Missouri Forensic Science Technician
Examination Practice Test Questions With
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of maintaining the chain of custody in
forensic evidence handling?
A. To increase laboratory efficiency
B. To ensure evidence is visually documented
C. To preserve the integrity and admissibility of evidence
D. To reduce the need for witness testimony
Answer: C
Rationale: The chain of custody documents every individual who
handled the evidence from collection to courtroom presentation. This
ensures the evidence has not been altered, substituted, or
contaminated, preserving its legal admissibility.
2. Which type of fingerprint pattern is characterized by ridges entering
from one side and exiting the other without forming a loop or whorl?
,A. Loop
B. Whorl
C. Arch
D. Composite
Answer: C
Rationale: Arches are the simplest fingerprint pattern, where ridges flow
from one side to the other without looping back or forming circular
patterns.
3. What is the most commonly used presumptive test for blood at a
crime scene?
A. Gas chromatography
B. Kastle-Meyer test
C. Polymerase chain reaction
D. Mass spectrometry
Answer: B
Rationale: The Kastle-Meyer test uses phenolphthalein to detect the
presence of hemoglobin, producing a pink color if blood is likely present.
4. Which form of evidence is considered class evidence?
A. A fingerprint
,B. A DNA profile
C. A blood type
D. A bullet matching a specific firearm
Answer: C
Rationale: Class evidence narrows items to a group (e.g., blood type),
but does not uniquely identify a single source.
5. Locard’s Exchange Principle states that:
A. Only biological evidence transfers at a crime scene
B. Evidence degrades over time
C. Every contact leaves a trace
D. Only suspects leave evidence
Answer: C
Rationale: Locard’s Principle asserts that whenever two objects come
into contact, material is exchanged between them.
6. What is the first step in processing a crime scene?
A. Evidence collection
B. Scene sketching
C. Securing and isolating the scene
D. Interviewing witnesses
, Answer: C
Rationale: Securing the scene prevents contamination, loss, or alteration
of evidence.
7. Which tool is most commonly used to measure blood spatter
directionality?
A. Protractor
B. Micrometer
C. Spectrometer
D. Calorimeter
Answer: A
Rationale: A protractor is used to measure angles of impact to
determine blood droplet direction.
8. What does PCR stand for in forensic DNA analysis?
A. Primary Chromosome Reaction
B. Polymerase Chain Reaction
C. Protein Coding Region
D. Partial Chromatic Resonance
Answer: B
Examination Practice Test Questions With
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of maintaining the chain of custody in
forensic evidence handling?
A. To increase laboratory efficiency
B. To ensure evidence is visually documented
C. To preserve the integrity and admissibility of evidence
D. To reduce the need for witness testimony
Answer: C
Rationale: The chain of custody documents every individual who
handled the evidence from collection to courtroom presentation. This
ensures the evidence has not been altered, substituted, or
contaminated, preserving its legal admissibility.
2. Which type of fingerprint pattern is characterized by ridges entering
from one side and exiting the other without forming a loop or whorl?
,A. Loop
B. Whorl
C. Arch
D. Composite
Answer: C
Rationale: Arches are the simplest fingerprint pattern, where ridges flow
from one side to the other without looping back or forming circular
patterns.
3. What is the most commonly used presumptive test for blood at a
crime scene?
A. Gas chromatography
B. Kastle-Meyer test
C. Polymerase chain reaction
D. Mass spectrometry
Answer: B
Rationale: The Kastle-Meyer test uses phenolphthalein to detect the
presence of hemoglobin, producing a pink color if blood is likely present.
4. Which form of evidence is considered class evidence?
A. A fingerprint
,B. A DNA profile
C. A blood type
D. A bullet matching a specific firearm
Answer: C
Rationale: Class evidence narrows items to a group (e.g., blood type),
but does not uniquely identify a single source.
5. Locard’s Exchange Principle states that:
A. Only biological evidence transfers at a crime scene
B. Evidence degrades over time
C. Every contact leaves a trace
D. Only suspects leave evidence
Answer: C
Rationale: Locard’s Principle asserts that whenever two objects come
into contact, material is exchanged between them.
6. What is the first step in processing a crime scene?
A. Evidence collection
B. Scene sketching
C. Securing and isolating the scene
D. Interviewing witnesses
, Answer: C
Rationale: Securing the scene prevents contamination, loss, or alteration
of evidence.
7. Which tool is most commonly used to measure blood spatter
directionality?
A. Protractor
B. Micrometer
C. Spectrometer
D. Calorimeter
Answer: A
Rationale: A protractor is used to measure angles of impact to
determine blood droplet direction.
8. What does PCR stand for in forensic DNA analysis?
A. Primary Chromosome Reaction
B. Polymerase Chain Reaction
C. Protein Coding Region
D. Partial Chromatic Resonance
Answer: B
