CHHS Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate Practice Exam

Browse all practice questions for the CHHS Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate Practice Exam. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

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Ace the CHHS Crime Scene Investigator Challenge 2026 – Unleash Your Inner CSI Detective! course image
Be Mindful of Broken Glass When Searching for PrintsWhen looking at a window for prints, what should you be cautious about?Crime scene sketches capture layout, orientation, and spatial relationships to help investigationsWhat type of details are documented in crime scene sketches?Discovering the Mysteries of Mitochondrial DNA InheritanceWhat is mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) inherited from?Environmental Factors Can Pose Big Challenges for Crime Scene InvestigatorsName a common challenge faced during the collection of evidence.Lack of Evidence in Crime Investigations: What Does It Indicate?What can a lack of evidence during an investigation indicate?Mastering the Essentials of Biological Evidence in Crime Scene InvestigationsWhich situation represents the need for biological evidence collection?Understanding Ballistics in Crime Scene InvestigationsWhat is ballistics concerned with in crime scene investigations?Understanding Biological Evidence Beyond DNATrue or False: Biological evidence only includes items with recoverable DNA.Understanding the Different Types of Evidence in Crime Scene InvestigationsWhich are the three main types of evidence collected in crime scene investigations?Understanding the Different Types of Fingerprints in Crime Scene InvestigationWhat type of print is created when a fingerprint is deposited in a material like wax or soap?Understanding the Flexible Nature of Crime Scene ProcessingTrue or False: The sequence of processing a scene is always the same regardless of circumstances.Understanding the Importance of Controls When Testing EvidenceWhat is the significance of having a control when testing evidence?Understanding the Importance of Establishing a Chain of CustodyWhat is a critical process to follow when handling evidence to maintain admissibility in court?Understanding the Importance of Timely Preservation for DNA EvidenceWhich aspect of a crime scene is crucial for collecting DNA evidence?Understanding the Key Responsibilities of a Crime Scene InvestigatorWhat is an essential part of the crime scene investigator's responsibilities?Understanding the Limitations of mt-DNA Analysis in ForensicsWhat is a significant limitation of mt-DNA analysis?Understanding the Role of Evidence Tags in Forensic InvestigationsWhen maintaining chain of custody, what is true about evidence tags?Understanding the Role of F-stop in PhotographyWhat does the F-stop control in photography?Understanding the Role of Forensic Pathologists in Crime Scene InvestigationsWhat is a common method used in forensic pathologists' investigations?Understanding the Role of Genomic DNA in InheritanceWhat does genomic/nuclear DNA represent?Understanding the Role of Physical Evidence in Corroborating Victim AccountsWhat type of evidence can help to corroborate or dispute a victim's account?Understanding What Information Is Unacceptable in Crime Scene ReportsWhat type of information is considered unacceptable in a crime scene report?Understanding Why Eyewitness Accounts Are Less Reliable Than Physical EvidenceWhy is an eyewitness account considered less reliable compared to physical evidence?What Does a Purple Result Mean in Amylase Tests?Which color result indicates a positive reaction for amylase in a presumptive test?What Surfaces Are Key for DNA Evidence in a Burglary Investigation?Which item is NOT usually swabbed for DNA evidence in a burglary?Why Photographing a Crime Scene Is Essential for InvestigatorsWhy is it important to photograph a crime scene?
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  • Which step is NOT part of the DNA obtaining process?
  • What does STR stand for in DNA analysis?
  • What is the basic principle of crime scene investigation according to Edmond Locard?
  • What does reconstructing events of a crime involve?
  • Finding gunshot residue (GSR) suggests what about an individual?
  • What is considered to be the primary goal of a crime scene investigation?
  • What change occurs in the color of acidic phosphatase during a presumptive test?
  • How many measurements are typically taken to establish Triangulation coordinates?
  • What is the function of a crime scene investigator?
  • What can the orientation of finger pads in the womb influence?
  • Should evidence markers be placed before taking an overall photo of a crime scene?
  • Which of the following is NOT considered a good source of DNA?
  • Who was Alphonse Bertillon?
  • Which of the following is NOT one of the four main types of search techniques for detecting blood?
  • What is a common sign that a burglary has taken place?
  • What should you do after completing the initial walkthrough at a crime scene?
  • Name a type of evidence that can be categorized as class evidence.
  • To effectively photograph a shoeprint, which technique should be used?
  • What is the role of the medical examiner in a crime scene investigation?
  • Who is known for publishing the first book on fingerprints discussing their individuality?
  • Why should plastic not be used for evidence packaging?
  • What type of analysis does forensic serology focus on?
  • What benefit does using alternative light provide during crime scene investigation?
  • Which type of evidence would typically require scientific interpretation?
  • LMG is an abbreviation for what type of test?
  • What are the three types of evidence commonly found at a crime scene?
  • Which technique is commonly used to lift fingerprints from surfaces?
  • What substance does amylase, used in presumptive testing, react with?
  • What should an arrow indicate when drawing a fingerprint?
  • How is a latent fingerprint left at a scene or on an object?
  • What is CODIS primarily used for?
  • What is the primary role of a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)?
  • Which method is used to chemically develop latent fingerprints?
  • What role does the ability to delete images after capturing them play in digital photography?
  • What is the most common type of crime scene sketch?
  • Why is understanding the circumstances of a crime crucial for an investigator?
  • How do class characteristics differ from random characteristics in physical evidence?
  • Where is nuclear DNA primarily found in the body?
  • What is a common method used to collect soil samples at a crime scene?
  • Which of the following best describes the importance of securing a crime scene?
  • In which narrative tense should field reports be written?
  • What is the purpose of creating a crime scene sketch?
  • What is a primary goal of forensic analysis in criminal investigations?
  • Physical evidence can help answer which of the following questions?
  • What might be a consequence of failing to take accurate notes during an investigation?
  • What can cause the "falloff effect" when using electronic flash?
  • In what type of setting is urine most commonly found at a crime scene?
  • What is the term used to describe the influence of TV dramatizations of forensic science on jurors' opinions?
  • Why is scene preservation crucial in crime investigations?
  • What should be included in notes when analyzing blood evidence?
  • Which of the following is NOT considered documentary evidence?
  • What is a significant downside of using Hematrace as a blood test?
  • What is the significance of establishing a timeline in a crime investigation?
  • What does the term "motive" refer to in a crime investigation?
  • What is one example of a medium where plastic prints might be found?
  • What is the ultimate goal of conducting crime scene investigations?
  • Do all latent print development techniques destroy potential biological evidence?
  • What is a common technique for documenting a crime scene layout?
  • What is the primary focus during the intermediate photos of a victim or suspect?
  • True or False: There are definitive tests for vaginal fluid in forensic science.
  • Which of the following surfaces is cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) primarily used on for fingerprint development?
  • Why might a CSI use alternate light sources?
  • What does Luminol specifically react with in a blood sample?
  • What is one of the main benefits of digital photography?
  • Why is packaging of evidence crucial in investigations?
  • Which of the following best describes the duties performed by forensic specialists at a crime scene?
  • What role does physical evidence play in helping authorities understand the crime?
  • What distinguishes a Forensic Specialist from a Forensic Scientist?
  • What information must be included on a packaged item of evidence?
  • When processing a burglarized residence, which point of entry is NOT usually considered?
  • Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a Crime Scene Investigator?
  • What does the chain of custody in evidence handling ensure?
  • Which type of fingerprint is created as a 3-D impression?
  • What type of light source is considered effective for investigating sexual assault cases?
  • What is defined as a debate of formal argumentation applied to law enforcement concepts?
  • Which best describes the collection of physical evidence at a crime scene?
  • What is the first step a CSI should take upon arriving at a crime scene?
  • What should evidence photographs ideally include?
  • What equipment is essential for photographing a scene at night or in low light conditions?
  • When lifting prints, is it necessary to collect prints that may belong to a victim?
  • Why is it important to note what is not present at a crime scene?
  • What type of cases are noted to have the highest percentage of DNA evidence?
  • Which of the following is a characteristic of physical evidence?
  • Is it always necessary to use a ruler when photographing fingerprints?
  • Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider in your plan of action when processing a crime scene?
  • What is the focus of a Crime Scene Investigator during their assessment of a scene?
  • What characteristic makes fingerprints unique to individuals?
  • What type of evidence is likely to be documented through photography and recordings?
  • How many prints can Livescan collect in total?
  • Why could vomit be significant at a crime scene?
  • What type of evidence can degrade if not carefully packaged?
  • What is the purpose of a grid search pattern at a crime scene?
  • What is blood spatter analysis primarily used for?
  • What encompasses the application of science to law enforcement investigations or legal matters?
  • Can we determine the height from which a blood drop fell?
  • What must be done before evidence collection can begin at a crime scene?
  • Which surfaces are generally best for developing prints with powder?
  • What role do witnesses play in crime investigations?
  • Which of the following statements is true regarding evidence packaging?
  • What purpose do control samples serve in forensic analysis?
  • What is the primary purpose of quantitation in the DNA process?
  • What are the two primary methods for detecting evidence at a crime scene?
  • What is the purpose of a digital forensics investigation?
  • What is the primary definition of physical evidence in a crime scene investigation?
  • How can fibers be significant in a criminal investigation?
  • In documentation photography, why is including a ruler important?
  • What is the first rule to follow when documenting a crime scene?
  • Which test is typically used to determine if blood is human or animal?
  • What are the purposes of physical evidence in investigations?
  • Which of the following is essential for avoiding blurry photos during long exposures?
  • What is the primary responsibility of first responders at a crime scene?
  • What does crime scene investigation primarily involve?
  • How does Amido black reveal blood at a crime scene?
  • Which search pattern is most often used for indoor crime scenes?
  • Which of the following is NOT a duty of a crime scene investigator?
  • What distinguishes a latent print from a patent print?
  • Why is it necessary to assess safety before collecting evidence?
  • What is the primary purpose of collecting evidence at a crime scene?
  • In addition to the F-stop, what does aperture influence in photography?
  • What is the primary goal of forensic science in crime investigation?
  • What are the two primary types of autopsies?
  • What is the first step in taking documentation photos of a victim or suspect?
  • How can electronic flash contribute to the quality of crime scene photographs?
  • What does the term "evidence re-evaluation" refer to?
  • Which of the following is an example of physical evidence in crime scene investigations?
  • What is the relationship between the thoroughness of evidence collection and the investigation's outcome?
  • What are Rectangular Coordinates?
  • What kind of observations should an investigator make at a crime scene?
  • What does the term "forensic psychology" encompass?
  • What type of coordinate is most effective for "fixing" items of evidence at a crime scene?
  • What constitutes biological evidence?
  • How quickly can ultraviolet light potentially destroy DNA evidence?
  • Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting the recovery of latent fingerprint evidence?
  • If you notice only a small portion of a print when lifting, what should you do?
  • What is often used to determine the location of evidence in a crime scene sketch?
  • What does PCR stand for in a forensic context?
  • What type of evidence is categorized as biological evidence?
  • How does DNA structure remain through a person’s life?
  • Is it necessary for each item of evidence to have its own individual evidence tag?
  • When using PCR technology in forensics, what is the final result that is generated?
  • Which type of evidence can be categorized as trace evidence?
  • What phrase is often used to refer to individuals suspected of a crime?
  • What are the five basic steps of a crime scene investigation?
  • Which aspect of photographic composition does the F-stop NOT control?
  • What is the main purpose of DNA analysis in forensic science?
  • In terms of evidence storage, why is refrigeration necessary?
  • When is the use of mt-DNA particularly beneficial?
  • Which of the following is NOT a good source of DNA evidence?
  • Which of the following is a disadvantage of using electronic flash?
  • Why is thorough note-taking considered crucial in investigations?
  • What is the primary concern when someone touches a surface without gloves regarding fingerprints?
  • What type of evidence is particularly important in proving intent in crimes?
  • What is the main color change observed in the LMG test when blood is present?
  • What is true about friction ridges?
  • What is a characteristic of fingerprint residue?
  • In property crimes, why might blood be found at the scene?
  • What substance is Amido black used for detecting?
  • Which of the following is a common source of physical evidence?
  • Which statement regarding chemical analysis of evidence is accurate?
  • What is an important consideration when dealing with evidence in sexual assault cases?
  • Which purpose of crime scene photography involves the use of visual aids for juries?
  • Which of the following techniques is helpful when documenting crime scenes?
  • What does the shutter speed primarily control?
  • What does AFIS stand for in forensic science?
  • What is the function of a swab in evidence collection?
  • What is one use of bite marks in forensic investigation?
  • When is it necessary to create a sketch at a crime scene?
  • What does forensic anthropology typically involve?
  • What is the main purpose of conducting fingerprint comparisons?
  • What is the implication of immediate image review in digital photography?
  • What do Triangulation coordinates consist of?
  • What are the three main types of crime scene search patterns?
  • Which question best explains the presence of latent prints at a crime scene?
  • Which of these options is a purpose of crime scene photography?
  • Why is respecting the integrity of crime scene evidence crucial?
  • In crime scene investigations, what is crucial for effectively identifying evidence?
  • What are good sources of DNA for analysis?
  • What is considered the most common type of biological evidence?
  • What type of evidence includes information found in digital forms?
  • Which factors should an investigator consider when documenting the weather at a crime scene?
  • Which factor is often examined during a blood spatter analysis?
  • What is a significant advantage of using electronic flash in photography?
  • What type of DNA is found in all nucleated cells of the body?
  • What does forensic entomology study?
  • When should you document the scene before beginning evidence processing?
  • Which type of fingerprint does not require any processing to make it visible?
  • Which technique is used to analyze gunshot residue?
  • What is the primary use of luminol in crime scene investigations?
  • What is the significance of a preliminary investigation?
  • What is the purpose of a crime scene sketch?
  • What percentage of fingerprint residue is typically made up of fats and oils?
  • What is the main purpose of a scene examination checklist?
  • Which type of fingerprint is often associated with being visible without the need for processing?
  • What are the three primary types of sketches used in crime scene investigations?
  • Which technique is used to show the path of a bullet in a crime scene?
  • What is the purpose of taking preliminary overall photos at a crime scene?
  • What system did Sir Edward Henry develop for classifying fingerprints?
  • Which factor can affect the estimation of time of death?
  • How does contamination affect evidence collection?
  • Why is saliva significant in examining bite marks?
  • In what scenarios would mt-DNA be most useful?
  • What is the immediate concern regarding evidence at a crime scene?
  • What should be done with evidence that may be contaminated by biological material?
  • How can digital evidence be compromised at a crime scene?
  • Why is it important to not manipulate images of fingerprints digitally after capturing them?
  • In ancient China, what was the primary use of fingerprints before their current identification purposes?
  • How is evidence typically processed at a crime scene?
  • What is the primary role of a forensic pathologist in criminal investigations?
  • Which evidence can help locate blood stains during an investigation?
  • What is the role of a forensic odontologist?
  • What does the term "ambient light" refer to in photography?
  • What term is often used to refer to evidence in the context of its role?
  • Why is biological fluid analysis significant in forensic serology?
  • What type of evidence includes verbal or written statements from those involved in a crime?
  • What type of lighting is best for searching prints?
  • What is a common type of electronic device that may yield forensic evidence?
  • True or False: It is statistically unlikely that an individual rolls their fingerprint across a surface when touching it.
  • Why is maintaining a crime scene log important?
  • On which types of surfaces is magnetic powder the most effective?
  • In what way can evidence be subjective despite being considered objective?
  • What is the primary purpose of crime scene tape?
  • What was highlighted as an ineffectiveness of Bertillon measurements?
  • What are volar pads responsible for in fingerprint formation?
  • When someone touches a surface without gloves, do they always leave fingerprints behind?
  • What is one of the first actions a CSI should take to secure a crime scene?
  • What does the "linkage triangle" in an investigation depict?
  • Which of the following is NOT an advantage of DNA testing?
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