Illinois Latent Fingerprint Examiner

Illinois Latent Fingerprint Examiner Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary ridge characteristic used to identify a latent

fingerprint?

• Pore size
• Ridge length
• Minutiae
• Ridge color

Rationale:

Minutiae, such as ridge endings and bifurcations, are the primary features used for fingerprint identification.

• / 4

• Which of the following is NOT a common type of fingerprint pattern?
• Loop
• Spiral
• Whorl
• Arch

Rationale:

Loops, whorls, and arches are standard fingerprint patterns; spirals are not recognized in fingerprint classification.

• What is the first step when processing a latent fingerprint at a crime

scene?

• Dusting immediately
• Photographing the area
• Lifting the print
• Applying chemicals

Rationale:

Photographing the area preserves the original scene and print location before any processing is done.

• Which type of ridge detail involves the split of a single ridge into two?
• Ridge ending
• Bifurcation 2 / 4

• Island
• Dot

Rationale:

A bifurcation occurs when one ridge divides into two separate ridges, a key minutiae for identification.

5. The Henry Classification System is primarily used for:

• DNA analysis
• Handwriting comparison
• Fingerprint classification
• Blood typing

Rationale:

The Henry Classification System organizes fingerprints based on whorls, loops, and arches for filing and retrieval.

6. Latent prints are generally invisible because they consist of:

• Blood residue
• Sweat and oils
• Ink from pens
• Dirt only 3 / 4

Rationale:

Latent fingerprints are composed of sweat, oils, and other secretions left by the skin on a surface.

• Cyanoacrylate fuming is most effective on which surface type?
• Fabric
• Non-porous surfaces
• Paper
• Wood

Rationale:

Cyanoacrylate reacts with residues on non-porous surfaces, creating a white polymerized print.

• Which powder color is generally used for dark surfaces?
• Black
• White
• Gray
• Brown

Rationale:

White powder contrasts with dark surfaces, making latent prints visible.

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