How to Choose a Qualified Polygraph Examiner

When you need a polygraph examination, it can be tempting to open Google, compare prices, and choose the least expensive examiner.

But polygraph examinations are not all the same—and neither are polygraph examiners.

The quality of an examination depends heavily on the examiner's education, training, experience, professional standards, and ability to properly conduct and document the examination.

Whether the test involves a relationship issue, criminal allegation, attorney matter, employment issue, or post-conviction testing, choosing the right examiner matters.

Before scheduling an examination, here are some things you should look for.

1. Professional Polygraph Training

Ask where the examiner received his or her basic polygraph training.

A qualified examiner should have completed a recognized professional polygraph examiner training program.

One strong indicator is graduation from a program accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA).

APA-accredited programs must meet established educational requirements for polygraph examiner training.

Don't be afraid to ask:

"Where did you attend polygraph school?"

A professional examiner should be comfortable answering that question.

2. Membership in a Professional Polygraph Association

Look for membership in a recognized professional organization such as the American Polygraph Association.

Membership alone does not automatically mean that one examiner is better than another, but professional affiliation demonstrates involvement in the polygraph profession and provides access to continuing education, research, professional standards, and ethical guidance.

You can also ask whether the examiner participates in state or regional polygraph associations.

3. Experience

There is a significant difference between completing polygraph school and becoming an experienced examiner.

Ask how long the examiner has been conducting examinations and approximately how many examinations he or she has conducted.

You may also want to ask whether the examiner regularly performs the type of examination you need.

For example, someone who primarily conducts employment screening examinations may have very different experience from an examiner who routinely works with:

• Criminal defense attorneys

• Law enforcement agencies

• Relationship or fidelity examinations

• Specific-issue examinations

• Sex offender treatment programs

• Government agencies

• Workplace investigations

Experience with the subject matter can be just as important as the number of years someone has been an examiner.

4. Specialized Training When Required

Some types of polygraph examinations require additional specialized education.

One important example is Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing, commonly called PCSOT.

PCSOT examinations involve specialized procedures and should be conducted by an examiner who has completed appropriate PCSOT training and maintains the education required for that area of practice.

If you are being referred for PCSOT testing through treatment, probation, parole, or another supervising agency, ask specifically whether the examiner has the appropriate PCSOT qualifications.

Not every polygraph examiner is qualified to perform every type of examination.

5. Continuing Education

Polygraph methodology continues to develop through research, training, and professional review.

A good examiner shouldn't stop learning the day he or she graduates from polygraph school.

Ask whether the examiner regularly attends continuing education or professional training.

The American Polygraph Association, for example, requires practicing examiners to complete continuing education related to polygraphy.

Continuing education helps examiners remain current on professional standards, research, testing formats, instrumentation, and best practices.

6. Licensing, Where Applicable

Polygraph licensing requirements vary by state.

Some states regulate polygraph examiners while others do not.

If your state requires a license, verify that the examiner holds the appropriate current license.

If you're unsure, simply ask:

"Are there licensing requirements for polygraph examiners in this state, and do you meet them?"

A reputable examiner should be able to explain the requirements that apply.

7. Professional Liability Insurance

This is something many clients never think to ask about.

A professional polygraph examiner operating a legitimate business should carry appropriate professional liability insurance.

Insurance doesn't tell you whether someone is a talented examiner, but it is one indication that the examiner treats the practice as a professional business rather than a casual side job.

This becomes particularly important when an examination may be connected to litigation, an investigation, employment, treatment, or another significant decision.

8. Ask What You Will Receive

Before scheduling, ask what is included in the examination fee.

Depending on the purpose of the test, you may need more than someone simply telling you that you "passed" or "failed."

Ask whether the fee includes:

• A written report

• The examiner's findings

• Examination documentation

• Communication with an attorney, treatment provider, or referring agency

• Availability for follow-up questions

If the examination could become part of a legal matter, you may also want to know whether the examiner is willing and qualified to explain or defend the examination process if necessary.

9. Pay Attention to How the Examiner Communicates

You can learn quite a bit before ever entering the examination room.

Does the examiner explain the process professionally?

Does the examiner answer reasonable questions?

Are policies and fees clearly explained?

Does the examiner make unrealistic promises?

Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a particular result before conducting the examination.

A polygraph examiner's responsibility is to conduct the examination properly and objectively—not to promise the client the answer they want.

10. Don't Choose an Examiner Based on Price Alone

Price matters. There is nothing wrong with comparing fees.

But the cheapest polygraph examination may ultimately be the most expensive one if the examination is poorly conducted or cannot be relied upon for its intended purpose.

Consider what goes into a professional examination.

You are paying for more than the time spent attached to the polygraph instrument.

A professional fee may reflect:

• Specialized education

• Years of experience

• Continuing education

• Professional equipment and software

• Liability insurance

• Office and business expenses

• Report preparation

• Record retention

• Quality control

• Professional memberships

• Time spent reviewing the circumstances before and after testing

If one examiner charges substantially less than everyone else in your area, it is reasonable to ask why.

A lower fee doesn't automatically mean the examiner is unqualified, just as a higher fee doesn't automatically make someone better.

The important question is:

What am I actually getting for the fee?

A Simple Polygraph Examiner Checklist

Before scheduling your examination, consider asking:

• Did the examiner graduate from a recognized polygraph training program?

• Was the examiner's training program APA-accredited or otherwise professionally recognized?

• Is the examiner a member of the American Polygraph Association or another recognized professional association?

• How many years has the examiner practiced?

• How many examinations has the examiner conducted?

• Does the examiner regularly conduct the type of examination I need?

• Does the examiner complete continuing education?

• Does the examiner have specialized training such as PCSOT when required?

• Is the examiner properly licensed if the state requires licensing?

• Does the examiner carry professional liability insurance?

• Will I receive appropriate documentation or a written report?

• Are the examiner's fees and policies clearly explained?

• Does the examiner answer questions professionally without promising a particular result?

Credentials Matter Because the Result May Matter

For some people, a polygraph examination involves a private question between two individuals.

For others, the results may be reviewed by an attorney, investigator, employer, treatment provider, probation officer, government agency, or court.

Either way, if the issue is important enough to take a polygraph examination, it is important enough to choose the examiner carefully.

Don't be afraid to ask about education, experience, professional memberships, specialized training, insurance, and procedures before scheduling.

A qualified professional examiner should welcome those questions.

At Sorenson Polygraph Services, we believe clients should understand who is conducting their examination and why professional qualifications matter. If you have questions about an examination or would like to determine what type of polygraph examination is appropriate for your situation, contact us before scheduling.