Latent Print Examiner Training

If you are interested in becoming a Latent Print Examiner, education will be key to your success. If you’re still in high school, complete your diploma and continue your education to gain the necessary training for the Latent Print Examiner career. If you already have some college education you may be able to apply those credits toward a degree.

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Most departments require that you have a degree as a prerequisite for employment. Commonly held degree’s are criminalistics, crime scene investigation, law enforcement, forensics or criminal justice. Take as much science courses in college, and aim to have at least a passing grade (2.0) in two of the science courses. The standards and education requirements to become a latent fingertip examiner will vary from state to state, and by employer. You should contact your local law enforcement agency to confirm which degree they suggest.

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Latent Print Examiner Certification

The International Association for Identification (IAI) offers training and conferences to widen your knowledge in fingerprint identification and other crime investigation skills. Membership to the association is divided into two types; active membership, which is for practicing professionals in the field of forensic science, and associate membership for non-practicing individuals such as students, vendors, etc.

If you want to gain mastery as a print examiner, you may take the Latent Print Certification from IAI. The certification is something you take when you are already a practicing crime scene investigator, and not as something to land you the job. You are qualified to take the certification exam if you have two years of experience in the comparison and identification of latent prints. For individuals who are not working full-time, your hours of services rendered as in forensic fingerprinting job must meet the requirements of the board. Finger Print Examiners should be familiar with ACE-V, or Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification), along with a wide range of other on the job experience.