Bloodstain Certification Requirements

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Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Certification Requirements

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XV. REQUIREMENTS FOR IAI BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYST CERTIFICATION

A. Technical Training Requirements:

The applicant for certification must have a minimum of 240 hours of instruction in associated fields of study related to bloodstain pattern analysis/interpretation. One hundred (100) of the 240 hours of must be in bloodstain pattern analysis specific training. Additionally, a maximum of 20 of the overall 240 required hours may be from online training courses. University BPA courses are given the number of hours the class meets during the semester and the applicant must submit a copy of the BPA class syllabus/outline. 

In addition to the 100 hours of BPA specific training, the remaining 140 hours of required training may be accrued by completing course work in the following Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Certification Board approved course topics:
  1. The remaining training hours:
    - Crime Scene Investigation
    - Crime Scene/Forensic Photography
    - Evidence Recovery
    - Blood Detection Techniques
    - Medico Legal Death Investigation
    - Forensic Science and Technology
  2. The Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Certification Board, on an individual basis, may approve additional topics and courses. All requests for credit approval should be made to the Certification Board in writing and should contain all documentation necessary to evaluate the request for credit approval.

B. Experience

The completion of the required 100 hours of BPA training, with a minimum of three (3) years work experience in which duties include the discipline of bloodstain pattern analysis.

C. Education

  1. A Bachelor's Degree plus three (3) years of experience in bloodstain pattern analysis --OR--
  2. An Associate Degree (or documentation of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of college credits), plus 3 years experience in bloodstain pattern analysis equals the Bachelor's Degree requirement OR-
  3. High school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience in bloodstain pattern analysis equals the Bachelor's Degree requirement.

Only those persons who beleive they clearly meet the stated qualifications and requirements for certification and are prepared to take the certification test should submit applications, as no refunds will be offered.

A. Endorsements:

Two letters of endorsement must be submitted from individuals who have knowledge of your experience as it relates to the analysis/interpretation of bloodstain pattern evidence.

B. Examination:

  1. Certification shall be determined by testing. All written tests are graded and recorded on a pass fail/fail basis. The certification exam was developed and is maintained by the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Certification Board.
  2. Applicants have six (6) hours to complete the examination. The test will be divided into four sections:
    • Written Examination: Consists of 100 multiple choice and true-false questions
    • Pattern Identification: Correctly identify and provide information regarding designated bloodstain patterns.
    • Analysis Portion: Correctly answer questions regarding bloodstain patterns in crime scene images and provide information to support the conclusion/s offered.
    • Area of Convergence and Area of Origin Calculation: Correctly determine the location of the area of convergence and correctly calculate the area of origin of a spatter pattern.
  3. The minimum passing score on each section of the examination will be 75%.
  4. Failing any portion of the examination will require a wait of 6 months from the rejection date to reapply to take the failed portion(s) of the test/or retake the whole test.
  5. Those reapplying must submit a new application with all the attachments plus the current certification fee as posted on the IAI Website.

C. Recertification:

  1. All applicants for recertification must accumulate 50 continuing education/ professional development credits during the previous 5-year period.
  2. Applicants for recertification will be required to take an examination to demonstrate continued proficiency in the area of bloodstain pattern analysis/interpretation.
  3. Applicants for recertification must complete a recertification application and pay the required fee as listed on the IAI Website. The applicant must also submit a letter of endorsement from an individual who has knowledge of his/her continued involvement in the area of bloodstain pattern analysis/interpretation.

Study References for the Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Certification Test