RON SMITH & ASSOCIATES, INC.
RS&A PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
RS&A LATENT PRINT COMPARISON PROFICIENCY TEST
Click Here to See Another RS&A Proficieny Testing Discipline

TEST NAME: Latent Print Comparison Proficiency Test
CYCLES AVAILABLE: Sprig and Fall
TEST SERIES NUMBER: 101=Sring / 102=Fall
COST: $325.00 - $375.00

The RS&A Latent Print Comparison Proficiency Test is designed to assess the competency of individuals in accurately comparing latent prints to known exemplars. Participants are provided with a set of latent prints, which are impressions left unintentionally at a crime scene or on evidence, and known exemplars, which are prints obtained from known sources such as suspects or individuals associated with the case.

During the test, participants are required to examine the latent prints and compare them to the known exemplars to determine whether there is a match. This process involves scrutinizing ridge characteristics, patterns, and other identifying features to make a conclusive determination.

The proficiency test evaluates participants' ability to accurately identify matches, correctly exclude non-matches, and provide clear and concise explanations for their conclusions. It may also assess partici

pants' adherence to established protocols and procedures for latent print examination.

Feedback and evaluation provided after the test help participants identify areas for improvement and enhance their skills in latent print comparison, contributing to the overall quality and reliability of forensic evidence analysis.



RS&A Latent Sample Image
(Click Thumbnail Image to Enlarge)

RS&A Known Exemplar Sample Image
(Click Thumbnail Image to Enlarge)


RS&A Latent Print Comparison Sample PDF
(Click Image Below to Download the PDF)


Sample PDF Includes:

    - Instruction sheet.
    - Test images (latent & known).
    - Manufacturer Information report.
    - Individual report.
    - Advanced summary report.  


RS&A IS AN ACCREDITED PROFICIENCY TEST PROVIDER
 


CLICK HERE TO VIEW ACCREDITATION SCOPE & CERTIFICATE
Media Options and Pricing
ONLINE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - $325.00
The most effective and widely favored method for comparisons is on-screen assessment. RS&A offers the option to receive your test digitally via "Online Digital Download." This not only reduces the consumption of paper and DVDs but also eliminates shipping costs, allowing us to pass on the savings to you!

Here's how it works: Upon purchasing your digital proficiency test, you'll receive an email on the scheduled distribution date indicating that your PT has been released. Simply log into the RS&A PT Portal, assign the PT to a participant, and you'll find a test instruction sheet PDF along with known and latent images. With everything readily available, you're all set to complete your proficiency test. Each image file provided for download will be in TIFF format.
HARD COPY - $350.00
The original latent print images are captured at a resolution of 1000 ppi or higher, while all livescan prints are captured at 500 ppi. These latent print images are reproduced using industry leading printer technology.
DIGITAL IMAGES ON DVD DISC - $350.00
For examiners conducting their examinations on-screen, our digital images present an excellent choice. The latent images supplied on DVD discs are captured at a resolution of 1000 ppi or higher, with each image available in .tiff format. We highly recommend using professional photo editing software for optimal viewing and analysis.
COMBO - HARD COPY AND DIGITAL DVD DISC - $375.00
**See above descriptions.
COMBO - HARD COPY AND DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - $375.00
**See above descriptions.
PAYMENT OPTIONS & FLAT RATE SHIPPING
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS
RS&A acknowledges the diverse financial needs of State and Federal Agencies. To facilitate your proficiency test purchases, we provide flexible payment options. Should you require unique adjustments or have special requirements, please reach out to us, and we will tailor a custom solution to address your specific needs.

Our payment options include:

1. Credit card
2. Purchase order
3. Check by mail
4. International Bank Wire Transfer (DOWNLOAD RS&A BANK WIRE TRANSFER INFORMATION)

Please note: International Bank Wire Transfer fees range from $50 USD to $75 USD depending on the country. For all orders paid via Bank Wire Transfer, a flat $50 USD banking fee will be charged to the client. This fee is incurred by RS&A for processing international payments through the bank. Upon order submission, you will receive an order confirmation email along with another email containing an updated invoice cost and all necessary banking details to complete your bank wire transfer.
SHIPPING
  • United States = Free Shipping!
  • North American (Canada & Mexico) = $25.00 flat rate shipping
  • All Other Continents = $50.00 flat rate shipping
Shipping charges are applied during checkout.

Avoid all shipping charges by choosing an Online download option when available!
STEP 1 - COMPLETE YOUR PROFICIENCY TEST WITHIN THE TIME GIVEN
RS&A announces the dates for all proficiency testing cycles, which encompass the deadline for entering results.

STEP 2 - ENTER YOUR RESULTS IN THE RS&A PT PORTAL
Through the RS&A PT Portal, administrators of proficiency tests can allocate their purchased PTs based on the anticipated distribution dates for the respective test cycle. Participants will be notified once a proficiency test has been assigned to them. Upon logging into the portal, participants can submit their test results along with any comments they wish to provide.

STEP 3 - MANUFACTURER'S INFORMATION REPORT
The RS&A Manufacturer's Information Report outlines the expected response set by RS&A during both internal and external pre-distribution testing.
STEP 4 - INDIVIDUAL RESULTS REPORT
The RS&A Individual Report contrasts the results submitted by participants with the expected results set by RS&A.

STEP 5 - ADVANCED SUMMARY RESULTS REPORT
RS&A is dedicated to continuous improvement and the provision of high-quality forensic products and services, with particular emphasis on proficiency testing. We recognize the critical importance of properly utilizing published Proficiency Testing Results, as they can either support or undermine the credibility of impression evidence sciences. Often, these results are utilized by various stakeholders, including defense attorneys, to challenge forensic identification specialists.

A longstanding challenge in this domain has been the absence of essential contextual data accompanying raw proficiency test results. Without insights into participants' credentials, experience, and agency processes, published results lack meaningful interpretation. To address this, participants are required to complete a brief online demographics survey before submitting their test results. The information gathered, combined with data from other participants, will empower RS&A to furnish the forensic identification industry with comprehensive insights long overdue.

By ensuring that published data is not only accurate but also contextually rich, we strive to enhance the integrity and relevance of proficiency testing outcomes for all stakeholders.
FALL 2024 LATENT PRINT COMPARISON
Test Number:
24102
Test Cycle Status:
IN PROGRESS
Enrollment Deadline:
July 19, 2024
Projected Test Distribution:
August 2, 2024
Results Entry Deadline:
October 25, 2024
Manufacturer's Information Report:
Early November
Individual Report:
Mid November
Summary Report Publication:
Late November

SPRING 2025 LATENT PRINT COMPARISON
Test Number:
25101
Test Cycle Status:
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Enrollment Deadline:
January 31, 2025
Projected Test Distribution:
February 17, 2025
Results Entry Deadline:
May 26, 2025
Manufacturer's Information Report:
June 13, 2025
Individual Report:
June 20, 2025
Summary Report Publication:
June 27, 2025

FALL 2025 LATENT PRINT COMPARISON
Test Number:
25102
Test Cycle Status:
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Enrollment Deadline:
July 18, 2025
Projected Test Distribution:
August 11, 2025
Results Entry Deadline:
November 7, 2025
Manufacturer's Information Report:
November 25, 2025
Individual Report:
December 5, 2025
Summary Report Publication:
December 12, 2025

SPRING 2026 LATENT PRINT COMPARISON
Test Number:
26101
Test Cycle Status:
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Enrollment Deadline:
January 30, 2026
Projected Test Distribution:
February 16, 2026
Results Entry Deadline:
May 22, 2026
Manufacturer's Information Report:
June 12, 2026
Individual Report:
June 19, 2026
Summary Report Publication:
June 26, 2026

FALL 2026 LATENT PRINT COMPARISON
Test Number:
26102
Test Cycle Status:
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Enrollment Deadline:
July 17, 2026
Projected Test Distribution:
August 10, 2026
Results Entry Deadline:
November 6, 2026
Manufacturer's Information Report:
November 27, 2026
Individual Report:
December 4, 2026
Summary Report Publication:
December 11, 2026

© 2002 , Ron Smith & Associates, Inc.