TEST INFORMATION

TEST OVERVIEW

TEST NAME:
Tire Track Comparison Proficiency Test
CYCLES AVAILABLE:
Single Cycle (YY401)
TEST SERIES NUMBER:
400
COST:
$325.00 - $375.00

TEST DESCRIPTION

The Tire Track Comparison Proficiency Test is designed to assess participants' proficiency in accurately identifying and analyzing tire track impressions, as well as their ability to make reliable conclusions regarding matches or exclusions. By participating in this test, forensic professionals can enhance their skills and contribute to the integrity and reliability of tire track analysis in forensic investigations.

The RS&A Tire Track Comparison Proficiency Test is structured to evaluate participants' competency in comparing and analyzing tire track impressions. The test typically consists of the following components:

1. Known Physical Standards: Participants are presented with known physical standards to serve as baseline references for comparison and analysis.

2. Known Tire Track Standards: Participants are provided with known tire track standards, which serve as reference samples obtained from vehicles or other sources with known tire patterns. These known standards enable participants to establish a baseline for comparison when examining questioned impressions.

3. Questioned Tire Track Impressions: Each test includes a set of questioned tire track impressions, obtained from crime scenes or evidentiary sources. Participants are required to scrutinize these impressions and compare them against the known standards provided to determine potential matches or exclusions.

4. Acetate Overlays: Participants receive acetate overlays as part of the test materials, facilitating detailed comparison by allowing superimposition of question impressions over known standards. This aids in the comprehensive analysis of key features.

 

TIRE TRACK COMPARISON PROFICIENCY TEST DEMO PACKET (PDF)

Sample PDF Includes:

  • - Instruction sheet.
  • - Test images. (Physical, Question, and Known)
  • - Manufacturer Information Report.
  • - Individual Report.
  • - Summary Report.
Download Tire Track Comparison Demo Packet

TESTING PROCESS

1

COMPLETE PROFICIENCY TEST WITHIN THE TIME GIVEN

RS&A announces the dates for all proficiency testing cycles, which encompass the deadline for entering results.

2

ENTER YOUR RESULTS IN THE RS&A PT PORTAL

Through the RS&A PT Portal, proficiency test administrators can allocate their purchased PTs based on the anticipated distribution dates for the respective test cycle. Participants will be notified once a proficiency test has been assigned to them. Upon logging in to the portal, participants can submit their test results and any comments they wish to provide.

3

MANUFACTURER'S REPORT

The RS&A Manufacturer's Information Report outlines the expected response set by RS&A during both internal and external pre-distribution testing.

4

INDIVIDUAL REPORT

The RS&A Individual Report contrasts the results submitted by participants with the expected results set by RS&A.

5

SUMMARY REPORT

RS&A is dedicated to continuous improvement and to providing high-quality forensic products and services, with particular emphasis on proficiency testing. We recognize the critical importance of properly utilizing published Proficiency Testing Results, as they can either support or undermine the credibility of impression evidence sciences. Often, these results are utilized by various stakeholders, including defense attorneys, to challenge forensic identification specialists.

A longstanding challenge in this domain has been the absence of essential contextual data accompanying raw proficiency test results. Without insights into participants' credentials, experience, and agency processes, published results lack meaningful interpretation. To address this, participants must complete a brief online demographics survey before submitting their test results. The information gathered, combined with data from other participants, will empower RS&A to furnish the forensic identification industry with comprehensive insights long overdue.

By ensuring that published data is not only accurate but also contextually rich, we strive to enhance the integrity and relevance of proficiency testing outcomes for all stakeholders.

MEDIA OPTIONS & PRICING

MEDIA OPTIONS AND PRICING

ONLINE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - $325.00

The most effective and widely favored method for comparisons is on-screen assessment. RS&A offers the option to receive your test digitally via "Online Digital Download." This not only reduces the consumption of paper and DVDs but also eliminates shipping costs, allowing us to pass on the savings to you!

Here's how it works:

Upon purchasing your digital proficiency test, you'll receive an email on the scheduled distribution date indicating that your PT has been released. Simply log into the RS&A PT Portal, assign the PT to a participant, and you'll find a test instruction sheet PDF along with known and latent images. With everything readily available, you're all set to complete your proficiency test. Each image file provided for download will be in TIFF format.

HARD COPY - $350.00

The Tire Track Comparison PT images are reproduced using industry-leading printer technology.

DIGITAL IMAGES ON DVD DISC - $350.00

For examiners conducting their examinations on-screen, our digital images present an excellent choice. Each image will be made available in a .tiff format. We highly recommend using professional photo editing software for optimal viewing and analysis.

COMBO - HARD COPY AND DIGITAL DVD DISC - $375.00

See above descriptions.

COMBO - HARD COPY AND DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - $375.00

See above descriptions.

PAYMENT OPTIONS & FLAT RATE SHIPPING

RS&A acknowledges the diverse financial needs of State and Federal Agencies. To facilitate your proficiency test purchases, we provide flexible payment options. Should you require unique adjustments or have special requirements, please reach out to us, and we will tailor a custom solution to address your specific needs.

Payment Options

  • Credit card
  • Purchase order
  • Check by mail
  • International Bank Wire Transfer

Wire Transfer Note: Please note: International Bank Wire Transfer fees range from $50 USD to $75 USD depending on the country. For all orders paid via Bank Wire Transfer, a flat $50 USD banking fee will be charged to the client. This fee is incurred by RS&A for processing international payments through the bank. Upon order submission, you will receive an order confirmation email along with another email containing an updated invoice cost and all necessary banking details to complete your bank wire transfer.

SHIPPING

  • United States: Free Shipping!
  • North American (Canada & Mexico): $25.00 flat rate shipping
  • All Other Continents: $50.00 flat rate shipping

Shipping charges are applied during checkout.

Tip: Avoid all shipping charges by choosing an Online download option when available!

TEST CYCLE DATES

2026 TIRE TRACK COMPARISON

Test Number
#26401
Status
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Enrollment Deadline
April 3, 2026
Test Distribution
April 17, 2026
Results Entry
July 10, 2026
Manufacturer's Report
July 24, 2026
Individual Report
July 31, 2026
Summary Report
August 7, 2026

RS&A PT PORTAL

Online Portal Access

Access your proficiency tests, results, and certificates through our secure online portal. Manage your profile, track progress, and stay updated with the latest testing requirements.

Portal Access

Existing users can log in directly. New users need to register for an account.