminary investigation?
  • What is the primary focus during the intermediate photos of a victim or suspect?
  • In what scenarios would mt-DNA be most useful?
  • What are the two primary methods for detecting evidence at a crime scene?
  • How can fibers be significant in a criminal investigation?
  • Who is known for publishing the first book on fingerprints discussing their individuality?
  • What might be a consequence of failing to take accurate notes during an investigation?
  • How do class characteristics differ from random characteristics in physical evidence?
  • What is the function of a swab in evidence collection?
  • Which test is typically used to determine if blood is human or animal?
  • What does PCR stand for in a forensic context?
  • What must be done before evidence collection can begin at a crime scene?
  • When using PCR technology in forensics, what is the final result that is generated?
  • What should an arrow indicate when drawing a fingerprint?
  • What is the first step a CSI should take upon arriving at a crime scene?
  • What type of evidence is likely to be documented through photography and recordings?
  • How does contamination affect evidence collection?
  • What are the purposes of physical evidence in investigations?
  • Which type of evidence can be categorized as trace evidence?
  • What is the primary responsibility of first responders at a crime scene?
  • How can electronic flash contribute to the quality of crime scene photographs?
  • Finding gunshot residue (GSR) suggests what about an individual?
  • What is the main purpose of conducting fingerprint comparisons?
  • LMG is an abbreviation for what type of test?
  • What percentage of fingerprint residue is typically made up of fats and oils?
  • What phrase is often used to refer to individuals suspected of a crime?
  • What does forensic entomology study?
  • How is evidence typically processed at a crime scene?
  • What benefit does using alternative light provide during crime scene investigation?
  • Which evidence can help locate blood stains during an investigation?
  • What can cause the "falloff effect" when using electronic flash?
  • What encompasses the application of science to law enforcement investigations or legal matters?
  • Why is saliva significant in examining bite marks?
  • What is the primary role of a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)?
  • Do all latent print development techniques destroy potential biological evidence?
  • What is blood spatter analysis primarily used for?
  • What type of evidence includes information found in digital forms?
  • In addition to the F-stop, what does aperture influence in photography?
  • Which type of evidence would typically require scientific interpretation?
  • What are the two primary types of autopsies?
  • What distinguishes a Forensic Specialist from a Forensic Scientist?
  • What is a significant downside of using Hematrace as a blood test?
  • What type of evidence can degrade if not carefully packaged?
  • Which method is used to chemically develop latent fingerprints?
  • Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider in your plan of action when processing a crime scene?
  • How can digital evidence be compromised at a crime scene?
  • Which technique is used to show the path of a bullet in a crime scene?
  • Why is it important to not manipulate images of fingerprints digitally after capturing them?
  • Which purpose of crime scene photography involves the use of visual aids for juries?
  • What is the function of a crime scene investigator?
  • What role does the ability to delete images after capturing them play in digital photography?
  • Which type of fingerprint is often associated with being visible without the need for processing?
  • What does the term "motive" refer to in a crime investigation?
  • What distinguishes a latent print from a patent print?
  • What purpose do control samples serve in forensic analysis?
  • Which step is NOT part of the DNA obtaining process?
  • Which of the following best describes the duties performed by forensic specialists at a crime scene?
  • What substance does amylase, used in presumptive testing, react with?
  • What is defined as a debate of formal argumentation applied to law enforcement concepts?
  • Which of the following is a disadvantage of using electronic flash?
  • What is a common method used to collect soil samples at a crime scene?
  • Which of the following is an example of physical evidence in crime scene investigations?
  • What is the significance of establishing a timeline in a crime investigation?
  • When processing a burglarized residence, which point of entry is NOT usually considered?
  • What should evidence photographs ideally include?
  • What does AFIS stand for in forensic science?
  • What is the ultimate goal of conducting crime scene investigations?
  • What kind of observations should an investigator make at a crime scene?
  • How does DNA structure remain through a person’s life?
  • In crime scene investigations, what is crucial for effectively identifying evidence?
  • In which narrative tense should field reports be written?
  • Which of the following techniques is helpful when documenting crime scenes?
  • Why is maintaining a crime scene log important?
  • What is the most common type of crime scene sketch?
  • Which best describes the collection of physical evidence at a crime scene?
  • Can we determine the height from which a blood drop fell?
  • What does the term "ambient light" refer to in photography?
  • What are the five basic steps of a crime scene investigation?
  • What is the immediate concern regarding evidence at a crime scene?
  • In documentation photography, why is including a ruler important?
  • Is it always necessary to use a ruler when photographing fingerprints?
  • What should be included in notes when analyzing blood evidence?
  • Why should plastic not be used for evidence packaging?
  • Why is scene preservation crucial in crime investigations?
  • Who was Alphonse Bertillon?
  • Which of the following is a characteristic of physical evidence?
  • Which search pattern is most often used for indoor crime scenes?
  • When is it necessary to create a sketch at a crime scene?
  • When lifting prints, is it necessary to collect prints that may belong to a victim?
  • What does reconstructing events of a crime involve?
  • What is the relationship between the thoroughness of evidence collection and the investigation's outcome?
  • What is the purpose of creating a crime scene sketch?
  • What is the first rule to follow when documenting a crime scene?
  • Which technique is commonly used to lift fingerprints from surfaces?
  • Which factor is often examined during a blood spatter analysis?
  • What is CODIS primarily used for?
  • What is a significant advantage of using electronic flash in photography?
  • Which technique is used to analyze gunshot residue?
  • What are Rectangular Coordinates?
  • How many prints can Livescan collect in total?
  • Which type of fingerprint is created as a 3-D impression?
  • What does the shutter speed primarily control?
  • What is one of the first actions a CSI should take to secure a crime scene?
  • Why is packaging of evidence crucial in investigations?
  • When someone touches a surface without gloves, do they always leave fingerprints behind?
  • Where is nuclear DNA primarily found in the body?
  • In ancient China, what was the primary use of fingerprints before their current identification purposes?
  • What does the "linkage triangle" in an investigation depict?
  • What system did Sir Edward Henry develop for classifying fingerprints?
  • What is the role of a forensic odontologist?
  • To effectively photograph a shoeprint, which technique should be used?
  • What is the purpose of taking preliminary overall photos at a crime scene?
  • What is the basic principle of crime scene investigation according to Edmond Locard?
  • What type of evidence is particularly important in proving intent in crimes?
  • What constitutes biological evidence?
  • What was highlighted as an ineffectiveness of Bertillon measurements?
  • Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a Crime Scene Investigator?
  • Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting the recovery of latent fingerprint evidence?
  • Should evidence markers be placed before taking an overall photo of a crime scene?
  • What is one of the main benefits of digital photography?
  • What are good sources of DNA for analysis?
  • What is a common technique for documenting a crime scene layout?
  • How does Amido black reveal blood at a crime scene?
  • When is the use of mt-DNA particularly beneficial?
  • What is a characteristic of fingerprint residue?
  • What is a primary goal of forensic analysis in criminal investigations?
  • True or False: It is statistically unlikely that an individual rolls their fingerprint across a surface when touching it.
  • Why could vomit be significant at a crime scene?
  • What is the primary purpose of quantitation in the DNA process?
  • What is a common sign that a burglary has taken place?
  • What change occurs in the color of acidic phosphatase during a presumptive test?
  • What does STR stand for in DNA analysis?
  • What does crime scene investigation primarily involve?
  • What is the main color change observed in the LMG test when blood is present?
  • Which of the following statements is true regarding evidence packaging?
  • What is an important consideration when dealing with evidence in sexual assault cases?
  • Which statement regarding chemical analysis of evidence is accurate?
  • What is the role of the medical examiner in a crime scene investigation?
  • What is the first step in taking documentation photos of a victim or suspect?
  • In property crimes, why might blood be found at the scene?
  • Which of the following best describes the importance of securing a crime scene?
  • What is the primary definition of physical evidence in a crime scene investigation?
  • Physical evidence can help answer which of the following questions?
  • What is often used to determine the location of evidence in a crime scene sketch?
  • What type of light source is considered effective for investigating sexual assault cases?
  • What is true about friction ridges?
  • Why is respecting the integrity of crime scene evidence crucial?
  • What is considered the most common type of biological evidence?
  • What role do witnesses play in crime investigations?
  • Which surfaces are generally best for developing prints with powder?
  • What is the main purpose of a scene examination checklist?
  • Which of the following is NOT considered a good source of DNA?
  • Which of the following is NOT a good source of DNA evidence?
  • What type of coordinate is most effective for "fixing" items of evidence at a crime scene?
  • Why is understanding the circumstances of a crime crucial for an investigator?
  • What is the focus of a Crime Scene Investigator during their assessment of a scene?
  • What type of DNA is found in all nucleated cells of the body?
  • Which of the following is NOT one of the four main types of search techniques for detecting blood?
  • What substance is Amido black used for detecting?
  • In what way can evidence be subjective despite being considered objective?
  • What are volar pads responsible for in fingerprint formation?
  • What is one example of a medium where plastic prints might be found?
  • On which types of surfaces is magnetic powder the most effective?
  • Which of the following is NOT considered documentary evidence?
  • What is the implication of immediate image review in digital photography?
  • What is the primary purpose of crime scene tape?
  • True or False: There are definitive tests for vaginal fluid in forensic science.
  • Which of the following is NOT an advantage of DNA testing?
  • What equipment is essential for photographing a scene at night or in low light conditions?
  • Which of the following is essential for avoiding blurry photos during long exposures?
  • Which of these options is a purpose of crime scene photography?
  • Which of the following surfaces is cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) primarily used on for fingerprint development?
  • What should be done with evidence that may be contaminated by biological material?
  • How is a latent fingerprint left at a scene or on an object?
  • What does the term "forensic psychology" encompass?
  • What is considered to be the primary goal of a crime scene investigation?
  • What type of evidence is categorized as biological evidence?
  • Why might a CSI use alternate light sources?
  • Name a type of evidence that can be categorized as class evidence.
  • In what type of setting is urine most commonly found at a crime scene?
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