IAI SP4 study guide
IAI SP4 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The IAI SP4 is one of the specialty certification exams offered by the International Association for Identification, aimed at practitioners who work crime scenes and want independent, third-party recognition of their competence beyond an entry-level certification. Candidates typically come from law enforcement agencies, medical examiner and coroner offices, and forensic laboratories, and often already hold a basic crime scene certification before pursuing SP4. The IAI SP4 study guide has 7 sections and about 2,140 words.
01Crime Scene Investigation and Documentation
This domain tests how you manage a scene from first response through release: securing boundaries, keeping a scene log, conducting a systematic survey, and producing notes, photographs, and sketches that let another examiner reconstruct the scene without visiting it. First responder priorities in order: officer safety, medical aid, scene security, witness identification, then notification.
353 words, about 2 min02Forensic Photography and Imaging
This domain tests whether you can produce accurate, reproducible images of a scene and evidence: exposure control, lighting, scale placement, perspective, and documentation of every capture and enhancement. Exposure triangle: aperture controls depth of field, shutter speed controls motion, ISO controls sensitivity and noise.
336 words, about 2 min03Latent Print and Impression Evidence
This domain tests the detection, enhancement, and recovery of latent prints and impressions, and the decision sequence that preserves evidence for comparison. Match the process to the surface.
293 words, about 1 min04Evidence Collection, Packaging, and Chain of Custody
This domain tests whether evidence is collected without alteration, packaged to prevent loss or cross-transfer, and documented so that its identity and integrity are provable in court. Collect each item individually; never commingle evidence from different locations or suspects.
285 words, about 1 min05Biological and Trace Evidence Handling
This domain tests contamination avoidance and recovery of DNA, blood, semen, saliva, hair, fibers, paint, glass, and gunshot residue. Wear gloves, mask, and hairnet; change gloves between items.
275 words, about 1 min06Fingerprint Classification and Comparison Methodology
This domain tests the Henry and NCIC classification systems, pattern interpretation, and the ACE-V comparison method. Three pattern families: arches (plain, tented), loops (ulnar, radial), and whorls (plain, central pocket, double loop, accidental).
299 words, about 1 min07Legal, Ethical, and Quality Assurance Standards
This domain tests the legal framework for collection and admissibility, ethical obligations, and the quality systems that support forensic work. Fourth Amendment: searches require a warrant, consent, exigency, or a recognized exception; record the legal basis before searching.
299 words, about 1 min