CFC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which skeletal element exhibits the greatest sexual dimorphism and is considered most reliable for determining biological sex in adult skeletons? → Pelvis
2. Which cranial feature has traditionally been used to estimate adult age at death, though it is considered a rough indicator with high individual variability? → Cranial suture closure
3. Why is evidence packaging critical? → To maintain evidence condition and avoid contamination
4. Which computer program uses discriminant function analysis of cranial measurements to statistically estimate ancestry from skeletal remains? → FORDISC
5. Hypostasis that is bright cherry-red in color is a classic finding associated with which cause of death? → Both carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning
6. What is a key component of professional integrity in forensics? → Truthful and accurate reporting of results
7. Which characteristic of a bullet wound indicates that it is an exit wound rather than an entry wound? → Larger, irregular, and stellate margin without an abrasion collar
8. The sternal (medial) end of which rib is commonly used as an age indicator in adult skeletal remains due to progressive morphological degeneration? → Fourth rib
9. What is the primary role of an expert witness in a legal case? → To educate the judge and jury on technical matters
10. In the context of CFC certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing digital forensics & cybercrime? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
11. Which of the following is a key element of effective expert witness testimony? → Explaining findings in clear, simple terms
12. In forensic pathology, 'mechanism of death' is best described as: → The physiological derangement by which the cause of death produced death
13. Osteon counting (histomorphometry) is a microscopic method used to estimate which biological parameter from cortical bone sections? → Age at death
14. A forensic consultant is asked to determine the distance from which a shot was fired. The primary evidence used is: → The pattern and density of soot, stippling, and powder residue around the entry wound
15. In the context of CFC certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing toxicology & drug analysis? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
16. Which of the following is a requirement under the Daubert ruling? → Testimony must be based on reliable methods and principles
17. What is the first step in crime scene investigation? → Secure the scene to prevent contamination
18. Forensic anthropology is best classified as an applied subfield of which broader academic discipline? → Physical (biological) anthropology
19. Why is ethical conduct essential in forensic investigations? → To ensure findings are unbiased and credible
20. Which technique is used in ballistics analysis? → Comparing markings on bullets and cartridges
21. Which tool is commonly used to document evidence at a crime scene? → Camera for photography
22. Serial number restoration on a firearm from which the serial number has been ground off uses which forensic technique? → Chemical etching or magnetic particle inspection exploiting subsurface metal stress
23. Why is maintaining the integrity of evidence crucial? → To prevent accusations of mishandling and uphold court admissibility
24. Which organization provides ethical guidelines for forensic scientists? → AAFS - American Academy of Forensic Sciences
25. Which dental characteristic is most reliable for estimating age in subadult skeletal remains? → Dental development and eruption sequence
26. The auricular surface of the ilium is used in forensic anthropology primarily to estimate which biological parameter? → Age at death
27. Which type of evidence is based on physical characteristics? → Physical evidence
28. In the context of CFC certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing bloodstain pattern analysis? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
29. Which document outlines the evidence collection procedures? → Evidence collection protocol
30. What does the term 'cause of death' refer to in a forensic pathology context? → The disease or injury responsible for initiating the fatal sequence of events