Spring Semester February 2026 Forensic Science Certification Exam
Prep | Crime Scene Investigation, Evidence Collection & Preservation,
Forensic Analysis Techniques, DNA & Toxicology, Fingerprint & Trace
Evidence, NGN-Style Practice Questions & Certification Success Guide
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of forensic science?
A) To analyze crime scene evidence
B) To convict the innocent
C) To investigate historical artifacts
D) To conduct psychological evaluations
Correct Option: A) To analyze crime scene evidence
Rationale:
The primary purpose of forensic science is to apply scientific principles and techniques
to analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. Forensic scientists aim to provide
objective and reliable results that can be used in legal proceedings. Options B, C, and D
do not align with the fundamental role of forensic science within the criminal justice
system.
Question 2:
Which of the following is considered the “gold standard” in forensic DNA analysis?
A) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
B) RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism)
C) STR (Short Tandem Repeat)
D) DNA barcoding
Correct Option: C) STR (Short Tandem Repeat)
Rationale:
STR analysis is considered the “gold standard” for forensic DNA profiling because it
allows for the examination of multiple regions of the DNA simultaneously. This method
is highly discriminatory and has a low error rate, making it ideal for forensic
applications. PCR is a technique used in conjunction with STR analysis, while RFLP and
DNA barcoding are less commonly used in forensic contexts due to longer processing
times and lower discriminatory power.
Question 3:
In forensic entomology, what is the significance of insect evidence?
A) It indicates the economic status of the victim.
B) It helps in determining the time of death.
C) It reveals the educational background of the victim.
D) It is irrelevant in criminal investigations.
Correct Option: B) It helps in determining the time of death.
, Rationale:
In forensic entomology, the presence and development stages of insects found on a
decaying body provide critical information about the post-mortem interval (PMI) or time
since death. Different insect species colonize a body at various stages of
decomposition, allowing forensic entomologists to estimate how long the body has
been exposed. Options A, C, and D do not represent the primary utility of insect
evidence in forensic science.
Question 4:
What type of fingerprint pattern has one or more ridges entering from one side and
exiting the same side?
A) Arch
B) Loop
C) Whorl
D) Composite
Correct Option: B) Loop
Rationale:
A loop fingerprint pattern features ridges that enter from one side, curve around, and
exit from the same side. This is the most common fingerprint pattern found in the
general population. An arch has ridges that rise in the center, a whorl has circular lines,
and composite is a mix of patterns. Understanding these classifications is vital for
forensic analysis.
Question 5:
Which type of forensic evidence is derived from hair?
A) Class evidence only
B) Individual evidence only
C) Both class and individual evidence
D) Neither class nor individual evidence
Correct Option: C) Both class and individual evidence
Rationale:
Hair can provide both class and individual evidence depending on its nature. If the hair
is found with the root intact and biological material is present, it can provide DNA,
which is individual evidence. If it lacks the root, hair can only serve as class evidence
linking it to a group. This flexibility makes hair analysis a valuable tool in forensic
investigations.
Question 6:
Prep | Crime Scene Investigation, Evidence Collection & Preservation,
Forensic Analysis Techniques, DNA & Toxicology, Fingerprint & Trace
Evidence, NGN-Style Practice Questions & Certification Success Guide
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of forensic science?
A) To analyze crime scene evidence
B) To convict the innocent
C) To investigate historical artifacts
D) To conduct psychological evaluations
Correct Option: A) To analyze crime scene evidence
Rationale:
The primary purpose of forensic science is to apply scientific principles and techniques
to analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. Forensic scientists aim to provide
objective and reliable results that can be used in legal proceedings. Options B, C, and D
do not align with the fundamental role of forensic science within the criminal justice
system.
Question 2:
Which of the following is considered the “gold standard” in forensic DNA analysis?
A) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
B) RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism)
C) STR (Short Tandem Repeat)
D) DNA barcoding
Correct Option: C) STR (Short Tandem Repeat)
Rationale:
STR analysis is considered the “gold standard” for forensic DNA profiling because it
allows for the examination of multiple regions of the DNA simultaneously. This method
is highly discriminatory and has a low error rate, making it ideal for forensic
applications. PCR is a technique used in conjunction with STR analysis, while RFLP and
DNA barcoding are less commonly used in forensic contexts due to longer processing
times and lower discriminatory power.
Question 3:
In forensic entomology, what is the significance of insect evidence?
A) It indicates the economic status of the victim.
B) It helps in determining the time of death.
C) It reveals the educational background of the victim.
D) It is irrelevant in criminal investigations.
Correct Option: B) It helps in determining the time of death.
, Rationale:
In forensic entomology, the presence and development stages of insects found on a
decaying body provide critical information about the post-mortem interval (PMI) or time
since death. Different insect species colonize a body at various stages of
decomposition, allowing forensic entomologists to estimate how long the body has
been exposed. Options A, C, and D do not represent the primary utility of insect
evidence in forensic science.
Question 4:
What type of fingerprint pattern has one or more ridges entering from one side and
exiting the same side?
A) Arch
B) Loop
C) Whorl
D) Composite
Correct Option: B) Loop
Rationale:
A loop fingerprint pattern features ridges that enter from one side, curve around, and
exit from the same side. This is the most common fingerprint pattern found in the
general population. An arch has ridges that rise in the center, a whorl has circular lines,
and composite is a mix of patterns. Understanding these classifications is vital for
forensic analysis.
Question 5:
Which type of forensic evidence is derived from hair?
A) Class evidence only
B) Individual evidence only
C) Both class and individual evidence
D) Neither class nor individual evidence
Correct Option: C) Both class and individual evidence
Rationale:
Hair can provide both class and individual evidence depending on its nature. If the hair
is found with the root intact and biological material is present, it can provide DNA,
which is individual evidence. If it lacks the root, hair can only serve as class evidence
linking it to a group. This flexibility makes hair analysis a valuable tool in forensic
investigations.
Question 6:
