100+ Free Trauma and Crime Scene Technician Practice Questions

The TCST exam tests knowledge of ANSI/IICRC S540 (the trauma and crime scene cleanup standard), scene types (suicide, homicide, unattended death/decomposition, accidental death, attempted suicide, hoarding), OSHA 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens compliance, PPE selection (Tyvek, double nitrile gloves, full-face P100/HEPA APR), decontamination procedures, regulated medical waste disposal per 49 CFR 173.197 and EPA RCRA, and the emotional/psychological aspects of working with bereaved families.

The TCST is delivered through IICRC's online testing platform. After paying the $80 exam fee and registering, candidates have a 45-day window to complete the 83-question multiple-choice exam. The passing score is 75%. The exam can be taken from any internet-connected computer that meets the IICRC's online testing requirements.

Trauma scenes generate splashes of blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), aerosols during cleaning, and odor and gaseous byproducts from decomposition. An N95 covers only the nose and mouth, provides no eye protection (required under 1910.1030 wherever splash exposure is reasonably anticipated), and is not effective against odors or organic vapors. The S540 standard expects a full-face air-purifying respirator with P100 or HEPA cartridges (often combined with organic-vapor cartridges for decomposition scenes) with documented fit testing.

S540 defines trauma scene contamination conditions used to guide the cleanup scope. Conditions describe the type and extent of trauma contamination present (e.g., visible blood and OPIM, contaminated porous materials, dispersed contamination from decomposition or aerosolization, and structural impact). Each condition drives the technician's work plan, including extent of structural removal, contents handling (clean/discard), containment strategy, and verification methods (visual plus ATP or other measurable verification before clearance).

Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, every employer with employees who have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM must establish a written Exposure Control Plan. The plan must (1) identify job classifications with occupational exposure; (2) describe the methods of compliance — engineering and work practice controls, PPE, housekeeping, regulated waste handling, laundry, and hepatitis B vaccination offers; (3) outline post-exposure evaluation and follow-up procedures; (4) provide for training and recordkeeping; and (5) be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever new tasks or procedures introduce new exposure.

Under DOT 49 CFR 173.197, non-bulk RMW packaging must be UN-standard rigid packaging conforming to Part 178 at the Packing Group II performance level. Sharps containers must be puncture-resistant and pass the tests in Part 178 Subpart M, and must be securely closed per manufacturer instructions. The secondary container must bear the BIOHAZARD marking that conforms to 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(1)(i). Shipments in commerce require shipping papers (a manifest, bill of lading, or equivalent) prepared per 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart C unless specifically excepted.

Working with bereaved families, alongside clergy, social workers, and victim advocates is a normal part of trauma cleanup work. Repeated exposure to traumatic scenes can lead to secondary or vicarious traumatic stress in technicians, with symptoms that overlap PTSD. S540 expects employers to be aware of these risks, provide training on professional communication with bereaved persons, encourage debriefing after distressing jobs, and make Employee Assistance Program (EAP) referrals available. Technicians should learn to recognize warning signs in themselves and coworkers and use available mental-health resources.