ACE-V is commonly described as the scientific methodology that fingerprint practitioners use to individualize friction skin impressions. Hypothesis testing is a scientific method for guiding scientific research and arriving at scientific conclusions. Because its use had become so common, hypothesis testing had become labeled by many as the “scientific method.” However, in 1998, the fingerprint community recognized the need to better articulate how they arrived at their conclusions and ACE-V gained widespread recognition. This paper shows hypothesis testing at its most basic level and how ACE-V is synonymous with hypothesis testing. Yet, when ACE-V is used inappropriately, errors in individualization can and will occur. ACE-V is a valid scientific method if it is used as a valid scientific method. The article examines the history of ACE-V, analyzes whether a clear understanding of ACE-V exists, gives a brief description of how ACE-V should be used, and the repercussions of incorrectly using ACE-V. Figures, references