| K 5. |
Knowledge of nonfirearms/toolmark types of forensic evidence, such as trace evidence (hairs, fibers, paint, etc.), sereological evidence, etc. |
| K 6. |
Knowledge of legal requirements for the preservation of evidence (chain of custody) |
| K 7. |
Knowledge of scientific methodologies for the preservation of evidence (packaging and storage) |
| K 9. |
Knowledge of which tools, instruments, and containers are most appropriate for the preservation of evidence (packaging and storage) |
| K 10. |
Knowledge of the proper storage conditions for evidence collected |
| K 11. |
Knowledge of the effects of biological agents (bacteria, molds, insects, animals, etc.) on various types of evidence and ways to prevent their effects |
| K 12. |
Knowledge of basic chain-of-custody rules |
| K 13. |
Knowledge of the effects that interfering factors (such as substrate, time, activity, temperature, weather, etc.) have upon various types of evidence, and ways to prevent their effects |
| K 14. |
Knowledge of how to properly document evidence and analytical results (through notes, sketches, photography, reports, etc.) |
| K 15. |
Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used to properly mark evidence (when appropriate) |
| K 20. |
Knowledge of various photographic techniques and their application for documenting evidence and analytical results, and for preparing courtroom exhibits |
| K 23. |
Knowledge of how each scientific test affects the evidence being examined |
| K 25. |
Knowledge of sequential priorities for conducting scientific tests so as not to destroy evidence or contaminate test results |
| K 31. |
Knowledge of how to prepare casts and use of casting materials |
| K 46. |
Knowledge of how and when to use different probes (such as wood, fiberglass, metal, etc.) for bullet holes |
| K 66. |
Knowledge of how and when to use computer systems and work-related computer programs |
| K 83. |
Knowledge of the types of trace materials that may be present on firearms |
| K 143. |
Knowledge of which professional organizations address firearm and toolmark examiners' concerns |
| A 1. |
Ability to recognize the evidence potential of an item |
| A 2. |
Ability to recognize and safeguard nonfirearms evidence, such as trace materials |
| A 3. |
Ability to recognize bullet impact sites at crime scenes |
| A 7. |
Ability to establish and maintain a proper chain of custody |
| A 8. |
Ability to maintain a complete inventory of evidence from a particular case |
| A 10. |
Ability to evaluate examination requests, while considering the totality of the case |
| A 11. |
Ability to adhere to an examination protocol for both firearms and toolmark cases |
| A 12. |
Ability to use logic to analyze and identify strengths and weaknesses of different approaches |
| A 89. |
Ability to properly document evidence items, examinations, and comparisons |
| A 97. |
Ability to recognize the need for additional expertise in certain situations and what can be expected to be gained by their participation |
