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100+ Free IAI CFVE Practice Questions

Pass your IAI Certified Forensic Video Examiner (CFVE) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1
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An examiner uses a 'levels' adjustment to remap the histogram of an over-dark image. The BEST description of this enhancement is:

A
B
C
D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: IAI CFVE Exam

100

Written Test Questions

IAI Certification Program Operations Manual, Appendix H

75%

Written Passing Score

IAI Certification Program Operations Manual, Appendix H

85%

Practical Passing Score

IAI Certification Program Operations Manual, Appendix H

$300 / $400

Member / Non-Member Fee

IAI CFVE promotion page

120 hrs

Required DME Training

IAI Certification Program Operations Manual, Appendix H

96 hrs

Forensic-Video-Specific Training

IAI Certification Program Operations Manual, Appendix H

3 yrs

Minimum DME Experience

IAI Certification Program Operations Manual, Appendix H

5 yrs

Certification Cycle

IAI Certification Program Operations Manual, Appendix H

The IAI CFVE is a two-stage certification from the IAI Forensic Video Certification Board: a proctored 100-question multiple-choice written exam (3 hours, 75% to pass) followed by a take-home practical exam (30 days, 85% to pass) on media examination and processing. Fees are $300 for IAI members and $400 for non-members. Prerequisites include active IAI membership, at least 3 years primarily employed in Digital and Multimedia Evidence with video duties, 120 hours of DME training (96 hours specific to forensic video), and 2 endorsement letters. Certification is valid 5 years and requires 120 recertification credits or retaking the current written test.

Sample IAI CFVE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your IAI CFVE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1An examiner pulls a multi-channel DVR export that plays correctly only in the manufacturer's proprietary player. What is the FIRST recommended forensic action before any image processing?
A.Transcode the file to H.264 in an .mp4 container so it plays in standard tools
B.Image the original recorder media and compute MD5 or SHA-256 hashes of every export
C.Apply an unsharp mask to clarify the recorded scene
D.De-interlace each channel using the BOB algorithm
Explanation: SWGDE and OSAC Video Imaging guidance treat preservation and integrity as the first analytical step. The examiner forensically images the original recorder, exports the native file, and hashes (MD5 and/or SHA-256) every working copy so each downstream step can be verified against the original.
2Which codec is most commonly associated with the .mp4 container in modern IP-camera and smartphone recordings?
A.MPEG-2
B.MJPEG
C.H.264 (AVC)
D.DV25
Explanation: H.264/AVC is the dominant codec inside .mp4 containers used by IP cameras, body-worn cameras, and smartphones. H.265/HEVC is increasingly used in the same container. MPEG-2 and MJPEG appear in older DVRs and specialized industrial systems.
3A surveillance file reports a frame rate of 29.97 fps. This non-integer rate is rooted in which historical broadcast standard?
A.PAL color encoding in Europe
B.NTSC color compatibility with monochrome television in North America
C.SECAM in France
D.ATSC 3.0 over-the-air broadcasting
Explanation: 29.97 fps comes from NTSC color television in North America, where the original 30 fps black-and-white frame rate was reduced by a factor of 1000/1001 to avoid interference between color and audio subcarriers. Many North American DVRs still record at 29.97 fps for compatibility.
4In an H.264 stream, which frame type is fully self-contained and can be decoded WITHOUT reference to any other frame?
A.B-frame
B.P-frame
C.I-frame (IDR)
D.Reference field
Explanation: I-frames (specifically IDR frames) are intra-coded and self-contained. P-frames are predicted from prior frames, and B-frames are bidirectionally predicted from past and future frames. A GOP typically begins with an I-frame followed by P- and B-frames.
5An older proprietary DVR exports a single file containing 16 camera views interleaved frame by frame. The forensic step required to obtain a separate stream for each camera is called:
A.Transcoding
B.Demultiplexing (demuxing)
C.De-interlacing
D.Color-space conversion
Explanation: Demultiplexing splits a multi-channel container or interleaved stream into individual per-camera streams. SWGDE/OSAC guidance treats demultiplexing as a distinct forensic step that must preserve original frame data and timing.
6Two FBI/FISWG-recognized methodologies for facial image comparison are 'morphological' and 'photo-anthropometric.' What is the consensus position of FISWG on fully automated face-recognition systems for FORENSIC comparison conclusions?
A.Automated systems produce examiner-equivalent identifications and may be used to issue 'identification' opinions
B.Automated systems are appropriate for investigative lead generation but the comparison conclusion must be issued by a trained examiner
C.Automated systems must be the primary method, with examiner review optional
D.Automated systems are forbidden at every stage of casework
Explanation: FISWG and SWGDE/OSAC guidance treat automated face recognition as an investigative tool that returns candidate lists, not as a stand-alone source of forensic conclusions. Comparison and reporting must be performed by a qualified examiner using documented methodology.
7Which hash algorithm pair is most commonly cited in SWGDE/OSAC guidance for verifying that working copies of video evidence match the original?
A.CRC-32 and Adler-32
B.MD5 and SHA-256
C.Base64 and ROT13
D.JPEG quantization tables
Explanation: MD5 and SHA-256 are the standard cryptographic hash algorithms used in digital and multimedia evidence work. Examiners compute hashes on original media and on each working copy to verify bit-for-bit integrity over time.
8An examiner needs to estimate a suspect's height from a fixed surveillance camera. The MOST defensible photogrammetric approach when the camera and scene can be revisited is:
A.Eyeballing the suspect against the door frame in a single still
B.Reverse projection using the original camera, original lens, and a calibrated scale at the original suspect position
C.Estimating from shadow length alone
D.Comparing to a celebrity of similar build in another image
Explanation: Reverse projection uses the original camera, lens, and scene geometry with a calibrated reference (e.g., a measuring rod or scale at the suspect's exact position) to constrain perspective distortion. SWGIT/OSAC photogrammetry guidance favors this over informal visual matching.
9Which statement BEST describes the relationship between bitrate modes for surveillance video?
A.CBR keeps file size predictable but spends bits inefficiently on static scenes; VBR optimizes quality per scene complexity but produces variable file sizes
B.CBR always produces higher quality than VBR at any bitrate
C.VBR is incompatible with H.264 and only works with MJPEG
D.CBR and VBR produce identical files when the scene is moving
Explanation: Constant Bit Rate (CBR) holds the bitrate steady, making file sizes and bandwidth predictable but wasting bits on static scenes. Variable Bit Rate (VBR) allocates more bits to complex frames and fewer to static ones, optimizing quality but producing less predictable file sizes.
10An MPEG transport stream (.ts) from a digital broadcast recording is recovered from a vehicle DVR. The .ts container is best characterized as:
A.A still-image format used for high-resolution photographs
B.A container designed for streaming with built-in error resilience and program/elementary stream multiplexing
C.A raw uncompressed video format only used in laboratories
D.A proprietary Apple-only format
Explanation: MPEG-2 Transport Stream (.ts) is a streaming container designed for broadcast and storage that multiplexes video, audio, and metadata into fixed 188-byte packets with packet identifiers (PIDs), and provides error resilience suited to lossy delivery channels.

About the IAI CFVE Exam

The IAI Certified Forensic Video Examiner (CFVE) is a two-part certification administered by the IAI Forensic Video Certification Board. Candidates must complete a proctored 100-question written exam (75% to pass) covering video acquisition, codecs, demultiplexing, enhancement, photogrammetry, comparative analysis, authentication, and testimony, then a take-home practical exam (85% to pass) examining and processing provided video and still imagery. Certification is valid for 5 years and requires 120 recertification credits.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours (written); 30 days take-home (practical)

Passing Score

75% written, 85% practical

Exam Fee

$300 IAI members; $400 non-members (International Association for Identification (IAI) — Forensic Video Certification Board)

IAI CFVE Exam Content Outline

~20%

Digital Video Acquisition and Recovery

Proprietary DVR vs IP/NVR systems, BNC analog vs HD-SDI vs IP signal paths, native vs transcoded exports, and forensic imaging of recorder media.

~20%

Codecs, Containers, and Stream Properties

H.264/H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-2, MJPEG, proprietary codecs; container formats; GOP/I-P-B structure; CBR vs VBR; 24/25/29.97/30 fps and 60i/50i fields.

~15%

Demultiplexing and Color/Aspect Correction

Demultiplexing multi-channel DVR exports, de-interlacing (BOB vs weave), aspect-ratio and pixel-aspect correction, and YUV 4:2:0/4:4:4 and broadcast 16-235 vs PC 0-255 color spaces.

~15%

Image Enhancement

Frame averaging, unsharp mask, levels/curves, gamma, Wiener and blind deconvolution, and reproducible processing documentation.

~15%

Photogrammetry and Comparative Analysis

Reverse projection and vanishing-point height estimation, FISWG facial image comparison, and gait/clothing comparison limitations.

~15%

Authentication, Standards, and Testimony

Hash verification, ELA, deepfake indicators, SWGDE/SWGIT/OSAC guidance, LEVA training framework, and FRE 901/702, Daubert, and PCAST considerations.

How to Pass the IAI CFVE Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75% written, 85% practical
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours (written); 30 days take-home (practical)
  • Exam fee: $300 IAI members; $400 non-members

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

IAI CFVE Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read Appendix H of the IAI Certification Program Operations Manual and the SWGDE/OSAC Video Imaging publications before starting timed practice.
2Build muscle memory for codec/container identification: know H.264 vs H.265 (HEVC) vs MPEG-2 vs MJPEG, and which containers (.mp4, .mov, .avi, .ts) wrap each.
3Drill GOP structure (I-P-B frames), CBR vs VBR bitrate, 29.97 vs 30 fps, and progressive vs 60i/50i interlaced fields until you can identify them from a stream report.
4Practice demultiplexing proprietary multi-channel DVR exports and document each step so the practical work product is reproducible by another examiner.
5For photogrammetry, work through reverse-projection and vanishing-point height estimation cases with a calibrated reference object and report uncertainty ranges, not single point estimates.
6Memorize the FISWG facial image comparison categories — morphological, anthropometric, and photo-anthropometric — and the consensus that gait and clothing comparisons carry meaningful peer-reviewed limitations.
7Verify hash integrity on every working copy with MD5 or SHA-256, and rehearse FRE 901, FRE 702, Daubert, and PCAST language for testimony scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IAI CFVE certification?

The Certified Forensic Video Examiner (CFVE) is a forensic video certification administered by the International Association for Identification's Forensic Video Certification Board. It demonstrates that an examiner can perform examination, comparison, or evaluation of video evidence in legal matters.

How many questions are on the CFVE written exam and how long is it?

The written test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and candidates have 3 hours to complete it. The questions are developed, approved, and maintained by the Forensic Video Certification Board.

What is the passing score for the CFVE?

Candidates must score at least 75% on the written test and at least 85% on the take-home practical test. Each test is reported as pass or fail.

How much does the CFVE exam cost?

The written test fee is $300 for IAI members and $400 for non-members. Applicants must also hold an active IAI membership at the time of application.

What are the prerequisites to apply for the CFVE?

Applicants need formal education (Bachelor's + 3 years, Associate degree + 4 years, or High School Diploma + 5 years of DME experience), 120 hours of DME training with at least 96 hours specific to forensic video, 3 years primarily employed in Digital and Multimedia Evidence with video duties, and 2 letters of endorsement (at least one from someone actively working in forensic video).

What is the practical test like?

The practical test is a take-home exam in which candidates receive video and/or still images, answer specific questions about the media, perform any necessary processing, and return the processed work product to the Certification Board within 30 days. Each component is point-scored, and the minimum passing score is 85%.

How long is the CFVE valid and how do I recertify?

CFVE certification is valid for 5 years. Recertification requires 120 recertification credits accrued during the cycle. If a candidate does not meet the credit requirement, they must successfully complete the current written test to maintain certification.

What happens if I fail the written or practical test?

A failed written test triggers a 6-month wait before re-application. A practical score of 70% or higher allows retest within 1 year while the written score remains valid; a score below 70% requires a 1-year wait and re-taking the written test as well.

Is the CFVE the same as the LEVA certification?

No. LEVA (Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association) offers its own certification track and is a primary training provider whose courses help meet the 96-hour video-specific training requirement, but the CFVE is an IAI credential awarded by the IAI Forensic Video Certification Board.