RON SMITH & ASSOCIATES, INC.
RS&A PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
RS&A LATENT PRINT PROCESSING PROFICIENCY TEST
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TEST INFO
OPTIONS & PRICE
TESTING PROCESS
TEST CYCLE DATES
RS&A PT PORTAL

TEST INFORMATION
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TEST NAME: Latent Print Processing Proficiency Test

TEST ITEMS: Porous and Non-Porous Items

CYCLES AVAILABLE: Spring and Fall

TEST SERIES NUMBER: 501=Spring / 502=Fall

COST: $325.00 - $375.00

TEST DESCRIPTION
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The RS&A Latent Print Proficiency Test is designed to evaluate participants' proficiency in analyzing latent prints on both porous and non-porous items of evidence.

This comprehensive test includes the following key features:

Porous and Non-Porous Items: The test includes latent prints on a variety of surfaces, encompassing both porous materials like paper and cardboard, as well as non-porous items such as glass, metal, or plastic. Participants are required to examine latent prints on each type of surface, considering the unique challenges and characteristics associated with porous and non-porous substrates.

Examination and Comparison: Participants are tasked with examining the items of evidence for ridge detail.

Photographs Required: As part of the test protocol, participants are required to capture photographs of the latent prints they examine. These photographs serve as documentation of the participant and provide a record of their findings.

The Latent Print Proficiency Test is essential for assessing participants' competence in analyzing latent prints across various surfaces and substrates. By participating in this test, forensic professionals can enhance their skills and contribute to the accuracy and reliability of latent print analysis in forensic investigations.

TEST DEMO PACKET (pdf)
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Sample PDF Includes:

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

OPTIONS & PRICING
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Media Options and Pricing
HARD COPY - $350.00
The Latent Print Processing Proficiency Test is exclusively provided in hard copy format.
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
Shipping charges are applied during checkout.

Avoid all shipping charges by choosing an Online download option when available!

TESTING PROCESS
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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.

TEST CYCLE DATES
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SPRING 2025 LATENT PRINT PROCESSING
Test Number:
25501
Test Cycle Status:
IN PROGRESS
Enrollment Deadline:
January 31, 2025
Projected Test Distribution:
February 24, 2025
Results Entry Deadline:
April 21, 2025
Manufacturer's Information Report:
May 2, 2025
Individual Report:
May 9, 2025
Summary Report Publication:
May 16, 2025


FALL 2025 LATENT PRINT PROCESSING
Test Number:
25502
Test Cycle Status:
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Enrollment Deadline:
August 1, 2025
Projected Test Distribution:
August 25, 2025
Results Entry Deadline:
October 13, 2025
Manufacturer's Information Report:
October 31, 2025
Individual Report:
November 7, 2025
Summary Report Publication:
November 14, 2025

SPRING 2026 LATENT PRINT PROCESSING
Test Number:
26501
Test Cycle Status:
IN PROGRESS
Enrollment Deadline:
January 30, 2026
Projected Test Distribution:
February 23, 2026
Results Entry Deadline:
April 13, 2026
Manufacturer's Information Report:
May 1, 2026
Individual Report:
May 8, 2026
Summary Report Publication:
May 15, 2026


FALL 2026 LATENT PRINT PROCESSING
Test Number:
26502
Test Cycle Status:
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Enrollment Deadline:
July 31, 2026
Projected Test Distribution:
August 24, 2026
Results Entry Deadline:
October 9, 2026
Manufacturer's Information Report:
October 30, 2026
Individual Report:
November 6, 2026
Summary Report Publication:
November 13, 2026

RS&A PT PORTAL
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RS&A PROFICIENCY TESTING ACCREDITATION
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RS&A IS AN ACCREDITED PROFICIENCY TEST PROVIDER
 


CLICK HERE TO VIEW ACCREDITATION SCOPE & CERTIFICATE

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