Texas Forensic Science Commission
Licensing Exam
(Updated for 2026) Exam Prep Pack | A+ Questions
220+
& Verified Answers
VERIFIED ANSWERS
Question 1
LIMS
Correct Answer
Laboratory Information Management System
Rationale:
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is the correct answer because it refers to a type of software system that is specifically
designed to manage and track laboratory data, samples, and results. This acronym is widely recognized and used in the scientific and
laboratory community to describe such systems.
Question 2
NDIS
Correct Answer
National DNA Index System
Rationale:
The "National DNA Index System" is the correct answer because NDIS is an acronym that refers to a system used by law enforcement agencies
to compare DNA profiles from crime scenes to those in a database. This system allows for the identification and linking of DNA evidence across
different cases, making it a crucial tool in forensic science and investigations.
Question 3
CODIS
Correct Answer
Combined DNA Index System
Rationale:
CODIS is an acronym that refers to the Combined DNA Index System, which is a database used by forensic scientists to compare and match
DNA evidence from crime scenes. This name is correct because CODIS combines DNA profiles from different crime scenes and databases to
create a comprehensive index system for matching and investigating crimes.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 63
,Question 4
AFIS
Correct Answer
Automated Fingerprint Identification System
Rationale:
The acronym "AFIS" is derived from its full form, which is a descriptive phrase that clearly indicates its purpose. This is a common naming
convention in technology, where the acronym is a direct abbreviation of the system's function or name, making it easy to understand and
remember.
Question 5
Non-reported sexual assault
Correct Answer
Evidence is stored for a maximum of five years
Rationale:
The correct answer is based on the assumption that most reported sexual assault cases are filed within five years of the incident, as the longer
time frame increases the difficulty of collecting physical evidence and identifying perpetrators due to witness memory loss and degradation of
evidence. This assumption is a reasonable estimate, considering the typical time frames for victims to report and the challenges in collecting
and preserving evidence in such cases.
Question 6
Destructive Testing
Correct Answer
-non-destructive testing should be carried out first
-Notify the client if destructive testing is done
-Leave enough substance for future testing
Rationale:
This approach prioritizes preserving the integrity of the material or component for future analysis and potential re-use, allowing for
comprehensive understanding of its properties and behavior. By notifying the client and minimizing substance loss, destructive testing is
conducted in a responsible and informative manner, ensuring that all relevant data is obtained and shared effectively.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 63
,Question 7
Data-defensibility
Correct Answer
-a process that provides sufficient assurance, both legal and technical, that assertions made about a sample and its
measurable characteristics can be supported to an acceptable level of certainty
Seven parts:
-Sample chain of custody
-Project setup and preparation
-Measurement methods
-Sample collection methods
-Sample processing and handling methods
-Data recording
-Quality control and assurance procedures
Rationale:
This answer is correct because data-defensibility requires a framework that ensures the reliability and trustworthiness of data, which is
achieved through a systematic approach that includes maintaining the integrity of the sample, selecting suitable measurement methods, and
adhering to quality control procedures to prevent errors and biases.
The seven-part framework outlined in the answer provides a comprehensive structure for data-defensibility by addressing all aspects of the
sampling and measurement process, from sample collection to data recording, thereby providing a robust foundation for making assertions
about the data with a high degree of confidence.
Question 8
Is custody documentation alone sufficient for legal purposes?
Correct Answer
No. Data-defensibility requires more than chain of custody.
Rationale:
Data-defensibility in legal contexts demands not only knowledge of where data originated but also its integrity throughout the entire process.
Custody documentation, which only tracks the transfer of data, is insufficient to guarantee the data's accuracy, authenticity, and reliability,
making it insufficient for legal purposes.
Question 9
How do you prevent bottle closures from loosening in transit?
Correct Answer
Electrical (vinyl) tape can be applied before custody seals are applied.
Rationale:
Applying electrical (vinyl) tape around the neck of the bottle, before installing a custody seal, prevents the seal from being easily tampered
with or loosened by the tape, thereby ensuring the seal remains intact during transit. This approach effectively secures the seal in place while
still allowing it to be easily inspected for any signs of tampering once it's removed.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 63
, Question 10
How do you ship evidence in mail?
Correct Answer
-use padlocks or custody seals on shipping containers
-keys are shipped separately or kept at the lab
-a separate custody record should be kept for both the key and the evidence
Rationale:
This protocol ensures the integrity and security of evidence by preventing unauthorized access and tampering during transportation. By
separating the key from the container and maintaining a custody record of both, it provides an auditable trail and accountability for the
handling of evidence, reducing the risk of contamination or loss.
Question 11
Upon receipt of the sample what should be done?
Correct Answer
Temperature should be recorded, update the chain of custody information, check seals, check pH of samples if there was
a pH adjustment that was done to preserve the samples
Rationale:
This sequence of steps is crucial upon receipt of a sample because it ensures the integrity and reliability of the sample data, which is essential
for accurate scientific analysis and conclusions. By verifying the sample's condition, including its temperature, chain of custody, seals, and pH
(if adjusted), laboratory personnel can confidently proceed with analysis, minimizing potential errors or contamination.
Question 12
LIMS: Similar evidence items
Correct Answer
-can be collected as a group and assigned a single designator
-ex: broken glass in one area; remains of firework paper
Rationale:
LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) categorizes similar evidence items as a group to streamline processing and analysis,
allowing investigators to assign a single designator to each group, which simplifies data management and documentation.
This approach enables investigators to focus on analyzing the combined evidence rather than individual items, which can facilitate a more
comprehensive understanding of the case and improve the accuracy of results.
Question 13
LIMS guidelines
Correct Answer
-Use sequential identifiers for evidence
-Give each scene a separate identification number
Rationale:
Using sequential identifiers for evidence and giving each scene a separate identification number allows for efficient tracking, organization, and
retrieval of laboratory data by enabling unique and chronological identification of samples and results. This approach also minimizes errors and
ensures data integrity by providing a consistent and systematic method of labeling and referencing evidence, which is crucial in laboratory
information management systems (LIMS).
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 4 of 63
Licensing Exam
(Updated for 2026) Exam Prep Pack | A+ Questions
220+
& Verified Answers
VERIFIED ANSWERS
Question 1
LIMS
Correct Answer
Laboratory Information Management System
Rationale:
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is the correct answer because it refers to a type of software system that is specifically
designed to manage and track laboratory data, samples, and results. This acronym is widely recognized and used in the scientific and
laboratory community to describe such systems.
Question 2
NDIS
Correct Answer
National DNA Index System
Rationale:
The "National DNA Index System" is the correct answer because NDIS is an acronym that refers to a system used by law enforcement agencies
to compare DNA profiles from crime scenes to those in a database. This system allows for the identification and linking of DNA evidence across
different cases, making it a crucial tool in forensic science and investigations.
Question 3
CODIS
Correct Answer
Combined DNA Index System
Rationale:
CODIS is an acronym that refers to the Combined DNA Index System, which is a database used by forensic scientists to compare and match
DNA evidence from crime scenes. This name is correct because CODIS combines DNA profiles from different crime scenes and databases to
create a comprehensive index system for matching and investigating crimes.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 63
,Question 4
AFIS
Correct Answer
Automated Fingerprint Identification System
Rationale:
The acronym "AFIS" is derived from its full form, which is a descriptive phrase that clearly indicates its purpose. This is a common naming
convention in technology, where the acronym is a direct abbreviation of the system's function or name, making it easy to understand and
remember.
Question 5
Non-reported sexual assault
Correct Answer
Evidence is stored for a maximum of five years
Rationale:
The correct answer is based on the assumption that most reported sexual assault cases are filed within five years of the incident, as the longer
time frame increases the difficulty of collecting physical evidence and identifying perpetrators due to witness memory loss and degradation of
evidence. This assumption is a reasonable estimate, considering the typical time frames for victims to report and the challenges in collecting
and preserving evidence in such cases.
Question 6
Destructive Testing
Correct Answer
-non-destructive testing should be carried out first
-Notify the client if destructive testing is done
-Leave enough substance for future testing
Rationale:
This approach prioritizes preserving the integrity of the material or component for future analysis and potential re-use, allowing for
comprehensive understanding of its properties and behavior. By notifying the client and minimizing substance loss, destructive testing is
conducted in a responsible and informative manner, ensuring that all relevant data is obtained and shared effectively.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 63
,Question 7
Data-defensibility
Correct Answer
-a process that provides sufficient assurance, both legal and technical, that assertions made about a sample and its
measurable characteristics can be supported to an acceptable level of certainty
Seven parts:
-Sample chain of custody
-Project setup and preparation
-Measurement methods
-Sample collection methods
-Sample processing and handling methods
-Data recording
-Quality control and assurance procedures
Rationale:
This answer is correct because data-defensibility requires a framework that ensures the reliability and trustworthiness of data, which is
achieved through a systematic approach that includes maintaining the integrity of the sample, selecting suitable measurement methods, and
adhering to quality control procedures to prevent errors and biases.
The seven-part framework outlined in the answer provides a comprehensive structure for data-defensibility by addressing all aspects of the
sampling and measurement process, from sample collection to data recording, thereby providing a robust foundation for making assertions
about the data with a high degree of confidence.
Question 8
Is custody documentation alone sufficient for legal purposes?
Correct Answer
No. Data-defensibility requires more than chain of custody.
Rationale:
Data-defensibility in legal contexts demands not only knowledge of where data originated but also its integrity throughout the entire process.
Custody documentation, which only tracks the transfer of data, is insufficient to guarantee the data's accuracy, authenticity, and reliability,
making it insufficient for legal purposes.
Question 9
How do you prevent bottle closures from loosening in transit?
Correct Answer
Electrical (vinyl) tape can be applied before custody seals are applied.
Rationale:
Applying electrical (vinyl) tape around the neck of the bottle, before installing a custody seal, prevents the seal from being easily tampered
with or loosened by the tape, thereby ensuring the seal remains intact during transit. This approach effectively secures the seal in place while
still allowing it to be easily inspected for any signs of tampering once it's removed.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 63
, Question 10
How do you ship evidence in mail?
Correct Answer
-use padlocks or custody seals on shipping containers
-keys are shipped separately or kept at the lab
-a separate custody record should be kept for both the key and the evidence
Rationale:
This protocol ensures the integrity and security of evidence by preventing unauthorized access and tampering during transportation. By
separating the key from the container and maintaining a custody record of both, it provides an auditable trail and accountability for the
handling of evidence, reducing the risk of contamination or loss.
Question 11
Upon receipt of the sample what should be done?
Correct Answer
Temperature should be recorded, update the chain of custody information, check seals, check pH of samples if there was
a pH adjustment that was done to preserve the samples
Rationale:
This sequence of steps is crucial upon receipt of a sample because it ensures the integrity and reliability of the sample data, which is essential
for accurate scientific analysis and conclusions. By verifying the sample's condition, including its temperature, chain of custody, seals, and pH
(if adjusted), laboratory personnel can confidently proceed with analysis, minimizing potential errors or contamination.
Question 12
LIMS: Similar evidence items
Correct Answer
-can be collected as a group and assigned a single designator
-ex: broken glass in one area; remains of firework paper
Rationale:
LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) categorizes similar evidence items as a group to streamline processing and analysis,
allowing investigators to assign a single designator to each group, which simplifies data management and documentation.
This approach enables investigators to focus on analyzing the combined evidence rather than individual items, which can facilitate a more
comprehensive understanding of the case and improve the accuracy of results.
Question 13
LIMS guidelines
Correct Answer
-Use sequential identifiers for evidence
-Give each scene a separate identification number
Rationale:
Using sequential identifiers for evidence and giving each scene a separate identification number allows for efficient tracking, organization, and
retrieval of laboratory data by enabling unique and chronological identification of samples and results. This approach also minimizes errors and
ensures data integrity by providing a consistent and systematic method of labeling and referencing evidence, which is crucial in laboratory
information management systems (LIMS).
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 4 of 63
