Please contact Forensic Assurance to check availability for late-purchase tests.
Standard (Static) Proficiency Test Design: $185
Declared Double-Blind Proficiency Test Design: $225
Description: Different tool actions and substrates will be used in the development of the proficiency test items for each of the proficiency testing cycles. Participants will be tested on their ability to properly produce known tool marks, compare known and unknown tool marks, and/or inter-compare unknown tool marks. New tools and heavily worn tools may be used in the development of proficiency test items, and variations in the class features of the tools and tool marks will test the examiner’s proficiency in eliminating incompatible test items.
2025 Tool Marks Identification Proficiency Test
Purchase Deadline: November 1, 2024
Distribution: Week of April 21, 2025
Answer Submission Deadline: July 21, 2025
2026 Tool Marks Identification Proficiency Test
Purchase Deadline: October 31, 2025
Distribution: Week of April 20, 2026
Answer Submission Deadline: July 20, 2026
Standard (Static) Proficiency Test Design: All forensic practitioners within a laboratory will receive the same test samples with the same expected results. These tests may include some of the same items used in the double-blind version; however, all samples are unique to each testing cycle. Static proficiency tests follow the same purchase deadlines, distribution dates, and answer submission deadlines as their double-blind counterparts.
Declared Double-Blind Proficiency Test Design: Each forensic practitioner will receive a uniquely composed test containing randomly selected known and/or unknown items. The correct answers are specific to each test, preventing participants from gaining information through discussion with others or with test administrators. These blind elements are built into the test design to reduce bias and increase the integrity of results. Please note that Forensic Assurance tests are declared, meaning the participant is aware they are taking a test.
Please contact Forensic Assurance to check availability for late-purchase tests.