Page 1 of 137
IICRC TCST (Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Technician)
Exam COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
IICRC TCST (Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Technician) Exam,
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE (Point Form – High Relevance for Actual Exam)
• Safety & PPE (OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030): Universal
precautions, PPE selection (Level A/B/C/D, or task-specific: Tyvek, nitrile gloves, face shields,
respirators), proper doffing, exposure control plan.
• Biohazard Disposal: Regulated medical waste (RMW), sharps disposal, transport and
documentation (DOT 49 CFR Part 173), incineration vs. autoclave.
• Cleaning Procedures: Categorization (visible soil, body fluids, tissue removal), surfactant
chemistry, enzyme cleaners, disinfection (EPA-registered disinfectants labeled for bloodborne
pathogens – List K or similar), odor control (vapor barriers, chlorine dioxide, hydroxyls).
• Scene Assessment & Demarcation: Identifying biological hazards, establishing containment
zones (hot/warm/cold zones), HVAC management.
• Chemical Safety: Mixing disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium
compounds, hydrogen peroxide), dwell time, incompatibility.
• Special Surfaces: Porous vs. non-porous; blood saturation in drywall, wood subfloors, concrete;
removal vs. encapsulation.
• Psychosocial Aspects: Trauma-informed care, interacting with family members, post-traumatic
stress for technicians.
• Documentation & Chain of Custody: Photographic evidence, work logs, waste manifests, legal
holds.
• IICRC Code of Ethics: Professional conduct, privacy, confidentiality.
• Regulations: OSHA (Bloodborne Pathogens, HAZWOPER if hazardous chemicals), EPA, DOT,
state/local medical waste laws.
1. A technician arrives at a scene where a deceased person was found 5 days post-mortem. The first
action before entering is:
A) Start cleaning the visible blood stains
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B) Don appropriate PPE based on the scene assessment
C) Open all windows for ventilation
D) Remove porous materials immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Personal safety is the priority; the technician must assess hazards and don required PPE
before entering.
2. Which of the following is considered regulated medical waste that must be disposed of in a red
biohazard bag?
A) Blood-soaked carpet padding
B) Clean paper towels used for drying a disinfected surface
C) An empty bleach bottle
D) A latex glove with no visible blood
Answer: A
Rationale: Items saturated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) are regulated
medical waste.
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3. A technician is cleaning blood from a concrete floor. After removing visible soil, what is the next step?
A) Apply a disinfectant and allow appropriate dwell time
B) Sand the concrete to remove stains
C) Seal the concrete with epoxy
D) Apply bleach and immediately wipe dry
Answer: A
Rationale: After gross soil removal, disinfection with an EPA-registered disinfectant with bloodborne
pathogen claims and proper dwell time is required.
4. A crime scene cleanup technician is offered a beer by a grieving family member. The technician
should:
A) Accept the beer to build rapport
B) Politely decline and explain professional boundaries
C) Take the beer but drink it after the job
D) Report the family to the police
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Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining professionalism and avoiding impairment or perception of impropriety is
essential.
5. When cleaning up a scene involving a suicide by firearm, what is the most common hazard besides
bloodborne pathogens?
A) Lead residue from bullet fragments and gunshot residue
B) Explosive gases
C) Asbestos
D) Carbon monoxide
Answer: A
Rationale: Gunshot residue and lead from bullets require additional cleanup and air monitoring.
6. A technician cuts their hand on a broken glass contaminated with blood. What is the immediate
protocol?
A) Wash the wound with warm water and soap, then report to supervisor and seek medical evaluation
B) Ignore it and continue working
IICRC TCST (Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Technician)
Exam COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR-JUST RELEASED
IICRC TCST (Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Technician) Exam,
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE (Point Form – High Relevance for Actual Exam)
• Safety & PPE (OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030): Universal
precautions, PPE selection (Level A/B/C/D, or task-specific: Tyvek, nitrile gloves, face shields,
respirators), proper doffing, exposure control plan.
• Biohazard Disposal: Regulated medical waste (RMW), sharps disposal, transport and
documentation (DOT 49 CFR Part 173), incineration vs. autoclave.
• Cleaning Procedures: Categorization (visible soil, body fluids, tissue removal), surfactant
chemistry, enzyme cleaners, disinfection (EPA-registered disinfectants labeled for bloodborne
pathogens – List K or similar), odor control (vapor barriers, chlorine dioxide, hydroxyls).
• Scene Assessment & Demarcation: Identifying biological hazards, establishing containment
zones (hot/warm/cold zones), HVAC management.
• Chemical Safety: Mixing disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium
compounds, hydrogen peroxide), dwell time, incompatibility.
• Special Surfaces: Porous vs. non-porous; blood saturation in drywall, wood subfloors, concrete;
removal vs. encapsulation.
• Psychosocial Aspects: Trauma-informed care, interacting with family members, post-traumatic
stress for technicians.
• Documentation & Chain of Custody: Photographic evidence, work logs, waste manifests, legal
holds.
• IICRC Code of Ethics: Professional conduct, privacy, confidentiality.
• Regulations: OSHA (Bloodborne Pathogens, HAZWOPER if hazardous chemicals), EPA, DOT,
state/local medical waste laws.
1. A technician arrives at a scene where a deceased person was found 5 days post-mortem. The first
action before entering is:
A) Start cleaning the visible blood stains
, Page 2 of 137
B) Don appropriate PPE based on the scene assessment
C) Open all windows for ventilation
D) Remove porous materials immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Personal safety is the priority; the technician must assess hazards and don required PPE
before entering.
2. Which of the following is considered regulated medical waste that must be disposed of in a red
biohazard bag?
A) Blood-soaked carpet padding
B) Clean paper towels used for drying a disinfected surface
C) An empty bleach bottle
D) A latex glove with no visible blood
Answer: A
Rationale: Items saturated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) are regulated
medical waste.
, Page 3 of 137
3. A technician is cleaning blood from a concrete floor. After removing visible soil, what is the next step?
A) Apply a disinfectant and allow appropriate dwell time
B) Sand the concrete to remove stains
C) Seal the concrete with epoxy
D) Apply bleach and immediately wipe dry
Answer: A
Rationale: After gross soil removal, disinfection with an EPA-registered disinfectant with bloodborne
pathogen claims and proper dwell time is required.
4. A crime scene cleanup technician is offered a beer by a grieving family member. The technician
should:
A) Accept the beer to build rapport
B) Politely decline and explain professional boundaries
C) Take the beer but drink it after the job
D) Report the family to the police
, Page 4 of 137
Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining professionalism and avoiding impairment or perception of impropriety is
essential.
5. When cleaning up a scene involving a suicide by firearm, what is the most common hazard besides
bloodborne pathogens?
A) Lead residue from bullet fragments and gunshot residue
B) Explosive gases
C) Asbestos
D) Carbon monoxide
Answer: A
Rationale: Gunshot residue and lead from bullets require additional cleanup and air monitoring.
6. A technician cuts their hand on a broken glass contaminated with blood. What is the immediate
protocol?
A) Wash the wound with warm water and soap, then report to supervisor and seek medical evaluation
B) Ignore it and continue working
