2024 Training Opportunities
Basic Examiner Course Dive deep into the fundamentals of polygraph examination with our Basic Examiner Course, available at the following dates and locations:
- February 5 – April 12 in San Antonio, Texas
- June 3 – August 9 in San Antonio, Texas
- September 9 – November 15 in Boise, Idaho
Validated Interview Technique Elevate your interviewing skills with our specialized course, available upon request to be hosted at your preferred location.
Advanced/Continuing Education Course Further your expertise with our Advanced/Continuing Education Course, scheduled for November 14 – 16 in Boise, Idaho.
PCSOT/JPCOT Course Designed for Examiners, Therapists, and Supervision officers, this course will run from April 8 – 12 in San Antonio, Texas, providing targeted insights into specialized polygraph testing techniques.
Looking Ahead: 2025
Basic Examiner Course Prepare to deepen your foundational knowledge in 2025 with sessions running from February 3 – April 9 in San Antonio, Texas, and from September 8 – November 14 in Boise, Idaho.
PCSOT/JPCOT Course Stay tuned for more details on our PCSOT/JPCOT Course in San Antonio, Texas, with dates to be announced.
Polygraph Training Programs Overview
1. Basic Polygraph Examiner Course (400 Hours): This intensive 10-week program covers all foundational aspects of polygraph examination, requiring 400 classroom hours spread over five-day weeks. Key components include weekly exams, hands-on chart analysis, and a comprehensive final assessment involving both written and practical exams. A minimum grade of 75% is necessary for both coursework and final evaluations. Attendance is critical, with makeup required for any excused absences. Graduates proceed to fieldwork, needing to complete ten professional examinations and 40 hours of advanced training within a year to receive an Accredited Graduate Diploma.
Modules Include:
- History and Development of Deception Detection
- Test Question Construction and Validated Formats
- Instrument Mechanics and Basic Skills
- Interview Techniques, Psychology, and Physiology
- Data Analysis, Countermeasures, Ethics, and Legal Issues
2. PCSOT Course (40 Hours): Focused on supervising high-risk clients, this advanced course is tailored for examiners aiming for professional accreditation in risk assessment and compliance within supervision programs.
3. Advanced Training and Proficiency (32+ Hours): Designed for experienced field examiners, this course delves into evidence-based practices and compliance with standards. It includes a rigorous evaluation of the examiner’s ability to conduct exams according to the latest practices, with a focus on proficiency in test construction, physiological tracing, and reporting. A practical review of recent exams is part of the assessment, with a certification valid for three years upon passing.
4. Continuing Education: Customized courses for licensed examiners to fulfill their Continuing Education requirements, available online or in-person, covering a variety of topics relevant to polygraphy.
The Polygraph Institute stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of credibility assessment training, providing both basic and advanced courses tailored to meet the needs of government, law enforcement, and private security sectors. At the heart of its curriculum is the Basic Polygraph Examiner Course, a rigorous 400-hour in-residence program designed to immerse students in the foundational aspects of polygraphy over a ten-week period. This comprehensive course mandates a full commitment to a five-day workweek schedule, with each day comprising eight hours of intensive classroom instruction.
Students enrolled in the Basic Polygraph Examiner Course are subjected to a stringent evaluation process that includes weekly written examinations, homework assignments, a minimum of two hours of practical polygraph chart analysis, and a culminating set of final assessments. These assessments not only test the students’ theoretical knowledge with a written exam but also their practical skills through a mock crime polygraph examination conducted on a role player. Achieving a minimum test grade average of 75% and passing the final written and practical exams are essential milestones for graduation.
The curriculum is meticulously structured to cover a wide array of subjects essential for budding polygraph examiners. Starting with an 8-hour module on the history and development of deception detection, the course progresses through topics such as polygraph test question construction, validated polygraph formats, instrument operation mechanics, and basic skills development. It delves into the psychological and physiological aspects relevant to polygraph testing, alongside modules on pre-test and post-test procedures, test data analysis, countermeasures, ethics, legalities, and practical exam preparation.
Beyond the Basic Course, The Polygraph Institute offers specialized training for those dealing with supervised and high-risk clients through its PCSOT Course, endorsed by the American Polygraph Association and the Joint Polygraph Committee for Offender Testing. For seasoned examiners aiming to refine their skills in line with contemporary standards, the Advanced Training and Proficiency Evaluation Course offers a rigorous platform to validate their expertise against the latest industry benchmarks.
The Institute’s commitment to ongoing professional development is further exemplified by its Continuing Education Courses, designed to fulfill the CE requirements for licensed examiners. These courses, adaptable in format to accommodate online or in-person attendance, cover a spectrum of topics pertinent to the evolving field of polygraphy.
Under the stewardship of Co-Directors J. Patrick O’Burke and Clifford “Chip” Morgan, alongside a distinguished faculty including Gordon Moore, Kara Ayala, Michael Landin, Melissa Graham, and Kenneth W. Dollinger, The Polygraph Institute prides itself on a legacy of excellence. Their collective expertise, spanning decades of practical experience and academic scholarship, ensures that graduates are not only well-prepared to meet the demands of state licensing exams but are also equipped with the skills necessary to excel in the credibility assessment domain.
The Polygraph Institute’s accreditation by the American Polygraph Association and recognition by the American Association of Police Polygraphists underscore its status as a premier training facility. Prospective students and professionals seeking to advance their careers in polygraphy need look no further than The Polygraph Institute, where the fusion of theory, practice, and ethical training prepares them for the challenges of this critical field.
Mailing Address:
923 10th St. Ste 101 pmb 185
Floresville, TX 78114
Classroom Locations:
8546 Broadway Ste 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
6126 W. State Street Ste 401
Boise, Idaho 83703
Phone:
(210) 377-0200 (office phone)
