Exam Practice Questions And Correct

Crime Scene Investigator Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary responsibility of a crime scene

investigator (CSI)?

• Conducting interrogations
• Processing and documenting the crime scene
• Prosecuting suspects
• Patrolling neighborhoods

Rationale: The CSI’s main role is to collect, preserve, and document physical

evidence from the scene.

• What is the most important step before entering a crime scene?
• Taking photographs 1 / 4

• Securing and isolating the scene
• Collecting evidence
• Interviewing witnesses

Rationale: Securing the scene prevents contamination and preserves

evidence integrity.

• Which of the following is NOT typically collected as trace evidence?
• Hair
• Fibers
• Witness statements
• Glass fragments

Rationale: Trace evidence refers to physical materials, not verbal accounts.

• When documenting a crime scene, what should be done first?
• Collect fingerprints
• Take overall photographs of the scene
• Bag evidence
• Interview the first responder

Rationale: Photographing the scene initially preserves the original condition

of the environment.

• Which method is most suitable for detecting latent fingerprints on

non-porous surfaces?

• Ninhydrin
• Iodine fuming 2 / 4

• Cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming
• Luminol

Rationale: Cyanoacrylate fuming is effective on non-porous surfaces like

glass and plastic.

6. Blood is found at a crime scene. The CSI should first:

• Test for DNA
• Document and photograph the bloodstains
• Clean the blood
• Collect it immediately

Rationale: Documentation is critical to maintain context before collection.

• Which type of evidence is considered the most reliable in linking a

suspect to a crime?

• Hair
• Fibers

C. DNA

• Clothing

Rationale: DNA provides a highly specific identifier unique to individuals

(except identical twins).

• Which is the correct sequence of collecting evidence?
• Wet items first, dry items second
• Photograph, document, collect, package 3 / 4

• Package, document, collect, photograph
• Interview, photograph, collect, package

Rationale: Proper procedure ensures evidence is documented and preserved

correctly.

9. Chain of custody is important because it:

• Guarantees a conviction
• Maintains the integrity and traceability of evidence
• Prevents the need for lab analysis
• Reduces investigation time

Rationale: Chain of custody ensures evidence is not tampered with or

contaminated.

• What is the purpose of using alternate light sources (ALS) at a

crime scene?

• To create dramatic photographs
• To detect biological fluids and trace evidence
• To clean the scene
• To map footprints

Rationale: ALS can reveal evidence not visible under normal lighting

conditions.

• Which of the following is considered class evidence?
• A fingerprint
• A blood type
• / 4