CFL Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which type of automotive lock mechanism uses flat, spring-loaded wafers as its primary tumbler components? → Wafer tumbler lock
2. When examining cut copper wire in a forensic context, the examiner should focus primarily on which surface? → The cross-sectional cut face of the wire strands
3. Which component of a mechanical combination lock is most often targeted when attempting a 'manipulation' attack by feel? → The fence contact point with wheel notches
4. What is the forensic significance of finding burn marks and oxidized metal around a safe's hinge area? → Evidence of a torch attack focused on melting or cutting the hinge pins or weld seams
5. What is the most important ethical consideration for CFL professionals in key & lock examination? → Maintaining objectivity, integrity, and confidentiality in all professional work
6. When examining a fire-rated safe, what does an 'UL Class 350 – 1 Hour' label indicate? → The safe interior will not exceed 350°F for one hour in a standardized fire test
7. Which safe attack method involves cutting around the entire perimeter of a safe door with a power tool to separate it from the body? → Ripping
8. Which method provides the most reliable assessment of a specific lock's pick resistance? → Skilled manual picking attempt by a trained forensic locksmith under controlled conditions
9. Why is it important to understand different types of keyways in forensic locksmithing? → To identify key duplication methods.
10. What is the primary purpose of a forensic locksmith maintaining a reference collection of locks, keys, and components? → To compare questioned items against known exemplars during examination
11. What does the acronym PATS stand for in Ford's vehicle security architecture? → Passive Anti-Theft System
12. In forensic analysis of a safe room or vault, which attribute of the door and frame assembly is MOST critical to document for evidence of forced entry attempts? → Deformation, tool marks, and integrity of the door swing clearances and frame anchors
13. When documenting vulnerabilities, what should a CFL note about a lock cylinder's projection beyond the door face? → Excessive projection increases the risk of a cylinder pull attack by providing leverage
14. What is the role of a forensic locksmith in evidence handling? → To open locks and preserve the integrity of the evidence
15. In a forensic examination of a safe, evidence of 'pulling' would most likely show damage to which component? → The combination dial and spindle area
16. When a CFL examines a lock cylinder for evidence of picking, which documentation practice best supports chain of custody? → Photographing the lock before and after examination
17. What is the first step in forensic analysis during a crime scene investigation? → Securing the crime scene
18. Which characteristic of a hacksaw blade is most useful for individualization of a tool mark on a cut lock shackle? → Random nicks, bent teeth, and wear patterns along the blade edge
19. When photographing tool marks for forensic documentation, oblique lighting is preferred because it: → Enhances depth and texture by casting shadows across surface features
20. Under ALOA's CFL program requirements, what is the minimum practical experience typically required before a candidate can sit for the CFL examination? → Several years of professional locksmithing experience
21. When a CFL collects metal filings from below a drilled lock, how should these be packaged? → In a sealed paper envelope or rigid pill box with evidence tape and proper case labeling
22. A Kwikset SmartKey cylinder uses a redesigned mechanism primarily to prevent which attack vector? → Key bumping
23. Which standard provides guidelines for the documentation and reporting of tool mark examinations in the United States? → SWGMAT tool mark examination guidelines
24. A forensic examiner finds circular scratch patterns radiating from the keyhole on a deadbolt faceplate. This evidence pattern most strongly suggests: → An attempt to pick the lock with a rotary pick gun
25. What does 'error rate' refer to in the context of forensic locksmith methodology compliance? → The known frequency with which the examination technique produces incorrect results
26. Which type of safe body construction is considered most resistant to peel attacks? → Composite concrete-and-steel fill
27. What is the most important ethical consideration for CFL professionals in tool mark analysis? → Maintaining objectivity, integrity, and confidentiality in all professional work
28. A forensic report must note that the lock was examined 'in situ' when: → The lock was examined at the crime scene without being removed
29. A CFL is asked to determine if a vehicle's ignition lock was hot-wired after a theft. The MOST relevant forensic evidence in the lock itself would be: → Toolmarks consistent with bypass tools inside the steering column lock
30. A tubular lock examined by a CFL shows radial scratches symmetrically arranged around the plug face. This pattern is MOST consistent with: → A tubular lock pick or impressioning tool attack