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TEXAS FORENSIC ANALYST LICENSING EXAM (GFALE II) FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED- VERIFIED ANSWERS- ALREADY
GRADED A+ || NEWEST EXAM 2025-2026
Criminal Justice / Forensic Science / Toxicology
This comprehensive practice exam is designed to help you prepare for
the Texas General Forensic Analyst Licensing Examination II (GFALE II). It
is based on the official syllabus from the Texas Forensic Science
Commission (TFSC), which covers seven key domains: Evidence
Handling, Brady/Michael Morton Act, Statistics, Expert Testimony,
Professional Responsibility, Human Factors, and Root Cause Analysis.
The 200 questions, each with a detailed rationale, cover Texas-specific
statutes (like Article 38.35), administrative rules, and national best
practices.
DOMAIN I: EVIDENCE HANDLING
1. A forensic analyst receives a sealed evidence package. The integrity
seal is broken, and the evidence inside appears to have shifted during
transit. According to ASTM standards, what is the analyst’s most
appropriate first course of action?
A) Ignore the condition and proceed, as the evidence is inside the lab’s
custody now.
B) Immediately open the package, photograph the contents, and note it
in the report as "minor."
C) Document the condition of the package upon receipt, photograph it,
and note the breach of seal in the case record.
D) Return the evidence to the submitting agency without examination.
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Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ASTM E1492-11 (Standard Practice for Receiving,
Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science
Laboratory) requires that any irregularities, including broken seals, be
thoroughly documented upon receipt. This maintains the chain of
custody and alerts stakeholders to potential issues.
2. What is the primary reason for preventing cross‑contamination
between biological evidence items in a forensic laboratory?
A) To maintain the chemical integrity of the sample for DNA analysis.
B) To ensure the probative value of the evidence is not compromised.
C) To prevent the growth of mold or bacteria on the sample.
D) To speed up the processing time for DNA analysis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cross‑contamination can lead to erroneous results,
compromising the fundamental probative value of the evidence—its
ability to prove a fact in a legal proceeding. ASTM standards state that
preventing contamination is the reason for the correct choice of
packaging and storage.
3. Which type of packaging should be avoided when securing Gunshot
Residue (GSR) evidence?
A) Paper bags
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B) Plastic bags
C) Boxes
D) Envelopes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: GSR evidence must be allowed to "breathe" to prevent
moisture buildup and sample degradation. Plastic bags can trap
moisture, leading to the loss of crucial particles.
4. According to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, physical evidence
includes which of the following for analysis in a crime laboratory?
A) Only DNA and fingerprints
B) Objects that establish that a crime has been committed
C) Statements from witnesses
D) Digital records only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The definition of physical evidence is broad and includes "any
and all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed."
5. A forensic analyst is required to use a chemical hygiene plan in the
laboratory. What is the primary purpose of such a plan?
A) To list all chemicals available in the lab for inventory purposes.
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B) To outline procedures, equipment, PPE, and work practices to protect
personnel from chemical hazards.
C) To provide a marketing overview of the lab's capabilities.
D) To describe the process for calibrating lab equipment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A chemical hygiene plan is a written program developed to
protect laboratory workers from health hazards associated with
hazardous chemicals, detailing standard operating procedures,
engineering controls, and PPE requirements.
6. An analyst is preparing a report where the evidence was not properly
packaged when received at the lab. How should the analyst proceed?
A) Proceed with the analysis without comment, as the damage is not
their fault.
B) Note the improper packaging in the case file and evaluate if the
analysis can proceed without compromising results.
C) Dispose of the evidence immediately to prevent liability.
D) Return the evidence to the submitting agency unanalyzed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Standard practice requires documenting any pre-existing
damage or improper packaging. The analyst must then determine if a
valid analysis is still possible.
TEXAS FORENSIC ANALYST LICENSING EXAM (GFALE II) FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED- VERIFIED ANSWERS- ALREADY
GRADED A+ || NEWEST EXAM 2025-2026
Criminal Justice / Forensic Science / Toxicology
This comprehensive practice exam is designed to help you prepare for
the Texas General Forensic Analyst Licensing Examination II (GFALE II). It
is based on the official syllabus from the Texas Forensic Science
Commission (TFSC), which covers seven key domains: Evidence
Handling, Brady/Michael Morton Act, Statistics, Expert Testimony,
Professional Responsibility, Human Factors, and Root Cause Analysis.
The 200 questions, each with a detailed rationale, cover Texas-specific
statutes (like Article 38.35), administrative rules, and national best
practices.
DOMAIN I: EVIDENCE HANDLING
1. A forensic analyst receives a sealed evidence package. The integrity
seal is broken, and the evidence inside appears to have shifted during
transit. According to ASTM standards, what is the analyst’s most
appropriate first course of action?
A) Ignore the condition and proceed, as the evidence is inside the lab’s
custody now.
B) Immediately open the package, photograph the contents, and note it
in the report as "minor."
C) Document the condition of the package upon receipt, photograph it,
and note the breach of seal in the case record.
D) Return the evidence to the submitting agency without examination.
, Page 2 of 107
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ASTM E1492-11 (Standard Practice for Receiving,
Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science
Laboratory) requires that any irregularities, including broken seals, be
thoroughly documented upon receipt. This maintains the chain of
custody and alerts stakeholders to potential issues.
2. What is the primary reason for preventing cross‑contamination
between biological evidence items in a forensic laboratory?
A) To maintain the chemical integrity of the sample for DNA analysis.
B) To ensure the probative value of the evidence is not compromised.
C) To prevent the growth of mold or bacteria on the sample.
D) To speed up the processing time for DNA analysis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cross‑contamination can lead to erroneous results,
compromising the fundamental probative value of the evidence—its
ability to prove a fact in a legal proceeding. ASTM standards state that
preventing contamination is the reason for the correct choice of
packaging and storage.
3. Which type of packaging should be avoided when securing Gunshot
Residue (GSR) evidence?
A) Paper bags
, Page 3 of 107
B) Plastic bags
C) Boxes
D) Envelopes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: GSR evidence must be allowed to "breathe" to prevent
moisture buildup and sample degradation. Plastic bags can trap
moisture, leading to the loss of crucial particles.
4. According to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, physical evidence
includes which of the following for analysis in a crime laboratory?
A) Only DNA and fingerprints
B) Objects that establish that a crime has been committed
C) Statements from witnesses
D) Digital records only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The definition of physical evidence is broad and includes "any
and all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed."
5. A forensic analyst is required to use a chemical hygiene plan in the
laboratory. What is the primary purpose of such a plan?
A) To list all chemicals available in the lab for inventory purposes.
, Page 4 of 107
B) To outline procedures, equipment, PPE, and work practices to protect
personnel from chemical hazards.
C) To provide a marketing overview of the lab's capabilities.
D) To describe the process for calibrating lab equipment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A chemical hygiene plan is a written program developed to
protect laboratory workers from health hazards associated with
hazardous chemicals, detailing standard operating procedures,
engineering controls, and PPE requirements.
6. An analyst is preparing a report where the evidence was not properly
packaged when received at the lab. How should the analyst proceed?
A) Proceed with the analysis without comment, as the damage is not
their fault.
B) Note the improper packaging in the case file and evaluate if the
analysis can proceed without compromising results.
C) Dispose of the evidence immediately to prevent liability.
D) Return the evidence to the submitting agency unanalyzed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Standard practice requires documenting any pre-existing
damage or improper packaging. The analyst must then determine if a
valid analysis is still possible.
