Arizona Department of
Public Safety Arizona
Forensic Scientist II DNA
Exam Plan
,QUESTIONS
Question 1
Compare these two needs: “real-time PCR, target-specific assays, measuring
human vs. male DNA”; then “Random Match Probability (RMP)”. Which ordered
pairing best distinguishes them?
A. First: DNA quantitation principles; second: Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis
B. First: DNA quantitation principles; second: DNA quantitation principles
C. First: Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis; second: DNA quantitation principles
D. First: Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis; second: Data Interpretation and Statistical
Analysis
Correct Answer: A
Full Explanation: DNA quantitation principles: real-time PCR, target-specific assays, measuring
human vs. male DNA. Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis: Random Match Probability
(RMP). B: Repeating the first assignment leaves the second requirement without its own matching
focus. C: The two roles are reversed: the first assignment belongs with the second focus, and vice
versa. D: Repeating the second assignment does not address the first requirement.
Question 2
Identify the common focus of these two tasks: “Identification and presumptive
testing of biological fluids”; “Blood identification (e.g., Kastle-Meyer,
Alternative Light Source examinations)”.
A. Forensic Biology and Serology Screening
B. Genetic Analysis and Capillary Electrophoresis
C. Evaluation of database matches
D. DNA Extraction and Quantitation Methods
Correct Answer: A
Full Explanation: Forensic Biology and Serology Screening: Identification and presumptive
testing of biological fluids. Forensic Biology and Serology Screening: Blood identification (e.g.,
Kastle-Meyer, Alternative Light Source examinations). B: That focus concerns “Principles of
capillary electrophoresis (CE) via genetic analyzers (e.g., ABI instruments)”, not the activity being
assigned. C: That focus concerns “candidate matches, high-stringency and low-stringency
searches”, not the activity being assigned. D: That focus concerns “DNA quantitation principles
(e.g., real-time PCR, target-specific assays, measuring human vs. male DNA)”, not the activity
being assigned.
2
,QUESTIONS
Question 3
Assign the first, second, and third focus areas to “Local, State (SDIS), and
National (NDIS) DNA Index System structures”; “Interpretation of single-source
profiles, major/minor contributors, and complex DNA mixtures”; and
“Identification and presumptive testing of biological fluids”, respectively.
Which sequence is correct?
A. CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and Database Operations → Forensic Biology and
Serology Screening → Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis
B. CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and Database Operations → Data Interpretation and
Statistical Analysis → Forensic Biology and Serology Screening
C. Forensic Biology and Serology Screening → Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis →
CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and Database Operations
D. Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis → CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and
Database Operations → Forensic Biology and Serology Screening
Correct Answer: B
Full Explanation: CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and Database Operations: Local, State
(SDIS), and National (NDIS) DNA Index System structures. Data Interpretation and Statistical
Analysis: Interpretation of single-source profiles, major/minor contributors, and complex DNA
mixtures. Forensic Biology and Serology Screening: Identification and presumptive testing of
biological fluids. A: Positions 2, 3 do not preserve the corresponding task-to-focus relationships. C:
Positions 1, 3 do not preserve the corresponding task-to-focus relationships. D: Positions 1, 2 do
not preserve the corresponding task-to-focus relationships.
Question 4
For “Troubleshooting artifacts”, which technical concern is most directly
relevant?
A. real-time PCR, target-specific assays, measuring human vs. male DNA
B. Submitting and processing guidelines for different crime categories (Violent Crimes, Sexual
Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace DNA)
C. pull-up, stutters, spikes, baseline noise, and air bubbles
D. Presentation of scientific findings, statistical weights, and technical reports to juries and
courts
Correct Answer: C
Full Explanation: Troubleshooting artifacts: pull-up, stutters, spikes, baseline noise, and air
bubbles. A: This describes “DNA quantitation principles”, rather than the requested focus. B: This
describes “Facebook”, rather than the requested focus. D: This describes “Courtroom Testimony,
Ethics, and Legal Standards”, rather than the requested focus.
3
, QUESTIONS
Question 5
Which entry helps keep “DNA Extraction and Quantitation Methods” distinct
from “Facebook”?
A. ABI instruments
B. Local, State (SDIS), and National (NDIS) DNA Index System structures
C. Submitting and processing guidelines for different crime categories (Violent Crimes, Sexual
Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace DNA)
D. Cell lysis, chemical extraction techniques, and organic/inorganic isolation methods
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: DNA Extraction and Quantitation Methods: Cell lysis, chemical extraction
techniques, and organic/inorganic isolation methods. Facebook: Submitting and processing
guidelines for different crime categories (Violent Crimes, Sexual Assaults, Property Crimes, and
Trace DNA). A: This describes “Principles of capillary electrophoresis (CE) via genetic analyzers”,
rather than the requested focus. B: This describes “CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and
Database Operations”, rather than the requested focus. C: This describes “Facebook”, rather than
the requested focus.
Question 6
A note places “Violent Crimes, Sexual Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace
DNA” under “Saliva identification”. Which replacement restores the focus on
“Saliva identification”?
A. alpha-amylase tests
B. Cell lysis, chemical extraction techniques, and organic/inorganic isolation methods
C. ABI instruments
D. Violent Crimes, Sexual Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace DNA
Correct Answer: A
Full Explanation: Saliva identification: alpha-amylase tests. Submitting and processing guidelines
for different crime categories: Violent Crimes, Sexual Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace DNA. B:
This describes “DNA Extraction and Quantitation Methods”, rather than the requested focus. C:
This describes “Principles of capillary electrophoresis (CE) via genetic analyzers”, rather than the
requested focus. D: This describes “Submitting and processing guidelines for different crime
categories”, rather than the requested focus.
4
Public Safety Arizona
Forensic Scientist II DNA
Exam Plan
,QUESTIONS
Question 1
Compare these two needs: “real-time PCR, target-specific assays, measuring
human vs. male DNA”; then “Random Match Probability (RMP)”. Which ordered
pairing best distinguishes them?
A. First: DNA quantitation principles; second: Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis
B. First: DNA quantitation principles; second: DNA quantitation principles
C. First: Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis; second: DNA quantitation principles
D. First: Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis; second: Data Interpretation and Statistical
Analysis
Correct Answer: A
Full Explanation: DNA quantitation principles: real-time PCR, target-specific assays, measuring
human vs. male DNA. Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis: Random Match Probability
(RMP). B: Repeating the first assignment leaves the second requirement without its own matching
focus. C: The two roles are reversed: the first assignment belongs with the second focus, and vice
versa. D: Repeating the second assignment does not address the first requirement.
Question 2
Identify the common focus of these two tasks: “Identification and presumptive
testing of biological fluids”; “Blood identification (e.g., Kastle-Meyer,
Alternative Light Source examinations)”.
A. Forensic Biology and Serology Screening
B. Genetic Analysis and Capillary Electrophoresis
C. Evaluation of database matches
D. DNA Extraction and Quantitation Methods
Correct Answer: A
Full Explanation: Forensic Biology and Serology Screening: Identification and presumptive
testing of biological fluids. Forensic Biology and Serology Screening: Blood identification (e.g.,
Kastle-Meyer, Alternative Light Source examinations). B: That focus concerns “Principles of
capillary electrophoresis (CE) via genetic analyzers (e.g., ABI instruments)”, not the activity being
assigned. C: That focus concerns “candidate matches, high-stringency and low-stringency
searches”, not the activity being assigned. D: That focus concerns “DNA quantitation principles
(e.g., real-time PCR, target-specific assays, measuring human vs. male DNA)”, not the activity
being assigned.
2
,QUESTIONS
Question 3
Assign the first, second, and third focus areas to “Local, State (SDIS), and
National (NDIS) DNA Index System structures”; “Interpretation of single-source
profiles, major/minor contributors, and complex DNA mixtures”; and
“Identification and presumptive testing of biological fluids”, respectively.
Which sequence is correct?
A. CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and Database Operations → Forensic Biology and
Serology Screening → Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis
B. CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and Database Operations → Data Interpretation and
Statistical Analysis → Forensic Biology and Serology Screening
C. Forensic Biology and Serology Screening → Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis →
CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and Database Operations
D. Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis → CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and
Database Operations → Forensic Biology and Serology Screening
Correct Answer: B
Full Explanation: CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and Database Operations: Local, State
(SDIS), and National (NDIS) DNA Index System structures. Data Interpretation and Statistical
Analysis: Interpretation of single-source profiles, major/minor contributors, and complex DNA
mixtures. Forensic Biology and Serology Screening: Identification and presumptive testing of
biological fluids. A: Positions 2, 3 do not preserve the corresponding task-to-focus relationships. C:
Positions 1, 3 do not preserve the corresponding task-to-focus relationships. D: Positions 1, 2 do
not preserve the corresponding task-to-focus relationships.
Question 4
For “Troubleshooting artifacts”, which technical concern is most directly
relevant?
A. real-time PCR, target-specific assays, measuring human vs. male DNA
B. Submitting and processing guidelines for different crime categories (Violent Crimes, Sexual
Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace DNA)
C. pull-up, stutters, spikes, baseline noise, and air bubbles
D. Presentation of scientific findings, statistical weights, and technical reports to juries and
courts
Correct Answer: C
Full Explanation: Troubleshooting artifacts: pull-up, stutters, spikes, baseline noise, and air
bubbles. A: This describes “DNA quantitation principles”, rather than the requested focus. B: This
describes “Facebook”, rather than the requested focus. D: This describes “Courtroom Testimony,
Ethics, and Legal Standards”, rather than the requested focus.
3
, QUESTIONS
Question 5
Which entry helps keep “DNA Extraction and Quantitation Methods” distinct
from “Facebook”?
A. ABI instruments
B. Local, State (SDIS), and National (NDIS) DNA Index System structures
C. Submitting and processing guidelines for different crime categories (Violent Crimes, Sexual
Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace DNA)
D. Cell lysis, chemical extraction techniques, and organic/inorganic isolation methods
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: DNA Extraction and Quantitation Methods: Cell lysis, chemical extraction
techniques, and organic/inorganic isolation methods. Facebook: Submitting and processing
guidelines for different crime categories (Violent Crimes, Sexual Assaults, Property Crimes, and
Trace DNA). A: This describes “Principles of capillary electrophoresis (CE) via genetic analyzers”,
rather than the requested focus. B: This describes “CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and
Database Operations”, rather than the requested focus. C: This describes “Facebook”, rather than
the requested focus.
Question 6
A note places “Violent Crimes, Sexual Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace
DNA” under “Saliva identification”. Which replacement restores the focus on
“Saliva identification”?
A. alpha-amylase tests
B. Cell lysis, chemical extraction techniques, and organic/inorganic isolation methods
C. ABI instruments
D. Violent Crimes, Sexual Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace DNA
Correct Answer: A
Full Explanation: Saliva identification: alpha-amylase tests. Submitting and processing guidelines
for different crime categories: Violent Crimes, Sexual Assaults, Property Crimes, and Trace DNA. B:
This describes “DNA Extraction and Quantitation Methods”, rather than the requested focus. C:
This describes “Principles of capillary electrophoresis (CE) via genetic analyzers”, rather than the
requested focus. D: This describes “Submitting and processing guidelines for different crime
categories”, rather than the requested focus.
4
