Arizona Department of
Public Safety Arizona
Forensic Scientist IV DNA
Exam Plan
,QUESTIONS
Question 1
Two responsibilities must remain distinct: “Polymorphisms” and “Data
Analysis, Interpretation, and Troubleshooting”. Which first/second pairing
preserves their roles?
A. First: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment analysis software
operation; second: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment analysis
software operation
B. First: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment analysis software
operation; second: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs),
and Lineage Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA)
C. First: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and Lineage
Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA); second: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide
Polymorphisms (SNPs), and Lineage Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA)
D. First: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and Lineage
Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA); second: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment
analysis software operation
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: Polymorphisms: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide
Polymorphisms (SNPs), and Lineage Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA). Data Analysis, Interpretation, and
Troubleshooting: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment analysis software
operation. A: Repeating the second assignment does not address the first requirement. B: The two
roles are reversed: the first assignment belongs with the second focus, and vice versa. C:
Repeating the first assignment leaves the second requirement without its own matching focus.
Question 2
Compare these two needs: “probabilistic genotyping software, investigative
genetic genealogy, phenotyping”; then “ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards
and internal laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs)”. Which ordered
pairing best distinguishes them?
A. First: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories; second: Advanced forensic DNA applications
B. First: Advanced forensic DNA applications; second: Advanced forensic DNA applications
C. First: Advanced forensic DNA applications; second: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance
Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories
D. First: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories; second: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA
Testing Laboratories
Correct Answer: C
Full Explanation: Advanced forensic DNA applications: probabilistic genotyping software,
investigative genetic genealogy, phenotyping. FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for
Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories: ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and internal laboratory
standard operating procedures (SOPs). A: The two roles are reversed: the first assignment belongs
with the second focus, and vice versa. B: Repeating the first assignment leaves the second
requirement without its own matching focus. D: Repeating the second assignment does not
address the first requirement.
2
,QUESTIONS
Question 3
A comparison covers “National DNA Index System (NDIS) and Combined DNA
Index System (CODIS) architecture”, “FBI Director’s Quality Assurance
Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories”, “Forensic DNA
Processing and Laboratory Techniques”, “Molecular Biology and Genetics
Principles”. Which association preserves the correct relationship? Pay
particular attention to the role of “Structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA
and RNA)”.
A. Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles — Structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and
RNA)
B. Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles — Quality control of database profiles and
expungement procedures
C. Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles — DNA extraction methods (organic extraction,
silica-based binding, automated systems)
D. Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles — Safety protocols regarding biological hazards,
chemical safety, and hazardous waste disposal
Correct Answer: A
Full Explanation: Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles: Structure and function of nucleic
acids (DNA and RNA). B: This option instead describes the following different focus: National DNA
Index System (NDIS) and Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) architecture: Quality control of
database profiles and expungement procedures. C: This option instead describes the following
different focus: Forensic DNA Processing and Laboratory Techniques: DNA extraction methods
(organic extraction, silica-based binding, automated systems). D: This option instead describes the
following different focus: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA
Testing Laboratories: Safety protocols regarding biological hazards, chemical safety, and
hazardous waste disposal.
3
, QUESTIONS
Question 4
Match each brief to its focus: first, “Advanced forensic DNA applications
(probabilistic genotyping software, investigative genetic genealogy,
phenotyping)”; second, “organic extraction, silica-based binding, automated
systems”. Which ordered pair is correct?
A. First: Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework; second: Courtroom
Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework
B. First: Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework; second: DNA extraction
methods
C. First: DNA extraction methods; second: DNA extraction methods
D. First: DNA extraction methods; second: Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced
Casework
Correct Answer: B
Full Explanation: Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework: Advanced
forensic DNA applications (probabilistic genotyping software, investigative genetic genealogy,
phenotyping). DNA extraction methods: organic extraction, silica-based binding, automated
systems. A: Repeating the first assignment leaves the second requirement without its own
matching focus. C: Repeating the second assignment does not address the first requirement. D:
The two roles are reversed: the first assignment belongs with the second focus, and vice versa.
Question 5
A brief initially required “Rules of evidence, expert witness testimony, and
handling cross-examination under Daubert and Frye standards” for “Courtroom
Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework”, but now concerns “FBI
Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories”. Which task matches the revised requirement?
A. Quantification techniques (real-time PCR assays)
B. Rules of evidence, expert witness testimony, and handling cross-examination under Daubert
and Frye standards
C. Separation and detection technologies (Capillary Electrophoresis using genetic analyzers)
D. Safety protocols regarding biological hazards, chemical safety, and hazardous waste disposal
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories: Safety protocols regarding biological hazards, chemical safety, and hazardous waste
disposal. Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework: Rules of evidence, expert
witness testimony, and handling cross-examination under Daubert and Frye standards. A: This
describes “Forensic DNA Processing and Laboratory Techniques”, rather than the requested focus.
B: This describes “Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework”, rather than the
requested focus. C: This describes “Forensic DNA Processing and Laboratory Techniques”, rather
than the requested focus.
4
Public Safety Arizona
Forensic Scientist IV DNA
Exam Plan
,QUESTIONS
Question 1
Two responsibilities must remain distinct: “Polymorphisms” and “Data
Analysis, Interpretation, and Troubleshooting”. Which first/second pairing
preserves their roles?
A. First: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment analysis software
operation; second: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment analysis
software operation
B. First: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment analysis software
operation; second: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs),
and Lineage Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA)
C. First: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and Lineage
Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA); second: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide
Polymorphisms (SNPs), and Lineage Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA)
D. First: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and Lineage
Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA); second: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment
analysis software operation
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: Polymorphisms: Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), Single Nucleotide
Polymorphisms (SNPs), and Lineage Markers (Y-STRs, mtDNA). Data Analysis, Interpretation, and
Troubleshooting: GeneMarker HID, GeneMapper ID-X, or equivalent fragment analysis software
operation. A: Repeating the second assignment does not address the first requirement. B: The two
roles are reversed: the first assignment belongs with the second focus, and vice versa. C:
Repeating the first assignment leaves the second requirement without its own matching focus.
Question 2
Compare these two needs: “probabilistic genotyping software, investigative
genetic genealogy, phenotyping”; then “ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards
and internal laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs)”. Which ordered
pairing best distinguishes them?
A. First: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories; second: Advanced forensic DNA applications
B. First: Advanced forensic DNA applications; second: Advanced forensic DNA applications
C. First: Advanced forensic DNA applications; second: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance
Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories
D. First: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories; second: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA
Testing Laboratories
Correct Answer: C
Full Explanation: Advanced forensic DNA applications: probabilistic genotyping software,
investigative genetic genealogy, phenotyping. FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for
Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories: ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and internal laboratory
standard operating procedures (SOPs). A: The two roles are reversed: the first assignment belongs
with the second focus, and vice versa. B: Repeating the first assignment leaves the second
requirement without its own matching focus. D: Repeating the second assignment does not
address the first requirement.
2
,QUESTIONS
Question 3
A comparison covers “National DNA Index System (NDIS) and Combined DNA
Index System (CODIS) architecture”, “FBI Director’s Quality Assurance
Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories”, “Forensic DNA
Processing and Laboratory Techniques”, “Molecular Biology and Genetics
Principles”. Which association preserves the correct relationship? Pay
particular attention to the role of “Structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA
and RNA)”.
A. Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles — Structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and
RNA)
B. Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles — Quality control of database profiles and
expungement procedures
C. Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles — DNA extraction methods (organic extraction,
silica-based binding, automated systems)
D. Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles — Safety protocols regarding biological hazards,
chemical safety, and hazardous waste disposal
Correct Answer: A
Full Explanation: Molecular Biology and Genetics Principles: Structure and function of nucleic
acids (DNA and RNA). B: This option instead describes the following different focus: National DNA
Index System (NDIS) and Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) architecture: Quality control of
database profiles and expungement procedures. C: This option instead describes the following
different focus: Forensic DNA Processing and Laboratory Techniques: DNA extraction methods
(organic extraction, silica-based binding, automated systems). D: This option instead describes the
following different focus: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA
Testing Laboratories: Safety protocols regarding biological hazards, chemical safety, and
hazardous waste disposal.
3
, QUESTIONS
Question 4
Match each brief to its focus: first, “Advanced forensic DNA applications
(probabilistic genotyping software, investigative genetic genealogy,
phenotyping)”; second, “organic extraction, silica-based binding, automated
systems”. Which ordered pair is correct?
A. First: Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework; second: Courtroom
Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework
B. First: Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework; second: DNA extraction
methods
C. First: DNA extraction methods; second: DNA extraction methods
D. First: DNA extraction methods; second: Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced
Casework
Correct Answer: B
Full Explanation: Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework: Advanced
forensic DNA applications (probabilistic genotyping software, investigative genetic genealogy,
phenotyping). DNA extraction methods: organic extraction, silica-based binding, automated
systems. A: Repeating the first assignment leaves the second requirement without its own
matching focus. C: Repeating the second assignment does not address the first requirement. D:
The two roles are reversed: the first assignment belongs with the second focus, and vice versa.
Question 5
A brief initially required “Rules of evidence, expert witness testimony, and
handling cross-examination under Daubert and Frye standards” for “Courtroom
Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework”, but now concerns “FBI
Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories”. Which task matches the revised requirement?
A. Quantification techniques (real-time PCR assays)
B. Rules of evidence, expert witness testimony, and handling cross-examination under Daubert
and Frye standards
C. Separation and detection technologies (Capillary Electrophoresis using genetic analyzers)
D. Safety protocols regarding biological hazards, chemical safety, and hazardous waste disposal
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) for Forensic DNA Testing
Laboratories: Safety protocols regarding biological hazards, chemical safety, and hazardous waste
disposal. Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework: Rules of evidence, expert
witness testimony, and handling cross-examination under Daubert and Frye standards. A: This
describes “Forensic DNA Processing and Laboratory Techniques”, rather than the requested focus.
B: This describes “Courtroom Testimony, Legal Aspects, and Advanced Casework”, rather than the
requested focus. C: This describes “Forensic DNA Processing and Laboratory Techniques”, rather
than the requested focus.
4
