Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when seeking a polygraph examiner?
It is important that you choose a polygraph examiner who has been professionally trained, accredited and certified. Every qualified examiner must reach certain competencies before certification can be awarded. It is important to ensure that the examiner has attended an accredited training college or university as deemed by the American Polygraph Association (APA). The APA is the governing authority in the United States and mandates minimum training standards and requirements before awarding membership. After training, each qualified examiner must serve an "internship" whereby their work is quality controlled and evaluated to ensure that the appropriate testing formats are used and that questions are properly formulated according to current testing methodology.
It is also important to ensure that the examiner regularly undertakes training and attends seminars relating to continuing education that deals with changes in technology, methodology and practices. Additionally it is beneficial to look for a polygraph examiner who has professional affiliations and memberships with recognised associations and/or organizations that set professional standards for its members. Ensure that your examiner fulfils each of the above requirements.
Australian Polygraph Services has identified some unethical people that have represented themselves as qualified polygraph examiners when in fact they have no formal training or qualifications. If you have spoken to someone who represents themselves as a qualified polygraph examiner and have concerns about their credentials contact Australian Polygraph Services. We provide a free search to verify the examiner's credentials before you undertake the test. Often unqualified polygraph examiners will charge substantially less than a qualified examiner who has undergone extensive training. Using an unqualified polygraph examiner maybe cheaper but is dangerous and will produce false results.