Latent Print Recertification

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Recertification

IV. Recertification

1. All applicants for Recertification must accumulate 80 Continuing Education/Professional Development Credits since their initial certification or previous recertification.
   • Continuing Education/Professional Development Credits must be applicable to the Latent Print Discipline, or a relevant subject in Forensic Science.
   • Classes/Seminars/Conferences related to another forensic discipline will not be accepted
2.  Applicants will be required to provide proof of Continuing Education/Professional Development Credits they have listed on their application.
   • The LPCB Secretary or designee will determine if the documentation is sufficient for acceptance of the activities.
   • If there is a question regarding the content of the activities and its relevance to the Latent Print Recertification, the applicant will be required to supply any additional documentation requested for a final determination of its acceptance for Continuing Education Credits.
3.  Applicants for recertification must prove continued competency by means of a comparison test. After approval of the application by the Latent Print Certification Board Secretary/designee, the applicant will be sent the comparison test.
   • The test will consist of known prints for comparison with 10 latent prints.
   • The applicant will have thirty (30) days to complete the test and return it to the Secretary of the LPCB for grading.
   • The applicant will be required to sign the attached documentation affirming they took the test without assistance and have not maintained any copies (photocopies, electronic files, or other duplication methods) of the test or components comprising the test.
   • Failure to return the test within the 30 day requirement will place the applicant's test in an expired status.
   • It is highly recommended the applicant return the test with a reliable shipping vendor with tracking capabilities. Proof of delivery is the responsibility of the applicant if the test is missing or returned beyond the designated time frame.
   • All conclusions must be completed.
   • Correct conclusions of all latent prints must be recorded on the supplied form to pass the test.
   • Any incorrect conclusions of the latent print comparison portion will cause the suspension of their current certification.
     • If the applicant fails due to an erroneous exclusion, they may reapply after six months and will be required to complete an additional recertification test.
     • If the applicant fails due to an erroneous identification, they may reapply after one year and will be required to complete an additional recertification test.
     • If the applicant fails due to two or more erroneous conclusions they may reapply after one year, and will be required to complete an additional recertification test.
     • If the applicant again fails the recertification test on the second attempt, then the applicant may apply for a new certification after one year and be tested pursuant to the current standards at the time of their application.

V. Final Review

1. The Secretary of the Latent Print Certification Board will review the application and all related materials and all testing components, case for review, documentation of prior testimony, and recordings of mock trials. If all components are acceptable, a certificate will be issued to the applicant.
2. The entire Latent Print Certification Board or a representative group of Board members may review the application and all the related material in the event there is a technical or ethical concern about the application or the test results.