A credible result comes with a proper report; this checklist walks you through exactly what documentation a lie detector test should include so you know your exam was done right.
Your polygraph report is the most important deliverable of any examination. This guide defines every component a thorough, defensible polygraph report should contain based on verified APA Standards of Practice requirements, explains what each section means, and shows you how to identify reports that are incomplete, fabricated, or professionally unreliable.
TL;DR — The Short Version
- A complete professional polygraph report contains 15 essential components including examiner credentials, validated methodology, verbatim questions, scoring analysis, and a categorical determination.
- The APA Standards of Practice — most recently amended August 23, 2024 — mandate informed consent (§1.6.2), validated techniques (§1.7.1), validated scoring, and categorical results (NDI/DI/INC/NO).
- Substandard report warning signs include one-page letters, missing methodology, vague language like 'probably truthful,' no questions listed, and no consent documentation.
- APA §1.7.11 requires examinations to be scheduled for not less than 90 minutes — any examination shorter than this cannot follow a validated technique.
- Always request a formal written report — verbal-only results provide no documentation, no evidence, and no accountability.
Who This Guide Is For
- Consumers who have received a polygraph report and want to verify whether it meets professional standards
- Anyone booking a polygraph who wants to know what their report should include before paying
- Attorneys and legal professionals evaluating the quality and admissibility of polygraph evidence
- Employers and HR professionals who commission workplace polygraph examinations
- Therapists and counselors working with clients who have undergone or are considering polygraph testing
- Anyone suspecting a fraudulent report and needing a benchmark to verify authenticity
Why Your Polygraph Report Matters More Than the Test Itself
The Report Is the Product
Many people approach a polygraph examination focused entirely on the test itself: the questions, the sensors, the moment of truth. What they often overlook is that the written report is the actual product you are paying for. The examination is the process; the report is the evidence. Without a thorough, properly documented report, your polygraph results are essentially meaningless.
Consider this scenario: you take a polygraph test to clear your name of false allegations. The examiner tells you verbally that you passed. Weeks later, an attorney demands documentation. You have nothing to show — no methodology, no questions, no analysis, no signed determination. That verbal result has zero evidentiary value, and your credibility remains in question.
The American Polygraph Association (APA), established in 1966, is the world's leading association dedicated to the use of evidence-based scientific methods for credibility assessment Verified APA Standards of Practice — Global Polygraph Network (§1.8.4 verification)
Confirms §1.8.4 states a test result shall not be final until documented in the examination report and issued. This means your report is not a courtesy — it is the official record of your examination. Without it, there is no finalized result.
Some providers give verbal results and never issue a written report — or issue a one-page letter with no methodology, no data, and no supporting analysis. This is not a professional polygraph report. Learn more about why inadequate documentation is a major warning sign in our guide to unqualified polygraph examiners.
The 15 Essential Polygraph Report Components
Overview of the Checklist
The APA Standards of Practice establish core requirements for polygraph examinations — including informed consent, validated techniques, categorical determinations, and replicable documentation. The following checklist builds on those mandatory foundations with additional best-practice components that strengthen report quality, transparency, and defensibility.
The APA Standards of Practice were most recently amended on August 23, 2024 Verified APA Standards of Practice — Global Polygraph Network (§1.8.4 verification)
Confirms §1.8.4 states a test result shall not be final until documented in the examination report and issued.
Examination Limits and Recording Requirements
Under the 2022 version of the Standards (Adopted August 28, 2022), APA §1.7.9 stated that a member polygraph examiner shall not conduct more than four diagnostic or three evidentiary examinations in one day, and no more than five examinations of any type in one day Verified APA Standards of Practice — Global Polygraph Network (§1.8.4 verification)
Confirms §1.8.4 states a test result shall not be final until documented in the examination report and issued. No documentation means no evidence.
2. No Consent or Disclosure — APA §1.6.2 requires informed consent Verified APA Standards of Practice — §1.7.1 Validated Techniques (Global Polygraph Network mirror)
Confirms §1.7.1 requires evidence-based validated testing techniques with deviations explained in writing. 'Standard polygraph' is not a technique name. Learn about how misleading advertising often hides a lack of validated methodology.
6. Report Issued Too Quickly — A finalized written report within an hour of testing suggests critical quality steps were skipped. Verbal results same-day are normal; written reports typically take 24–72 hours for proper analysis.
7. Exam Under 90 Minutes — APA §1.7.11 requires examinations of at least 90 minutes Verified APA Standards of Practice — §1.7.9.1 Record Retention (Global Polygraph Network)
Confirms §1.7.9.1 requires all polygraph reports, data, and recordings maintained for minimum three years. Under EPPA-regulated employment examinations, records must be maintained for at least three years Verified APA Standards of Practice — §1.7.9.1 Record Retention (Global Polygraph Network)
Confirms §1.7.9.1 requires all polygraph reports, data, and recordings maintained for minimum three years.
How long does the examination take? Any answer under 90 minutes should be a disqualifier per APA §1.7.11 [20]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Amended 8-23-24 — §1.7.11 90-Minute Minimum)
Confirms §1.7.11 examinations shall be scheduled for not less than 90 minutes and max five examinations per day. Be wary of cheap polygraph tests that cut corners on examination time.
Can another examiner review my results? APA §1.8.2 requires that documentation be clear enough for replication [13]Verified APA Standards of Practice — §1.8.2 Replicable Notes (Lie Detectors UK mirror)
Confirms §1.8.2 requires examiner notes with sufficient clarity for another examiner to replicate the analysis and conclusion. If the examiner cannot facilitate independent review, that is a significant concern.
Requesting a Second Opinion
When and How to Seek Independent Review
If you have concerns about the quality or accuracy of your polygraph report, you have the right to request a second opinion from another qualified examiner. APA §1.8.2 requires that examiner notes have sufficient clarity and precision so that another examiner can replicate the analysis [13]Verified APA Standards of Practice — §1.8.2 Replicable Notes (Lie Detectors UK mirror)
Confirms §1.8.2 requires examiner notes with sufficient clarity for another examiner to replicate the analysis and conclusion. This means a properly documented examination can be independently reviewed.
A second opinion or blind review is particularly important in high-stakes situations such as evidentiary examinations for court proceedings. Research demonstrates that prior information about examinees can influence polygraph chart interpretation through confirmation bias, which is why blind evaluation procedures have been advocated for evidentiary examinations [8]Verified Should Blind Evaluation of Polygraph Charts Be a Mandatory Procedure in Evidentiary Examinations?
Demonstrates that prior information influences polygraph chart interpretation through confirmation bias and advocates for mandatory blind evaluation in evidentiary examinations.
When requesting a second opinion, ensure the reviewing examiner receives the complete examination file including all charts, scoring documentation, questions used, and the audio/video recording. The reviewing examiner should independently score the physiological data using validated scoring methods without knowledge of the original examiner's conclusions.
You can learn more about your rights regarding polygraph examinations, including your right to refuse a test, in our legal guides.
Request a copy of the examiner's credentials before booking
Verify APA membership, state license (if required), and graduation from an APA-accredited polygraph school. This establishes baseline professionalism before you commit to a test.
Confirm the examination will last at least 90 minutes
APA §1.7.11 mandates a minimum 90-minute examination. Ask the examiner directly about expected duration and ensure this meets APA requirements.
Ask which validated technique will be used
The examiner should name a specific, published technique such as Utah ZCT, Federal You-Phase, or DLST. 'Standard polygraph' is not a valid technique name.
Confirm you will receive a written report
Verify that a formal written report is included in the service fee. Ask for the expected delivery timeline — typically 24 to 72 hours after the examination.
Review your report against the 15-point checklist
Once you receive the report, systematically verify each of the 15 components. Flag any missing elements and discuss them with the examiner.
Seek a second opinion if you identify multiple red flags
If your report is missing critical components or uses vague language instead of categorical APA terminology, consider having the examination data independently reviewed by another qualified examiner.
Pros
- A complete 15-point report provides permanent, defensible documentation that can withstand scrutiny from courts, attorneys, employers, and opposing parties
- APA-compliant reports enable independent review and replication of analysis per §1.8.2, ensuring transparency and accountability
- Validated techniques meeting APA accuracy thresholds (up to 90% for evidentiary, 87% aggregated across all validated techniques) provide strong evidential value
- Professional documentation includes consent, methodology, and scoring records that create a clear chain of accountability
- Audio/video recording requirements ensure every phase of the examination can be independently verified
Cons
- Many polygraph providers issue one-page letters or verbal-only results that lack the documentation needed for legal or professional use
- Section numbering in APA Standards has shifted across the 2019, 2022, and 2024 amendments, which can cause confusion when verifying compliance
- Not all states require polygraph examiner licensing, making credential verification more difficult in some jurisdictions
- A thorough report meeting all 15 components requires more time and expertise, which may be reflected in the cost of professional services
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four categorical determinations in a polygraph report?
The APA Standards of Practice require results to be reported as No Deception Indicated (NDI), Deception Indicated (DI), Inconclusive (INC), or No Opinion (NO). Any language other than these four terms — such as 'probably truthful' or 'likely deceptive' — is not a valid professional determination and should be questioned immediately.
How long should a polygraph examination take?
APA §1.7.11 requires that examinations shall be scheduled for not less than 90 minutes. Any examination shorter than this cannot follow a validated technique and is likely to produce unreliable results. In practice, thorough examinations often take two to three hours.
Should I receive a written report after my polygraph test?
Absolutely. APA §1.8.4 states that a test result shall not be final until it is documented in the examination report and issued to the referring professional or agency. A verbal-only result provides no documentation, no evidence, and no accountability. Always insist on a formal written report.
What version of the APA Standards of Practice is currently in effect?
The APA Standards of Practice currently in effect were amended on August 23, 2024. Previous versions were adopted on August 28, 2022 and August 23, 2019. The current version is available through the APA's official website at polygraph.org.
How long must polygraph records be retained?
Under the current APA Standards (§1.7.9.1), all polygraph reports, test questions, data, recordings, information and documents related to the examination shall be maintained for a minimum of three years or as otherwise required by law. Under the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA), employment-related examination records must also be kept for at least three years.
What accuracy rate is required for evidentiary polygraph examinations?
APA §1.1.7.3.1 requires that polygraph techniques for evidentiary examinations demonstrate an unweighted average accuracy rate of 90% or greater, excluding inconclusive results which shall not exceed 20%. Five validated techniques currently meet this standard. The APA's meta-analysis found that single-issue diagnostic techniques produced an aggregated decision accuracy of 89%.
What is the difference between evidentiary and investigative polygraph examinations?
An evidentiary examination is one where the stated purpose is to provide a diagnostic opinion as evidence in a pending judicial proceeding, requiring 90%+ accuracy. An investigative examination supplements or assists an investigation where results are not expected to be tendered as court evidence, requiring 80%+ accuracy. Your report should clearly state which type was conducted.
Can I get a second opinion on my polygraph results?
Yes. APA §1.8.2 requires that examiner notes have sufficient clarity and precision for another examiner to replicate the analysis. A properly documented examination can be independently reviewed. This is particularly important for evidentiary examinations, where blind evaluation has been shown to reduce confirmation bias.
What equipment should a polygraph examiner use?
APA §1.3.1 requires that polygraph examinations be conducted with properly functioning instrumentation that records at minimum thoracic respiration, abdominal respiration, electrodermal activity, cardiovascular activity, and seat sensor activity. The three major manufacturers are Lafayette Instrument Company, Limestone Technologies (a Lafayette subsidiary), and Stoelting Company. In August 2023, the APA also adopted minimum requirements for the recording and displaying of electrodermal activity.
What is the APA Model Policy for Relationship Polygraph Testing?
Adopted in August 2025, this model policy guides polygraph examiners and referring professionals in conducting examinations related to personal relationships — including spouses, partners, children, parents, and extended family. It requires compliance with APA Standards of Practice covering instrumentation, recording, test formats, acquaintance testing, analysis, and reporting.
Sources & References
Confirms the APA was established in 1966 with 2,800+ members and promotes evidence-based scientific methods for credibility assessment
Confirms current Standards of Practice are effective 08/23/2024
Confirms §1.6.1 requires examiner to obtain information sufficient to identify examinee, §1.6.2 covers informed consent, §1.6.3 requires review of all test questions
Confirms §1.5.1 requires examiner to dedicate sufficient time to identify and discuss examination issues prior to testing
Confirms instrumentation requirements, categorical determination terminology (DI, NDI, INC, NO), and seat activity sensor requirement
Demonstrates that prior information influences polygraph chart interpretation through confirmation bias and advocates for mandatory blind evaluation in evidentiary examinations
Confirms the 2011 APA meta-analysis established mandatory standards requiring only scientifically validated techniques
Confirms Limestone Technologies became a subsidiary of Lafayette Instrument Company in August 2022
Confirms Stoelting created their first Cardio-Pneumo Polygraph in 1935 and has been a leading polygraph manufacturer since
Confirms §1.8.1 requires examiners to render conclusions based on validated data analysis consistent with section 1.1.7
Confirms §1.8.2 requires examiner notes with sufficient clarity for another examiner to replicate the analysis and conclusion
Confirms §1.6.2 informed consent requirements including overview of instrumentation, recording, cooperation, and reporting
Confirms §1.2.3 requires reasonable efforts to determine examinee suitability including medical and psychological inquiries
Found that in 63% of deceptive subjects, reactions to critical questions were greater after the stimulation test, supporting stimulation test procedures
Confirms §1.7.11 examinations shall be scheduled for not less than 90 minutes and max five examinations per day
Confirms §1.7.9 limits of four diagnostic or three evidentiary examinations per day, and five total per day
Confirms §1.7.8.2 requires audio/video recordings maintained for minimum three years in the 2022 version
Confirms EPPA requires no test less than 90 minutes duration and records maintained for minimum 3 years
Confirms evidentiary techniques require 90%+ accuracy and investigative techniques require 80%+ accuracy
Confirms five polygraph techniques produce mean accuracy rates over 90% for evidentiary testing
Confirms validated single-issue diagnostic techniques produced 89% decision accuracy and all techniques combined produced 87%
Confirms the APA adopted the Model Policy for Relationship Polygraph Testing in August 2025, covering personal, domestic, and familial relationships
Confirms APA maintains model policies including Domestic Polygraph Testing (updated 08/24/24), Paired Testing, PCSOT, and Report Release
Confirms APA adopted instrumentation standards including EDA recording requirements in August 2023
Foundational research on client perceptions of polygraph utility in PCSOT examinations
Confirms psycho-legal scholars reported positive attitudes toward polygraph validity at the intersection of psychology and law
Foundational research relevant to understanding deception detection methodology
Once you know what a proper report includes, book your lie detector test near you with an experienced examiner who documents everything thoroughly.