IAI Test
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JJ
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:12 pm
- Location: California
IAI Test
I'll be taking the IAI test for the first time in mid May. I've been reading your postings and now I'm really worried. I'm slow at latents and need to inprove my speed. My first question is how much time is alotted for the latent portion of the IAI test? Second question, does anyone have any ideas on making a practice test to prepare for the test. I just wanted to say thanks in advance for this great message board. It's very helpful
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Bill
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2005 10:54 pm
- Location: Manassas, VA
IAI Certification Test
JJ:
I don't know how long you have been in fingerprint work, what type of training you have received, or how intense this training may have been.
First, You said you have been reading the postings. I would scroll down this chat board and look at the comments posted on this topic a few weeks ago by Pat Wertheim, Glenn, and others--again. They posted some very useful advise.
Second, I would try to get as many intense comparison courses I could find. Ron Smith & Associates is a good place to start. Glen also teaches a course from time to time that will push you to the edge of your comfort zone. Take Ron's palm print course as there are palm print comparisons on the exam. Some IAI training sessions have abbreviated comparison courses. Some state and regional divisions of the IAI also have classes. I know that Chesapeake Bay and Florida Divisions both have had classes to assist examiners in their comparison & identification skills. Build a good solid understanding of ridge flow, formation, structure, levels of detail, and occasional features.
Third, I would work closely with a very experienced and patient mentor, if that is possible. A good mentor is worth his/her weight in gold. A good mentor will push you, test you, and give you constructive criticism without attacking your character.
Fourth, if your know someone who works in a lab that requres periodic proficiency tests, perhaps they could administer some old tests to you for practice. I think this is ethical/legal. Someone may wish to jump in and correct me if I am wrong on this.
If you have any hangups about taking it, then don't take it until your confidence level is where it ought to be, but don't be over confident either. It would be a waste of time and money to jump in without being adequately prepared, both in professional skills and psychological skills. Keep in mind, all the prints are identifiable.
Hope this helps.
Bill
I don't know how long you have been in fingerprint work, what type of training you have received, or how intense this training may have been.
First, You said you have been reading the postings. I would scroll down this chat board and look at the comments posted on this topic a few weeks ago by Pat Wertheim, Glenn, and others--again. They posted some very useful advise.
Second, I would try to get as many intense comparison courses I could find. Ron Smith & Associates is a good place to start. Glen also teaches a course from time to time that will push you to the edge of your comfort zone. Take Ron's palm print course as there are palm print comparisons on the exam. Some IAI training sessions have abbreviated comparison courses. Some state and regional divisions of the IAI also have classes. I know that Chesapeake Bay and Florida Divisions both have had classes to assist examiners in their comparison & identification skills. Build a good solid understanding of ridge flow, formation, structure, levels of detail, and occasional features.
Third, I would work closely with a very experienced and patient mentor, if that is possible. A good mentor is worth his/her weight in gold. A good mentor will push you, test you, and give you constructive criticism without attacking your character.
Fourth, if your know someone who works in a lab that requres periodic proficiency tests, perhaps they could administer some old tests to you for practice. I think this is ethical/legal. Someone may wish to jump in and correct me if I am wrong on this.
If you have any hangups about taking it, then don't take it until your confidence level is where it ought to be, but don't be over confident either. It would be a waste of time and money to jump in without being adequately prepared, both in professional skills and psychological skills. Keep in mind, all the prints are identifiable.
Hope this helps.
Bill