If you’re scheduled for a lie detector test, it’s natural to have questions about the process, what you’ll be asked, and how the experience will feel. Whether you’re facing this as part of a government security clearance, a private sector employment screening, or even to address personal matters like infidelity, it’s crucial to go in prepared.
This article aims to demystify the experience by providing insight into the types of questions typically asked during these tests. We’ve compiled a list of the ten most common questions in lie detector tests, along with additional ones that often come up in cases of suspected infidelity. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect, whether you’re engaging with a Federal Government agency or an employer in the private sector, and even in more personal scenarios.
Remember, the context of the test—be it professional or personal—can significantly influence the questions posed. In professional settings, questions might focus on honesty, integrity, and past behaviors relevant to security or trustworthiness. In personal settings, particularly in cases of suspected infidelity, the questions become more intimate, probing into private aspects of relationships and personal conduct.
Why Do Companies and Agencies Use Polygraph Exams?
Government agencies and private-sector employers use polygraph exams for three reasons.
Pre-Employment Screening
These polygraph exams help the employer determine if you’re the right person to hire. The test involves assessing your background to see if you have any history of criminality, drug use, or other behavior that might present a risk to the business and staff if they hire you.
Typically, these polygraph exams only apply to Federal agencies and select industries in the private sector. Most private-sector employers cannot use pre-employment polygraphs in hiring as it’s against the “Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988” (EPPA).
Random Employee Screening
These polygraph exams involve the random screening of employees in intervals ranging from six months to three years. The employer may use these exams as part of internal processes to ensure their employees meet their standards for employment.
Like pre-employment screening, these tests are only available to Federal agencies and select private-sector employers. Most private-sector companies cannot issue random polygraph testing of their employees.
Specific Employee Screening
The employer schedules these polygraph exams if an event occurs in their agency or business that involves criminal intent. For instance, a theft that presents an economic loss to the company, fraud, sexual harassment, and other serious crimes.
Unlike the previous two polygraph exams, private sector employers may issue specific employee testing, regardless of their industry. However, they must comply with the guidelines set by the EPPA when implementing their polygraph policy.
What Industries Use Polygraph Exams?
Most public-sector agencies, such as the US Justice Department, and those involved in national security use pre-employment, random, and specific polygraph testing for candidates and employees. Private sector companies involved in high-risk industries exempt from the EPPA, such as security and pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, may also use these tests.
What are the Types of Questions Asked in a Polygraph Exam?
The polygraph exam involves the examiner asking the examinee a mix of the following types of questions.
Relevant Questions
In candidate screening and specific and random employee screening, the employer may be interested in the examinee’s background and current activities. Relevant questions refer to the primary questions pertinent to the reason for the polygraph. They may involve criminal history, drug use, and employment history.
Irrelevant Questions
Irrelevant questions don’t have any impact on the emotional response from the examinee during the polygraph exam. The examiner incorporates them into the polygraph test to detect the examinee’s baseline emotional and physiological response.
Comparison Questions
Irrelevant or control questions serve the role of providing a comparison to irrelevant and relevant questions. The examiner expects examinees that answer questions truthfully to be overly concerned about control questions than they are about relevant questions and compares the examinee’s responses to control and relevant questions.
Concealed Information Questions
Unlike relevant questions, which ask the subject directly if they committed a crime or used drugs, concealed information queries aim to uncover information about these issues that only guilty examinees would know. For example, details about a crime or how it was carried out. Guilty examinees produce a different physiological response to relevant questions than irrelevant questions, but innocent examinees respond equally to all questions.
There’s a significant difference between the questions and format of questioning between private-sector and public-sector polygraph exams. The R/I technique is used in both sectors but with different formatting.
The original R/I method was developed by Dr. William Marston, a psychologist responsible for developing the first American lie detector exam and device. An adaptation of his R/I technique is still in use in pre-employment screening in the United States.
However, the R/I technique used by the Federal Government uses a different questioning strategy than employment polygraphy. Experts agree that the current version is a variation of the “Control Question Technique” (CQT), which we’ll cover later.
As currently implemented by Federal polygraph examiners, the R/I technique relies on a control question format and comes in three different versions.
The traditional R/I Technique
The Federal variation.
The R/I technique is used in standard pre-employment screening tests in the private sector, but for Federal employees.
In the traditional R/I exams, the examiner asks relevant and irrelevant questions. Deceptive examinees exhibit significantly greater reactions to relevant questions than to irrelevant questions. Non-deceptive examinees respond equally to all the examiner’s questions since they don’t fear questions relating to crimes and drug use more than irrelevant ones.
According to psychologists, there are several well-recognized issues with the traditional R/I technique. For instance, the intent of irrelevant and relevant questions is transparent, meaning the examinee finds the relevant questions more arousing for deceptive and truthful subjects.
The questions in the R/I technique aren’t typically reviewed with the examinee pretest. As a result, an overreaction to relevant questions may be due to their misunderstanding, surprise, or deception. The examinee’s reaction to these questions could also be muted due to drug use, such as Xanax, or to the reduced responsivity of examinees.
These effects are more challenging to detect with the R/I technique than with other questioning methodologies. Due to these issues, there’s little confidence in the traditional R/I technique.
As a result, the traditional R/I technique isn’t usually valid for use in specific incident polygraph exams conducted in the public or private sector. Typically, it features in employee investigations involving nonspecific topics, such as pre-employment screening.
The Federal Government will occasionally use the traditional R/I technique and a version that functions as a CQT. The Federal Government version is the General Question Test (GQT). It’s similar to the Reid Technique we’ll discuss shortly, with the goal of asking questions covering all aspects of the examinee’s life.
The Reid Technique & CQT – Relevant Questions for Federal Polygraph Exams
Federal agencies, such as the CIA, FBI, and NSA, typically use the CQT test developed by John E. Reid & Associates when screening employees. The test uses four relevant questions.
Did you steal any merchandise from previous employers in the last five years?
Did you steal any money from previous employers in the last five years?
Did you take part in or commit any serious crime in the previous ten years?
Did you falsify information on your employment application?
The Reid Technique varies from the Federal method in specific ways. For instance, if the examinee doesn’t admit guilt to any of the above questions, the examiner may probe the examinee until they admit to one. For example, they might press the subject to admit to an act as menial as stealing pocket change from their parents as kids.
The examiner rules out past transgressions by adding an exclusionary phrase, “Other than what we have discussed, have you ever stolen anything from an employer?” It’s assumed by the examiner that, at this point, the examiner is possibly concealing other actions or is anxious that there are others they might have overlooked in their past.
This anxiety is elevated due to the polygraph examiner’s emphasis on uncovering the truth and ascertaining the examinee isn’t the type of person that could commit a crime referred to in the relevant questions.
Additionally, the examiner includes irrelevant questions alongside relevant and control questions during the exam to establish a baseline response in the examinee. Several versions of the CQT technique are regularly employed in Federal exams, and its adaptations depend both on the examiner’s training and the test situation.
The Reid Technique variant of the CQT may include relevant questions regarding several aspects of potential crimes, such as breaking into an employer’s office, stealing a check, and cashing it. Examiners using Reid’s version of the CQT compare responses to relevant and control questions.
They note the examinee’s behavior during the session, looking for behavioral symptoms in deceptive subjects. The examiner compares polygraph responses bolstered by information regarding the examinee’s behavior to judge the examinee’s veracity.
Here’s an example of the types of questions and progression used in the Reid CQT polygraph exam.
Is your nickname “Jim?” (Where information disclosed in the pretest interview shows the examinee said their nickname was as such).
Are you over 18 years of age? (Where the examinee’s age is close to this figure).
Last Saturday night, did you rob the warehouse?
Are you in Los Angeles now?
Did you rob the warehouse?
Besides what you’ve told me about, have you ever stolen anything else?
Did you go to school?
Did you steal the company inventory last Saturday night?
Do you know who stole the merchandise from the warehouse?
Have you ever stolen anything from a place where you worked?
Polygraph Exams in the Private Sector – Adaptations of the R/I Technique
Regarding polygraph testing in the private sector, examiners typically use a variation of the R/I technique as the principal questioning method in pre-employment screening or random and specific polygraph testing of employees.
Unlike the questions featured in other techniques, the R/I questions don’t always focus on one specific instance, such as the example of robbing a warehouse mentioned previously. So, the examiner can use this R/I method to assess several issues to evaluate the examinee’s responses and honesty.
In pre-employment polygraph exams, the examiner typically presents the examinee with a series of relevant questions. They’ll interject with irrelevant questions randomly to establish a baseline response in the examinee.
Most relevant questions asked during the exam refer to the examinee’s past behavior that might disqualify them from the job they applied for with the employer. Examples include theft, debt, drug use, fighting with colleagues, or sexual harassment.
Some exams may include relevant questions regarding the candidate’s background or intentions regarding the reason for working for the company. For example, “Are you seeking employment with this company for reasons other than legitimate employment?”
10 Most Asked Relevant Questions During Employment Lie Detector Tests
If you’re going for a pre-employment polygraph screening, you can expect the examiner to ask variations of the following ten relevant questions during the session.
Did you tell the truth on your employee application?
Have you ever deliberately withheld information from an employee application?
Have you ever been fired from a job?
Since the age of 16 have you ever been convicted of a crime?
During the past year, have you used cannabis more than once per month?
Have you used any other illegal drug or abused or misused any prescription medication in the last year?
Have you sold or distributed cannabis, illegal drugs, or prescription medications in the past five years?
Have you ever stolen more than $500 worth of merchandise in any calendar year from an employer?
Are you seeking employment with this company for any reason other than legitimate employment?
Have you deliberately lied to any of the questions I asked you?
Top 15 Lie Detector Test Questions to Uncover Infidelity
Below is a list of the top 15 lie detector test questions designed to uncover facts about infidelity. These questions are tailored to directly address the issue, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
Questions:
Since [specified date], have you had sexual intercourse with someone other than your partner?
Have you used a dating app or website to meet someone else while in your current relationship?
Since the beginning of your relationship, have you kissed someone else with a romantic interest?
Have you lied to your partner about your whereabouts for the purpose of meeting someone else?
Did you exchange explicit messages or photos with anyone other than your partner since your relationship started?
Have you spent the night away from home with a romantic interest other than your partner since your relationship began?
Have you told someone else you are not in a relationship when in fact you were?
Have you had romantic feelings for someone else and acted upon them since starting your current relationship?
Have you received gifts from a romantic interest other than your partner and kept them secret?
Are you currently maintaining a secret romantic relationship with someone other than your partner?
Have you engaged in any form of sexual activity with a person other than your partner since the start of your relationship?
Did you visit anyone with the intention of engaging in sexual activities while in a committed relationship with your current partner?
Since being in your relationship, have you had a sexual encounter with someone else while traveling or on a trip?
Have you ever shared a hotel room with someone you were sexually involved with, other than your partner, since your relationship began?
Since committing to your current partner, have you participated in any sexual acts, including but not limited to oral sex, with another individual?
The questions listed above are designed to cut through the complexities of emotional narratives and focus on the factual aspects of infidelity. It’s important to remember that the use of a lie detector test should be a carefully considered decision, particularly in personal relationships. The results can have a significant impact on the individuals involved and should be handled with the utmost sensitivity and respect for privacy.
Open communication, counseling, and mutual understanding are also vital components in navigating the challenges of a relationship impacted by infidelity suspicions.
How Do You Receive Your Polygraph Exam Results?
After completing the polygraph exam, the examiner will thank you for your time and ask you to leave the room. Don’t ask the examiner for your test results before you go; they can’t give them to you because they have yet to make their final assessment of the polygraph test.
The examiner takes the data from the exam session and analyzes it alongside the video recording of the test at their office. If they suspect you’re being deceptive, they’ll review the recording and study your body language to confirm their suspicions.
Once the examiner is confident of their decision, they type a report and send it to the client requesting the polygraph exam. Your employer will notify you of your test results two to three days after taking the test.
Polygraph tests, often depicted in movies and TV shows, have captivated audiences worldwide, presenting an intriguing blend of suspense and drama. However, these portrayals frequently distort the reality of polygraph testing, leading to widespread misconceptions. It’s essential to distinguish between dramatized representations and the professional accuracy of actual polygraph examinations. While some elements in media portrayals might hold a grain of truth, many aspects, especially concerning procedure, equipment handling, and examiner-interrogator dynamics, are exaggerated or simply incorrect.
This discussion aims to debunk some common myths perpetuated by media representations and shed light on the actual process and standards of professional polygraph testing.
Exaggerated Time Frames: Media often condenses or dramatizes the timing of polygraph tests for entertainment value, overshadowing the meticulous and time-consuming nature of real-life polygraph examinations.
Over-Dramatized Examinee Behavior: Fictional accounts tend to show examinees displaying overt nervousness or deception through exaggerated physical movements, which is far from the controlled environment of a genuine polygraph test.
Sensationalized Interrogation Techniques: Unlike the high-stakes, confrontational questioning often seen on screen, professional polygraph tests are conducted within the bounds of ethical standards, focusing on maintaining a neutral and supportive environment.
Instant Results for Dramatic Effect: While instant revelations make for compelling television, actual polygraph results require careful analysis and are not determined in the sensationalized, immediate manner often depicted.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for individuals who might be considering a polygraph test. The reality of polygraph testing is far removed from the high-drama scenarios presented in entertainment media. This discrepancy can lead to unrealistic expectations or apprehensions about the process, potentially affecting an individual’s perception and experience of a real polygraph examination.
In reality, polygraph tests are conducted with a high degree of professionalism. The process involves a detailed pre-test phase, a carefully controlled testing environment, and a thorough post-test analysis, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the results.
Furthermore, the qualifications and experience of the polygraph examiner play a significant role in the integrity of the test. It’s advisable to seek out a credentialed, experienced examiner who can provide a clear, accurate, and respectful testing experience.
In summary, while polygraph tests in media can make for engaging storylines, it’s important to recognize these portrayals for what they are: dramatized and not fully representative of the professional, ethical, and methodical approach that defines real polygraph examinations. When faced with the prospect of a polygraph test, individuals should focus on the facts and professional standards that govern this specialized field, ensuring a clear understanding and proper preparation for the experience.
Finding out you have to take a polygraph exam is an unnerving experience for most people. The thought of being to a machine that can detect if you’re lying seems terrifying. What happens if they ask you about something in your past that makes you feel ashamed? How will that affect your reputation with your employer?
Many people have this concern. We innately don’t trust people that want to pry into our private lives. What do they want to know this information for anyway? It’s common for people to feel stressed and uncertain when they’re facing the prospect of coming face-to-face with the polygraph examiner.
However, there’s nothing to be afraid of or concerned about during your polygraph exam. The examiner is not there to grill you on every mistake or bad decision you made in your life. They don’t care if you had a pain pill problem a few years ago or if you drank too many bottles of wine at lunch on the weekend.
The polygraph examiner is a professional. They have training and experience to keep them following the ethical code they signed up for when they took up their career. But don’t take our word for it just yet.
This post gives you everything you need to know about the examiner and whether you can trust them enough to feel comfortable in the polygraph exam room.
Polygraph Examiners Undergo Extensive Training in Polygraphy and Ethics
The polygraph examiner starts the training for their career in high school. During this time, the prospective examiner must complete science, math, biology, and English courses. These subjects give them the foundation they need to apply for university.
After graduating high school, the aspiring polygraph examiner enrolls at a university. They’ll study a BA or BSc degree in criminal psychology or a similar field and spend four years on their studies. When they graduate from college, the aspiring examiner must enroll at an approved, accredited polygraph school.
There are several polygraph schools in the United States. All these institutions undergo licensing and regulation by the American Polygraph Association (APA). The APA sets strict guidelines and standards for the coursework and practical testing offered by polygraph schools across the country.
The polygraph examiner spends 12 to 18 months at a polygraph school, learning the aspects surrounding the polygraph software, instrumentation, and questioning procedures. The examiner also learns a code of ethics they must adhere to during their career.
Ethics is a huge part of polygraph examiners’ training. The APA realizes that polygraph examiners have a huge responsibility to their clients and the examinees they test. The APA ensures that polygraph examiner gets the right training to keep them ethical during their career.
Polygraph Examiners Take Internships for Experience
After the polygraph examiner finishes their studies and training at a polygraph school, they start an internship with a registered polygraph examination business. During this apprenticeship, they follow experienced polygraph examiners that show them the ropes of applying their knowledge to develop their skillset.
Internships last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the form and the polygraph examiner’s performance. Only after they finish their apprenticeship are they able to conduct exams themselves. Overall, it’s a six to seven-year process for the examiner to go from entering university to sitting down and running their first official polygraph exam.
Not only is it a huge investment of their time, but it also costs them a fortune to qualify for this career. To place this at risk by stepping outside of the ethics code would be a silly thing for them to do. So, you can rely on the polygraph examiner to follow their training and always stick to their code of ethics.
Polygraph Examiners Get Certified and Tested
Polygraph examiners don’t stop their training after attending polygraph school. Many of them go on to specialize in different fields of expertise. For example, some might undergo certification to work in public-sector institutions like law enforcement agencies. Others may go on to work in the testing of sex offenders.
These specialized courses earn them certification to work in these areas, costing them more time and money on their career path. To think that the polygraph examiner would put all this on the line to tamper with results would be ludicrous.
When polygraph examiners join a firm, they’ll receive periodic testing by the company, where they have to undergo lie detector tests themselves. These tests check to see that the examiner is living up to the code of ethics and not practicing unethical exams for clients.
Polygraph Examiners Are Always Under Review
The polygraph examiner is always under the scrutiny of their firm and the APA. Suppose they conduct a polygraph, and the examinee feels the examiner didn’t live up to their ethics code, possibly tampering with the test results. In that case, they have a right to file a complaint against their employer and the examiner.
The examinee seeks legal counsel and unpacks the reasons why they feel they were mistreated at the hands of the examiner. The attorney will file an official complaint with the US Labor Department, the body that enforces “The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988” (EPPA).
The EPPA legislation provides a set of guidelines employers and polygraph examiners must follow when implementing a polygraph policy in the workplace. If the US Labor Department receives a complaint, they’ll investigate the matter.
This investigation involves the US Labor Department investigating both the employer and the examiner. The examiner must ensure the client follows all paperwork procedures surrounding implementing a polygraph policy and its compliance with the EPPA.
During the exam, the polygraph examiner records the session. The function of this video recording is two-fold. First, it assists the polygraph examiner with their post-exam analysis of the examinee’s responses to their questions.
It also acts as a video record of the polygraph examiner’s performance. The investigator from the US Labor Department reviews this footage to determine the polygraph examiner’s performance while conducting the exam.
If the US Labor Department finds the polygraph examiner acted unethically or outside of the scope of the EPPA, the Examiner risks losing their license, certification, and career.
Polygraph Examiners Remain Impartial & Subjective
So, in the polygraph examiners’ best interests, they always act ethically or risk an investigation that could ruin their career. The examiner’s role in the polygraph test is to make the employee or examinee feel comfortable and at ease with the scenario.
Apart from certain public-sector agencies, such as the CIA, examiners must adhere to their code of ethics and EPPA practices when working in the private sector. It’s their job to ensure the examinee feels at ease before taking the test, and they can’t be authoritative or forceful with the examinee.
The examiner must remain impartial and subjective of the examinees, and they can’t draw any conclusions from the exam or the questioning process other than if the examinee is being deceptive or truthful in their responses. It’s not the examiner’s job to judge the examinee on their behavior or if the actions they take in their personal life are right or wrong.
The examiner must maintain an impartial stance at all times, or they risk being in violation of their code of ethics.
Polygraph Examiners Adhere to the EPPA
As mentioned, “The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988” is the legislation providing guidelines for polygraph testing in the private sector. The US Labor Department enforces this legislation, and polygraph examiners must always comply with it.
If the polygraph examiner acts unethically, they not only put themselves at risk but also place their client at risk. The employer is subject to huge fines from the US Labor Department if their investigative team receives a complaint and they find the employer in violation of the Act.
The employee has rights regarding the lawful use of polygraphs in the workplace. If the employer or examiner doesn’t adhere to them, they open themselves to financial liability and a potential lawsuit. The examiner also faces the prospect of losing the career and livelihood they work so hard for during their years of training.
In the past, there were instances of polygraph examiners using their authority to pressure examinees into a failed result. However, the implementation of the EPPA saw massive changes in this behavior and huge penalties for breaking their code of ethics.
Polygraph Examiners Don’t Ask Personal Questions
When polygraph examiners perform lie detector tests in the private sector, they must adhere to the guidelines set by the EPPA. When an employer hires them to conduct the test, they cannot have any connection or business relationship with the client.
This practice ensures they remain impartial and uninfluenced during the exam. When the examiner meets with the client, they help them construct the polygraph policy in accordance with the EPPA. Part and parcel of this process involve the construction of a questionnaire for the examinee.
The examiner will work with the client to understand the nature of the problem, causing the need for the client to institute a polygraph policy. For example, the employer may have experienced an inventory theft, and employees may be making claims of sexual harassment between colleagues, fraud, or drug abuse in the workplace.
The examiner designs the questionnaire around this issue. Typically, the questionnaire involves around five questions related to the event. They do not create the questionnaire to probe into the examinee’s personal life.
So, typical questions in a case involving theft in the workplace would be the following.
Have you ever stolen from your employer?
Have you stolen from a past employer?
Did you steal the inventory?
Do you have unpaid debts you can’t service?
Have you used illegal drugs in the last 18 months?
The structure of these questions pertains to the nature of the crime and the employer’s potential motives for stealing the inventory. Suppose the examinee displays signs of deception, and the examiner thinks they may be related to nervousness more than deception. In that case, they may ask the employee why it looks like they feel anxious.
They’ll allow the employee to explain their mental state and why it could influence the test results. However, the examiner will not try to purposefully set up or lead the employee into admitting they have any involvement in the crime.
The Polygraph Examiner Secures Your Records
The polygraph examiner collects data from the polygraph machine during the exam session. They store this data securely, along with the video recording of the session. Strict rules and guidelines surrounding how the examiner stores and shares this data.
The examiner may not turn this data over to employers, and they can’t share it with anyone outside of their firm. Doing so would be a violation of their ethics code, placing them at huge liability risk. So, you can rely on the polygraph examiner to keep your records secure, and they won’t share them with anyone else.
Can You Trust the Polygraph Examiner?
Based on what we’ve covered in this article, you should fully understand the examiner’s role in the polygraph test. They are not there to try and trip you up or talk you into admitting to anything. They have one goal in the session: to determine if you’re being deceptive with your answers.
You can trust the examiner to act responsibly during the procedure and to adhere to their code of ethics. If you have any issues with the examiner’s performance and their ethical conduct during the exam, you have the right to pursue legal action against them.
The examiner is well aware of this, and they won’t overstep their legal boundaries. You’re dealing with a professional, and you can expect them to act as such.
Explore More on Polygraph Examinations and Ethical Conduct
For further insights into polygraph tests and the conduct of polygraph examiners, explore these related articles:
Are you preparing to take a polygraph test soon? Whether you’re applying for a government position, involved in a legal investigation, or facing other circumstances, the prospect of undergoing a lie detector test can be daunting. However, understanding the process, technology, and purpose of the polygraph can help ease your concerns.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what a polygraph test entails, its accuracy, and how you can prepare for it. With the right knowledge, you can approach your polygraph exam with confidence, knowing that it’s a reliable tool designed to uncover the truth.
What is a Polygraph?
A polygraph, commonly referred to as a lie detector test, is a sophisticated tool used to measure physiological responses in an individual to determine if they are being truthful. Polygraph tests are widely used across various sectors, including government agencies, legal settings, and sometimes even in private matters. The goal of the polygraph is not just to detect lies but to identify signs of deception based on physiological indicators.
The polygraph operates by recording several biological responses, including:
– Breathing rate: Monitored through corrugated rubber tubes placed around the chest and abdomen.
– Heart rate and blood pressure: Measured using a blood pressure cuff.
– Sweat gland activity: Detected through electrodes attached to the fingers.
– Body movementsIn some cases, a motion pad is used to detect subtle physical shifts.
These physiological responses are captured and analyzed by specialized software, allowing the examiner to detect inconsistencies that may indicate deception.
How Does a Polygraph Work?
When you undergo a polygraph test, the examiner will first explain the procedure and what you can expect. This preliminary step is designed to put you at ease and ensure you understand the process.
The test begins with the examiner asking a series of baseline questions. These are simple, non-threatening questions designed to establish your normal physiological responses. Once the baseline is established, the examiner will proceed with the actual test, asking a mix of relevant and control questions to gauge your responses.
Throughout the test, the examiner monitors your physiological responses to determine whether there are significant deviations from the baseline. If your body shows signs of stress or deception, the examiner may ask follow-up questions to clarify the responses.
Polygraph examiners are highly trained professionals with expertise in interpreting the data collected during the test. Their experience, combined with advanced technology, ensures that the results are accurate and reliable.
Understanding what to expect during the polygraph test can help reduce anxiety. Educate yourself about the process and the types of questions you might be asked. This preparation will help you feel more comfortable and confident going into the exam.
2. Maintain Your Routine
On the day of the test, stick to your normal routine. Eat breakfast if you usually do, and avoid making any drastic changes to your habits. This consistency helps maintain your physiological baseline, leading to more accurate results.
3. Relax and Breathe
It’s natural to feel nervous before a polygraph test, but try to stay calm. Focus on breathing steadily and remain relaxed. Remember, the polygraph is a tool designed to detect deception, not to catch you off guard if you’re telling the truth.
Polygraph tests are highly accurate when conducted by experienced examiners. The technology has evolved significantly over the years, with modern polygraphs using advanced software to provide precise readings of physiological responses.
While no test is infallible, the combination of sophisticated technology and the expertise of the examiner ensures that polygraph tests are a reliable method for detecting deception. The polygraph’s accuracy is further enhanced by the rigorous protocols and standards followed by professional examiners.
If you don’t pass a polygraph test, it doesn’t automatically mean you were deceptive. Factors such as nervousness, misunderstanding of questions, or even physical conditions can sometimes affect the results. However, professional examiners are trained to differentiate between such factors and genuine signs of deception.
If there are concerns about the accuracy of the test, you may have the opportunity to retake the exam or provide additional information to clarify your responses.
Who Uses Polygraph Testing?
Polygraph tests are used by a wide range of organizations and agencies, each with specific reasons for administering them.
Government Agencies
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies frequently use polygraph tests for pre-employment screening, security clearances, and criminal investigations.
Legal and Judicial Systems
Polygraph tests may be used in legal contexts, such as by attorneys, parole officers, and during probation. They can also be part of monitoring procedures for convicted individuals, such as sex offenders.
Private Sector
While the use of polygraphs in the private sector is regulated by the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988, certain situations, such as investigating theft or fraud, may warrant their use.
Polygraph testing remains a valuable and reliable tool for uncovering the truth in various contexts. Its ability to detect deception through physiological responses provides a unique insight that other methods cannot. While it’s natural to feel apprehensive about undergoing a polygraph test, understanding the process and its purpose can help alleviate concerns.
Approach your polygraph test with confidence, knowing that it is a scientifically grounded method for assessing truthfulness. Whether for employment, legal matters, or personal issues, the polygraph serves as a critical instrument in the pursuit of truth.
A Comprehensive Guide to Polygraph Associations Across the USA
In an era where the truth is often a valued commodity, the science of polygraph stands as a critical tool in the quest for honesty and integrity. Across the United States, various polygraph associations operate with the commitment to uphold the standards, ethics, and methodologies of lie detection. This article delves into the expansive network of polygraph associations in the USA, offering a detailed overview of their roles, services, and contact information.
From the Indiana Polygraph Association in the heartlands to the California Association of Polygraph Examiners on the West Coast, these organizations play pivotal roles in standardizing testing protocols and ensuring ethical practices within the polygraph industry. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, a legal professional, or simply an individual interested in the science of truth verification, understanding the landscape of these associations is invaluable.
Join us as we explore this intricate network, shedding light on the regional and national bodies that form the backbone of the American polygraph community. Through this guide, readers will gain insights into how these associations contribute to the field, the services they offer, and how to contact them for professional needs or inquiries.
Preparing for a lie detector test? Get insights into the most common questions asked during polygraph exams in both government and private sectors, including specific queries for infidelity cases. This article offers a comprehensive guide to help you understand and prepare for the types of questions you might face, whether for professional screening or personal matters. Stay informed and ready for your upcoming lie detector test.
Decoding polygraph myths from TV: Real tests are professional, ethical, and methodical, unlike dramatized portrayals. Know the facts for a clear understanding.
Concerned about trusting a polygraph examiner during your test? Understandably, the thought of undergoing a lie detector test can be daunting. However, polygraph examiners are trained professionals bound by ethical standards. Their goal is not to pry into your personal life but to conduct the test fairly and accurately, focusing on specific issues relevant to the examination. Trust in their professionalism and the confidentiality of the process.
Discover everything you need to know about polygraphs: how they work, their accuracy, and how to prepare for one. Whether for a job or other reasons, learn what to expect and how results can impact your life.
Discover the intricate network of Polygraph Associations across the USA in our comprehensive guide. Delve into the roles, services, and contact information of these organizations, vital in upholding the standards and ethics of lie detection. Explore regional and national bodies integral to the American polygraph community.
Finding the best lie detector test service requires careful consideration. This guide provides tips on what to look for in a reputable polygraph examiner, including qualifications, experience, and customer reviews.
Opting for a cheap lie detector test can backfire. This article highlights the potential hidden costs and pitfalls of low-cost polygraph services, emphasizing the importance of choosing quality over price.
Ensure your US polygraph examiner is APA-accredited for reliable results. Beware of non-accredited individuals and prioritize those committed to ongoing training and using the latest technology. Avoid hidden fees by seeking all-inclusive, fixed quotes.
Many wonder if it's possible to deceive a polygraph test. This article explores the techniques people use to try to beat the test, their effectiveness, and the measures examiners take to detect countermeasures.
Why Home Lie Detector Tests Are Not Ideal: The Importance of Professional, Controlled Environments. Understand the limitations of home lie detector tests and why professional settings provide more accurate and reliable outcomes.
Explore our guide on hiring polygraph pros! Understand the polygraph process, find qualified examiners, and ensure ethical, legal compliance for your needs. #PolygraphExperts #LieDetectorServices
With so many providers available to us, offering the same types of services online, it can be quite overwhelming deciding on which one to use. Finding the best Lie Detector test service is not straightforward.
Self-employed polygraph examiners working alone
There might be a single self-employed examiner locally but in a largely unregulated industry, how do you know if he or she is experienced and qualified. Are you sure the examiner is unbiased and isn’t a friend of the person who is asking you to take the test?
There is no doubt that there are exceptionally good polygraph examiners who work alone. However, when an examiner is newly qualified he or she will seek to recoup the expensive cost of their training and equipment. Hence there is a possibility that they will seek a high quantity of clients in their initial two years of practice. Quantity is not always quality.
The singular self-employed may also not have the most up to date equipment or be accredited by any recognised regulatory body such as the APA (American Polygraph Association).
Examiners working under the umbrella of an organisation
Unlike polygraph examiners who work for themselves, those who work for or with an established company don’t have to worry about recouping their costs. They are provided with a steady stream of work according to their specialist skills.
An ethical code of conduct is required of them by the organisation, whether employed or as an associate, in terms of their accreditation certificate.
They will also be required to complete ongoing training for their entire career whilst employed by a reputable organisation.
In addition, whenever they conduct a lie detector test the results are peer reviewed, ensuring the highest level of accuracy.
Examiners working alone are answerable only to themselves and if accredited, to the organisation that has accredited them. In their first years of practice, they invariably do not have the resources available that employed or associate examiners have.
Lie Detector Test
Naturally we believe we provide the best Lie Detector Test service but we have good reason to think so. We have an enviable reputation built over many years working within a wide range of industries. Our client reviews speak for themselves.
When booking a test with us, we guarantee:
That it will be conducted by a professional, APA accredited, Forensic Psychologist
All tests are cross examined by a second equally qualified polygraph examiner ensuring the highest accuracy is provided
Examiners will use the latest technology available including hardware, software and testing techniques
It is compulsory for our examiners to take APA refresher courses every two years to ensure they are competent in using the most up to date technology and methodology
You will receive a full analytical report which includes detailed information about what has been discussed in the pre-test interview, which questions were asked about the specific issue, and whether or not deception was identified
You will be provided with full details of the credentials of the APA accredited , Forensic Psychologist conducting the polygraph examination
Our examiners are professional but also supportive and approachable
Our experienced support staff will guide you through the booking process, to establish exactly what you need from the test. Highly qualified and experienced, our support team will take you step by step through the pre-examination form to ensure you are fully informed and prepared for the test.
Lie detector test result evidence
Private polygraph examinations are largely used to settle disputes before they get to courts or tribunals. However, this doesn’t mean that lie detector test results are inadmissible. If submitted to civil courts as part of wider evidence the judge will decide whether or not to allow them. There is more likelihood that a judge will consider them when the test has been taken voluntarily and there is corroborating evidence.
Your solicitor will mention that you have taken a test with no deception found. This will be logged in the minds of those in court so would therefore place you in good stead.
It’s wise to consider that like many other highly professional services the cheapest is rarely the best. If something important is riding on the results it’s worth budgeting sensibly for it.
For family disputes, there is no better way to prove you are telling the truth than providing them with a complete, professional, analytical report that clearly indicates no deception was found.
The best lie detector test polygraph service
We hope this article has provided you with sufficient information on how to find the best Lie Detector Test Service. If you have further questions, please contact us for an informal, confidential discussion about your specific issue.
When the results were given to them, it transpired that William had allegedly cheated but Jessica hadn’t. This led to the couple separating despite William protesting his innocence. Months later, Jessica was miserable and wished the results had turned out differently.
William was not only sad but angry. He knew he hadn’t been guilty of infidelity and was determined to prove it. He began researching on the internet and found there were aspects of the test that didn’t appear right.
Lie detector test environment
Having the tests administered at their home seemed a great idea. It meant they didn’t have to travel and they could be done over the weekend when they weren’t working. However, it hadn’t been made clear to them that interruptions could affect the results.
During William’s test someone rang the doorbell and their dog barked incessantly until it was opened. Jessica interrupted the test to tell him that someone from work needed to speak to him urgently. At this stage a professional examiner would have stopped the test and either arranged another date or started the test again. He did neither and continued with the polygraph examination.
There were a further three noisy occurrences during William’s test. He was stressed by them all. He learned from his research that polygraph tests are usually conducted in controlled, secure offices where there are no distractions. If administered at home the same environment must exist.
The ‘polygraph examiner’
The examiner seemed to be in a hurry as he said he had other appointments to get to. William’s test took slightly longer than Jessica’s because of the interruptions. But the two tests were completed within an hour and a half.
William learned that the average polygraph test takes around 2 hours, and that is just one test. Another concerning issue was that the examiner’s understanding of English wasn’t great. He had to repeat his issue with Jessica three times before the examiner understood.
His research led him to believe that he should have been asked for all the information before the examiner arrived.
A not so cheap lie detector test
William contacted us for another polygraph test at one of our offices. He sat through over an hour of pre-test interview and had provided us with all the information we needed to formulate questions before he arrived.
The results of the test proved he had never been unfaithful to Jessica and he received a fully analysed, peer reviewed report to present to his girlfriend. He didn’t get this from the previous examiner. He is now back on track with his girlfriend. Jessica won’t be taking another test as William has decided to trust her. He will maybe reconsider if more suspicions arise.
The ‘polygraph examiner’ William used is no longer in business. His website is down and William hasn’t been able to contact him on the phone number he provided.
Cheap Polygraph Service
William’s case is not the first we have had and we doubt it will be the last. A cheap lie detector test might appeal but in reality you get what you pay for.
Professionals in any sphere of industry are not cheap. They are highly qualified and trained individuals who work hard for their clients to provide the best service possible.
Lie Detector Test has built an enviable reputation within the Polygraph Industry. Our examiners are accredited by the most respected polygraph organisation in the world – the American Polygraph Association. They are all qualified in forensic psychology, criminology or other relevant discipline making them among the best in their field.
When your relationship is on the line or something really important is riding on a result, skimping on price may lead you to pay more than you need to. In the end you’ll invariably have to get the job done professionally.
In the quest for truth and resolution, Lie Detector Test UK stands as a beacon of trust and accuracy. Operating in the United Kingdom, this professional polygraph (lie detector) service provider offers comprehensive solutions to individuals dealing with issues of trust, infidelity, and personal disputes. This article will explore the world of polygraph services in the UK, focusing on the excellence of Lie Detector Test UK and the valuable assistance it provides to both local and international clients seeking truth and closure.
A Client-Centric Approach
At the core of Lie Detector Test UK’s ethos lies an unwavering dedication to its clients’ emotional well-being. In a world filled with deception, the team at Lie Detector Test UK understands the importance of addressing lies that can wreak havoc on personal lives, from infidelity to false accusations and family disputes. The organization places clients’ needs at the forefront, taking the time to listen carefully and respectfully to each matter brought to their attention. Every client relationship is built on individual requirements, ensuring a tailored approach that respects privacy, whether among family members, employees, or social groups.
Excellence in Expertise
Lie Detector Test UK boasts the use of the best and most modern polygraph equipment available in the industry. Regular equipment upgrades are part of their commitment to delivering accurate results. With over 40 years of combined experience in the Polygraph Industry, their examiners are vetted, highly trained, and accredited by the BPS (British Polygraph Society) and the APA (American Polygraph Association), a leading international organization in lie detector testing. Clients can request information on the specific APA membership class related to each of their polygraph examiners.
The UK’s Premier Private & Confidential Lie Detector Test Provider
Lie Detector Test UK offers controlled offices in major towns and cities across the UK, ensuring accessibility to their services. Whether you require a private or business lie detector test, they can accommodate your needs at no extra cost. Their specialized, skilled, and experienced examiners adhere to a strict operating framework and code of ethics, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
Meet the Examiners
Clients can have full confidence that their private and confidential Lie Detector Test will be conducted by trained and highly experienced professionals. Lie Detector Test UK examiners possess a range of credentials, including:
Graduation from prestigious APA Polygraph Academies.
Degrees or similar qualifications in Forensic Psychology.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in Private Polygraph Testing.
Rigorous vetting for suitability and conduct.
Furthermore, examiners are trained to handle high-conflict situations with the necessary interpersonal and communication skills, given the sensitive nature of their work. Lie Detector Test UK emphasizes that they are professional experts, not just an agency.
Specialists in Private Matters
Understanding the nuances of each individual test requirement is crucial in handling private matters. Lie Detector Test UK ensures that the most relevantly trained examiners are selected to conduct the test. Examiners often specialize in specific areas such as infidelity testing, theft matters, or more complex issues like sex offender testing. The client support team is dedicated to ensuring that the most suitable examiners are assigned to each case.
A Commitment to Ethics and Standards
Lie Detector Test UK operates within a robust operating framework, guided by a strict code of ethics and high standards of practice. They are committed to helping people resolve private issues, from relationship challenges to false accusations, historical abuse, and private theft. Clients receive comprehensive reports that substantiate the findings of the test, with every test conducted by APA Accredited Examiners who have undergone rigorous training at renowned accredited polygraph schools.
The Truth Verification Process
Lie Detector Test UK’s private lie detector test is a combination of polygraph (physiological) measuring and psycho-analysis through forensic psychology. The verification of truth is determined by evaluating multiple factors, and the high accuracy achieved is the result of advancements in polygraph equipment and expert-level psychology in deception. The team conducts a substantial number of confidential criminal and legal tests regularly, and their examiners’ experience is unparalleled in the field.
Lie Detector Test UK, as the industry’s leading polygraph service provider in the UK, offers a path to uncover the truth and achieve resolution. With a client-focused approach, accredited examiners, and an unwavering commitment to professionalism and confidentiality, Lie Detector Test UK empowers individuals to address trust-related issues and personal disputes with confidence. Whether you are a resident of the UK or seeking truth from abroad, Lie Detector Test UK is dedicated to helping you discover the truth and move forward in life, armed with the liberating power of truth.
Lie Detector Test UK’s Nationwide Services
In a world where trust is invaluable and deception can cause profound turmoil, Lie Detector Test UK emerges as a beacon of truth. With a commitment to confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism, Lie Detector Test UK offers comprehensive private lie detector tests throughout the United Kingdom. Whether you’re in London, Glasgow, Cardiff, or any other city, our accredited examiners are dedicated to helping you find the answers you seek.
England – South East:
London – Lie Detector Test UK operates in various locations throughout London, offering private lie detector tests with controlled offices in most major areas.
Reading – Private lie detector tests are available in Reading through Lie Detector Test UK.
Brighton – Lie Detector Test UK serves Brighton and its surrounding areas with confidential testing services.
England – South West:
Bristol – Lie Detector Test UK provides services in Bristol, allowing residents to access private lie detector tests.
Plymouth – Residents in Plymouth can also avail themselves of private lie detector tests through Lie Detector Test UK.
Exeter – Lie Detector Test UK offers services in Exeter and its nearby regions.
England – East of England:
Cambridge – Private lie detector tests are available in Cambridge through Lie Detector Test UK.
Norwich – Residents in Norwich can access Lie Detector Test UK’s services for their testing needs.
Ipswich – Lie Detector Test UK serves Ipswich and its surrounding areas.
England – West Midlands:
Birmingham – Lie Detector Test UK provides private lie detector tests in Birmingham and its suburbs.
Coventry – Coventry residents can also avail themselves of Lie Detector Test UK’s services.
Wolverhampton – Lie Detector Test UK operates in Wolverhampton, offering confidential lie detector tests.
England – East Midlands:
Nottingham – Private lie detector tests are available in Nottingham through Lie Detector Test UK.
Leicester – Residents in Leicester can access Lie Detector Test UK’s services for their testing needs.
Derby – Lie Detector Test UK serves Derby and its nearby regions.
England – North West:
Manchester – Lie Detector Test UK provides services in Manchester, allowing residents to access private lie detector tests.
Liverpool – Residents in Liverpool can also avail themselves of private lie detector tests through Lie Detector Test UK.
Preston – Lie Detector Test UK operates in Preston and its surrounding areas.
England – Yorkshire and the Humber:
Leeds – Private lie detector tests are available in Leeds through Lie Detector Test UK.
Sheffield – Residents in Sheffield can access Lie Detector Test UK’s services for their testing needs.
York – Lie Detector Test UK serves York and its nearby regions.
England – North East:
Newcastle upon Tyne – Lie Detector Test UK provides private lie detector tests in Newcastle upon Tyne and its suburbs.
Sunderland – Sunderland residents can also avail themselves of Lie Detector Test UK’s services.
Durham – Lie Detector Test UK operates in Durham, offering confidential lie detector tests.
Scotland:
Glasgow – Private lie detector tests are available in Glasgow through Lie Detector Test UK.
Edinburgh – Residents in Edinburgh can access Lie Detector Test UK’s services for their testing needs.
Aberdeen – Lie Detector Test UK serves Aberdeen and its nearby regions.
Wales:
Cardiff – Lie Detector Test UK provides private lie detector tests in Cardiff and its suburbs.
Swansea – Swansea residents can also avail themselves of Lie Detector Test UK’s services.
Newport – Lie Detector Test UK operates in Newport, offering confidential lie detector tests.
Northern Ireland:
Belfast – Private lie detector tests are available in Belfast through Lie Detector Test UK.
Derry/Londonderry – Residents in Derry/Londonderry can access Lie Detector Test UK’s services for their testing needs.
London Boroughs:
Kingston upon Thames – Lie Detector Test UK offers services in Kingston upon Thames and its surrounding areas.
Croydon – Residents in Croydon can avail themselves of private lie detector tests through Lie Detector Test UK.
Enfield – Lie Detector Test UK serves Enfield and its nearby regions.
Greenwich – Private lie detector tests are available in Greenwich through Lie Detector Test UK.
Westminster – Residents in Westminster can access Lie Detector Test UK’s services for their testing needs.
Islington – Lie Detector Test UK operates in Islington, offering confidential lie detector tests.
Hammersmith and Fulham – Lie Detector Test UK provides private lie detector tests in Hammersmith and Fulham and its suburbs.
Tower Hamlets – Residents in Tower Hamlets can also avail themselves of Lie Detector Test UK’s services.
Hackney – Lie Detector Test UK serves Hackney and its nearby regions.
Lambeth – Private lie detector tests are available in Lambeth through Lie Detector Test UK.
Southwark – Residents in Southwark can access Lie Detector Test UK’s services for their testing needs.
Wandsworth – Lie Detector Test UK operates in Wandsworth, offering confidential lie detector tests.
Lewisham – Lie Detector Test UK provides private lie detector tests in Lewisham and its suburbs.
Brent – Residents in Brent can avail themselves of Lie Detector Test UK’s services.
Ealing – Lie Detector Test UK serves Ealing and its nearby regions.
Hillingdon – Private lie detector tests are available in Hillingdon through Lie Detector Test UK.
Hounslow – Residents in Hounslow can access Lie Detector Test UK’s services for their testing needs.
Harrow – Lie Detector Test UK operates in Harrow, offering confidential lie detector tests.
If you’re considering using the services of Lie Detector Test UK and want to gauge their reliability and customer satisfaction, a great way to do so is by checking out their client reviews. You can find a wealth of feedback and testimonials from past customers on Trustpilot, a well-known and respected review platform.
To see what previous clients have to say about their experiences with Lie Detector Test UK, visit their Trustpilot page at Lie Detector Test UK Reviews on Trustpilot. On this page, you’ll discover a range of reviews that can offer insights into various aspects of their service, including the professionalism of the staff, the accuracy of the tests, the quality of customer service, and overall satisfaction with the results.
Reading through these reviews can help you make an informed decision about whether Lie Detector Test UK is the right choice for your needs. Whether you’re dealing with personal matters, business disputes, or seeking truth in complex situations, understanding the experiences of others who have been in similar positions can be incredibly valuable.
Our lie detector tests are available across England, covering major cities and towns to ensure convenient access to professional polygraph examinations.
Our professional polygraph services are available in Belfast and surrounding areas, providing clients with accurate and discreet lie detection testing.
If you need a lie detector test, book a session with our expert examiners today. We operate in various locations to ensure accessibility and confidentiality. Visit Lie Detector UK for more information.
Guidelines to help you make an informed decision when choosing a US Polygraph Examier
Most professional polygraph examiners in the US are highly trained, fully qualified professionals who are accredited by the APA (American Polygraph Association). However, as applies to most industries ours is highly competitive and there are a few cowboys around.
You can instantly recognise the ‘ne’er do wells’ because they are not accredited by the APA. Sometimes even those accredited by the APA let competition get the better of them. They are, after all, experts in deception detection but not always experts in running businesses. Rarely you may find polygraph examiners who criticise other APA members because they have not learned the first rule of marketing – do not slate the opposition. They may do this because they do not have much business, or perhaps work in a slightly different way to other examiners. It is hard to believe that professionals in the polygraph industry would behave in this way, but occasionally it happens.
Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision when choosing an examiner and avoid pitfalls along the way:
Accreditation
If you have doubts about your chosen examiner’s accreditation you can easily search for them on the APA website (click here to start your search).
You can get all of the information you need about an accredited polygraph examiner from the APA. This includes whether or not the examiner has committed to ongoing training which is a condition of accreditation. Some polygraph companies advise that you ask for certificates, CVs, proof of qualifications, which school the examiner attended etc. It is important to understand that your polygraph examiner is not applying for a job with you or your organisation. You are ordering a lie detector test that you want to be administered by a suitably qualified professional. If the examiner is not a professional, they will not be accredited by the APA. So you can save yourself a lot of time and effort by visiting the APA website.
Continuous Professional Development
Before ordering your lie detector test ask the examiner whether the equipment being used is the latest in polygraph technology. If it is, you know you are getting the best and that the examiner is strictly adhering to compulsory CPD (Continuous Professional Development). This is essential for them to maintain their accreditation with the APA and involves committing to a minimum of 30 hours of CPD training bi annually. All polygraph examiners working for or with Lie Detector Test are CPD compliant.
Examiners using the old analogue equipment should be viewed with suspicion. For optimum accuracy the latest computerised technology is best and is the type all our examiners use.
All examiners at Lie Detector Test have been rigorously screened to ensure they have the correct qualifications and accreditation including background and criminal record checks.
Fees and Cancellation
The cost of a polygraph examination fluctuates based on the number of questions administered and the location of the test. Typically, the fee for a single-issue polygraph test ranges between $500 and $900. It is important to exercise caution with offers substantially below or above this range. Additionally, prices may increase to account for travel expenses incurred by the examiner to reach remote locations. If you are offered a test at a significantly lower or higher price you should question it.
Before scheduling the test, ensure there are no hidden fees. The provided quote should be all-inclusive and fixed.
Most polygraph examination providers do not refund a booking fee. This is usually stated clearly on their websites. If it is not, ask. If you have paid the full amount for a test and need to cancel, depending on the terms and conditions of the provider, normally you will be offered an alternative date. Invariably the test will need to be done within a month of the booking if you are offered an alternative appointment. If you cannot make the alternative date or have some other reason for cancelling, provided you give 48 hours’ notice, your money will normally be refunded less the booking fee.
Should you find that the polygraph examiner offers no refund you might want to think about looking for another provider.
Duration of test and results
The average time allocated for a lie detector test is 2 hours depending on the complexity of the issue. This will encompass the pre-test interview and the test.
If you are offered a polygraph examination over the phone or internet, this is a scam. Do not book it or pay any money for it. There is no technology currently available that detects deception on the phone or via the internet.
The examiner may be able to give you the results verbally after the test. The fully analysed report is usually available within 24 hours. It is always best to use an examiner who gets his or her report peer reviewed. This means that another fully qualified polygraph examiner checks the report for accuracy.
Although a polygraph examination is commonly referred to as a lie detector test the process detects deception or the lack of it. The terminology in your report should reflect this. If it does not, ask why.
Contained within the report will be:
The name of the examiner including contact details
Date of the polygraph examination
Name of the subject
Pre-acquaintance notes
Questions that were asked (maximum of 4)
Analysis of responses
The report should be signed by the examiner.
If any or all of these components are missing, query it.
Customer Care
At Lie Detector Test we have a dedicated Customer Support Team. They will be the first point of contact when communicating with our company. They can answer any queries you may have regarding the examination process.
If you need or want to speak with a polygraph examiner our Customer Support staff will arrange it. Our polygraph examiners are not switchboard operators and do not answer calls directly. This is usually because they are out conducting lie detector tests, analysing results and having them peer reviewed.
Our polygraph examiners dedicate some time each week to answering questions that are sent to us by email. The queries and answers are sometimes published on our blog to help others who may find themselves in similar situations.
Some companies do have polygraph examiners answering telephones in which case you might want to consider how big the organisation is, or indeed how busy it is.
Reviews
Most customers check reviews nowadays and Lie Detector Test is registered with the most reliable review site on the internet – Trust Pilot. We currently have the most reviews of any polygraph service provider in the US. Trust Pilot works very hard to ensure that no fake reviews can be posted and that all reviews are genuine, good or bad.
If a polygraph service provider only has reviews on their own website ask to speak to one of the clients who have left a review.
Stability
Usually when a website is set up you are allocated a number of email addresses. Beware companies that have no dedicated email addresses connected with their website and use web based Hotmail or Gmail. It’s not very professional and should give rise to concern about stability and professionality.
Over time we have written some blog posts related to choosing a polygraph examiner and what to be wary of.
Are you going for a polygraph exam? Lie detector tests are one of the most effective tools for uncovering deceptive behavior. You can lie to someone fact and have them believe it, but lying to a machine and a trained professional is a different story. If you think you’re going to get away with deceptive behavior in a polygraph exam, think again – it’s not going to happen.
According to industry professionals, polygraphs are up to 98% effective at identifying deceptive behavior. Advocates against polygraph testing say that figure is more likely to be around 60% to 70%, but they’re using outdated statistics. A lot has changed in polygraph technology since those stats were introduced.
Polygraph has entered the digital era using algorithms and AI to detect physiological responses pointing toward deceptive behavior. Lying is getting tougher than ever, thanks to technology, and the chances of you beating a polygraph test are next to zero.
How can we make that claim? We’ve all read that polygraphs aren’t infallible. Even lie detector proponents say there’s a 2% margin for error. So, can’t you end up in that 2%? Not likely, and this post will explain why.
What Is a Polygraph?
First, let’s start by understanding a polygraph test and how it works. Polygraph technology started back in the days of the Spanish Inquisition. The evil people responsible for executing non-believers would question them and notice an increased pulse rate when people lie.
This discovery was refined in the 1870s, with the first device to measure pulse rate increases to identify when someone is lying. The tech was further advanced in the coming 50 years to identify changes in respiration rate, blood pressure, and the skin when people were lying. In the early 1920s, John Larson created the first modern polygraph, with Leonard Keeler advancing his tech to the current standard.
The 1990s saw the introduction of computerized technology integrated into polygraph systems, with further refinement of this digital tech leading us to the modern polygraph we use today. Those voices stating polygraph is inaccurate often cite studies from the late 1980s, showing inaccuracies in polygraph results.
However, the tech saw a lot of changes over the last 35 years, and today, computer-assisted polygraph technology is more accurate than ever. The polygraph uses mechanical and electrical equipment connected to a computer system running software designed to interpret the physiological changes in a person’s body connected to the equipment.
A dedicated, trained examiner monitors the software, interpreting the signals it creates when an examinee answers questions. Let’s unpack this process in detail.
The Polygraph Exam Process
The polygraph exam starts with your boss or the polygraph company administering the test, preparing you with what to expect during the event. They’ll inform you of your rights and what will happen during the exam. Typically, you’ll get 24 hours notice before the exam, and you’ll have to sign a consent form stating you’re willing to be polygraphed.
The Equipment
You’ll sit in a straight-backed chair when you enter the exam room on the test day. The seat will usually have a pad on it to detect unconscious movement. The examiner will introduce themselves and explain why you’re there and what to expect from the polygraph exam.
After you’re comfortable, they’ll place corrugated rubber tubes across your chest and tummy to measure your respiration rate. You wear a blood pressure cuff to measure changes in BP and a sensor on your fingertip to measure circulation changes. The examiner also attaches pads to your hands to monitor your sweat glands.
The Software
The equipment connects to a laptop running advanced software. This program interprets the equipment’s signals, creating charts the examiner uses to identify changes in your physiological response when they ask you questions.
The software model was introduced to the polygraph process in the early 1990s, and todays, versions are much more advanced than the first iterations of these programs. Today’s algorithms feature AI and machine learning, allowing the software to detect the most intricate changes in your physiological response.
After connecting you to the system with the equipment and software, the polygraph examiner starts the test. They begin by asking you a set of “control questions.” These questions are simple queries reading your name, age, where you work, etc. These control questions aim to build a baseline response in the software model.
When the examiner has a chart of your average physiological response when they know you’re telling the truth, they move on to the exam. This is where the real questioning begins. The examiner will run through a series of questions looking for indications of deception.
In many cases, they’re not looking to judge you on your behavior. For instance, if you think you might have too many glasses of wine at night, they won’t care about this behavior. So, it’s important not to conceal anything about you.
For instance, in the scenario of your love of wine, telling the examiner you enjoy six glasses of wine a night might seem like you’re an alcoholic, but they won’t care. However, if you were to answer “no” when they ask you if you drink, that’s a problem.
Polygraph Analysis
After conducting the polygraph, the examiner removes the equipment from your person, and you can leave the room. They won’t disclose the results of your test or what outcome you can expect. They’ll thank you for your time and tell you your boss will notify you of the results.
It can take 24 to 48 hours for the examiner to process the results and return them to your employer. When the employer receives the results, they may not disclose them to anyone at the company. If you have to leave the company, your boss may not disclose the polygraph results to a potential new employer.
Can You Beat a Polygraph?
No, you can’t beat a polygraph. To get one over the technology, you would need complete control over the primal part of your brain and its autonomic processes. The average person can’t control their sympathetic nervous system and its response to stressors.
That said, some people claim to achieve this feat. For instance, Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete, proved in medical experiments conducted by American universities that he has the power to control the body’s autonomic processes through medication and will.
Wim can control his skin temperature, allowing him to withstand freezing conditions for extended periods. He’s a world record holder in swimming in ice-cold water because he can use his mind to change the autonomic processes in his brain governing his physiological response to cold stress.
However, for the average person, it’s impossible to control the autonomic and sympathetic nervous systems. These parts of the brain act on autopilot – it’s why you don’t need to think about breathing. When we experience stress, the sympathetic nervous system signals the hypothalamus in the brain to produce cortisol in the adrenal glands.
Asa result, adrenaline surges through the bloodstream, activating the “fight-or-flight” response. We developed these primal bio-mechanism thousands of years ago. When our ancestors were hunter-gatherers, they would encounter big cats on the plains of Africa and Mesopotamia.
Cats would hunt us and eat us. As a result, we evolved the fight-or-flight response to activate the adrenaline in our bodies and help us escape the predators. We’ve long since left the plains of the wilderness and moved into cities, but this primal fight-or-flight response remains part of our brain chemistry.
For instance, you’ve probably been walking along at night somewhere before and felt spooked. Suddenly you notice your senses become heightened, and at the sound of a twig cracking, you take off running faster than you ever thought possible. That’s the fight-or-flight response in action.
The polygraph equipment and software measure your fight-or-flight response during the examination process. While you might think you can get away with lying to the examiner before you enter the exam room, it’s a different experience when you’re hooked up to the equipment and sitting in the chair.
From the moment the examiner prepares you with the equipment, your fight-or-flight response goes on standby. Your nervous system subconsciously realizes something is wrong, and it ready’s you for exiting the bad situation.
So, when the examiner asks you a question, and you know you have to lie, it’s like a lightning bolt hitting your head. You feel the shock of the adrenaline racing through your body as you lie. Your blood pressure rises, your breathing rate increases, your pulse goes through the roof, and you shift nervously in your seat.
The instruments and software pick this up, and your behavior stands out like a sore thumb to the examiner. That’s it. You’re done.
What are the Chances of Successfully Lying in a Polygraph?
Depending on who you listen to, your chances of lying in a polygraph range from 2% to 30%. If it’s your first time taking a polygraph, you won’t know what to expect, making the chances of pulling off a lie much harder. If you have experience being polygraphed, you might have better control over the situation.
Regardless of whether you have previous experience with lie detectors, you’ll have to have good control over the autonomic processes in the nervous system and brain, and that’s no easy feat. In fact, some people believe it’s next to impossible – unless you’re Wim Hof, and you probably don’t have 40 years of experience trying to maintain control over these bodily systems.
In fact, if you’re trying to hide something, and you’re reading this article trying to look for ways around a polygraph – it’s enough to get you to fail the exam. One of the first questions the examiner would ask you is if you studied anything to prepare to beat the polygraph. That’s not a great way to start the test.
There are No Cheats
You might have heard that it’s possible to beat a polygraph with different hacks. We hate to break it to you, but none of them work. For instance, there’s the old wives’ tale that sticking a thumb tack in the front of your show and standing on it when you tell a lie will throw off the equipment.
Then there’s the other untruth stating if you squeeze your sphincter and butt cheeks when answering a question, you’ll disrupt the signals and appear like you’re telling the truth. Both of these countermeasures won’t work for you.
All these hacks do is produce an abnormal reading in the software analysis. The examiner will instantly know what you’re doing. They’ll see this as deceptive behavior, failing you on the test.
There’s no way to cheat the polygraph. It’s an advanced, specialized tool, and thinking you can beat it with cheesy hacks is almost insulting to the people who developed the software and those years of training using it.
You Might Beat the Machine – But You Won’t Beat the Examiner
A polygraph is a machine. It’s sensitive, specialized equipment hooked up to a laptop running advanced software. If you can beat the machine and suppress the fight-or-flight response, you still have to get around the examiner. Talented, trained, and experienced examiners are even better lie detectors than the software.
Many at Polygraph truths have thousands of tests under their belts. They’re experts in analyzing deceptive behavior and know what to look for on the screen and on your body. An examiner has training in facial micro-expressions and body language. They know what signs to look for in your physiological response to indicate deceptive behavior.
During the lie detector test, the examiner looks at the screen. However, they record the session and review it later. During this review session, they look at your body language in sections of the test where they think you might be lying. If they notice any “tells,” it indicates deceptive behavior, and you’ll fail the polygraph.
In Closing – Can you Beat a Polygraph from Polygraph Truths?
You can try to beat the polygraph, but good luck with that. Chances are you won’t be able to suppress the fight-or-flight response, and your biofeedback will light up the screen like a Christmas tree. Just tell the truth; lying isn’t worth the hassle.
In the era of convenience, the idea of a home lie detector test might seem appealing. However, for those seeking accurate and reliable results, taking a lie detector test at home is fraught with potential pitfalls. At Liedetectortest.com, we emphasize the necessity of conducting lie detector tests in our professionally controlled office environments to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
The Risks of Home Lie Detector Tests
Environmental Distractions: Homes are typically filled with numerous distractions, such as noise from other family members, pets, or electronic devices. These factors can interfere with a home lie detector test, leading to inaccurate readings and inconclusive results.
Uncontrolled Conditions: A lie detector test requires a stable environment where variables can be managed. At home, it’s challenging to control temperature, seating arrangements, and lighting conditions, all of which can affect the test’s outcome.
Emotional Comfort and Bias: Being in a familiar and comfortable setting can impact a person’s emotional state. This comfort might lead to less stress, potentially skewing the results of a lie detector test at home. Conversely, the anxiety of having the test done in an uncontrolled environment can also lead to false readings.
Technical Issues: Lie detector equipment is sensitive and requires proper setup and calibration. Conducting a lie detector test at home increases the risk of technical mishaps due to improper handling or interference from household electronic devices.
The Advantages of a Controlled Office Environment
Professional Supervision: Our controlled office environments are managed by experienced professionals who ensure that the test is administered correctly and ethically. This oversight guarantees that the procedures are followed strictly, maintaining the integrity of the test.
Elimination of External Interferences: In our offices, we can control the environment to minimize external interferences. This includes managing noise levels, ensuring proper seating arrangements, and maintaining a consistent room temperature.
Standardized Conditions: Conducting tests in a controlled environment ensures that each test is administered under standardized conditions. This standardization is crucial for comparing results and ensuring accuracy.
Technical Support: Our locations are equipped with the necessary technical support to handle any issues that may arise during the test. This support includes proper calibration of the equipment and immediate troubleshooting if any problems occur.
Our Controlled Locations
At Liedetectortest.com, we have dedicated locations specifically designed for conducting lie detector tests. These locations are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and managed by certified professionals. Our facilities provide a secure, private, and controlled environment, ensuring the highest accuracy in test results.
By choosing to take your lie detector test at one of our controlled locations, you are opting for reliability and professionalism. We are committed to providing the best possible conditions to ensure that your test results are accurate and trustworthy.
Conclusion
While the convenience of taking a home lie detector test may seem appealing, the potential for inaccuracies due to uncontrolled conditions is significant. At Liedetectortest.com, we strongly recommend conducting lie detector tests in our controlled office environments. Our dedicated locations provide the necessary conditions to ensure accurate and reliable results, giving you the peace of mind that the test is administered with the highest level of integrity.
For more information about our services and locations, please visit Liedetectortest.com or contact us to schedule your appointment today.
How Do Polygraphs Services Work? – A Guide to Hiring Professionals
Are you a business owner in need of polygraph services? If your company experienced a workplace theft and needs to find the culprit, a polygraph can help. There are plenty of uses for lie detector tests in the private and public sectors. The polygraph forms a line of defense between companies and bad hires that could damage the organization.
Provided you’re working within the boundaries of The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988, you can implement a lie detector test at your company.
Most public sector organizations involved with law enforcement and national security require employees and candidates to take a polygraph test. These institutions, like the CIA, NSA, and Border Patrol, deal with classified information, state secrets, and other data that can’t afford to find its way into the wrong hands.
A lie detector test bolsters hiring practices in these agencies, preventing the hiring bad actors. The private sector mostly outlaws the use of polygraphs, but they do apply in specific circumstances. If your company manufactures pharmaceuticals, deals in security or protection, or handles high-value asset transfers, you can implement polygraph policies in pre-employment screening and on the job.
Similarly, suppose you operate a company outside of these industries. In that case, you can use polygraphs if you have a theft causing economic loss to the company or in cases of sexual harassment. The lie detector test can help you root out the bad employees at your company, making your organization safer for the rest of your staff.
So, how do you find the right polygraph company to help you implement a lie detector test? There are several organizations offering polygraph services to the public and private sectors. Understanding the procedure involved with hiring a polygraph specialist and how polygraph policies work is crucial to the proper use of this technology in the workplace.
Hiring the wrong polygraph specialist could make you liable to huge fines, sinking your company financially. This post unpacks everything you need to know about hiring the right polygraph professional for your private or public sector business.
What to Look for when Hiring a Polygraph Examiner?
There are dozens of polygraph service providers in each state. Each of these services complies with the procedures and ethical code surrounding the implementation of polygraph exams in the workplace. However, each of them offers a very different experience.
One company might have a more stern and fearful approach to executing a polygraph exam, while others might focus more on making their clients feel comfortable. Understanding what the company offers, the examiners they have on their roster, and how they execute polygraph exams are important to your employee experience with the lie detector test.
Here are the basic essentials you need to look for in a qualified, experienced, and professional polygraph service provider.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Polygraph Examiner?
Polygraph examiners need to meet specific criteria to qualify as certified practitioners. They’ll need to start by earning a bachelor’s degree. While it’s not really important which field they have a BA or BSc in, choosing a degree in psychology, criminology, or other related fields is a good way to get focused training they can use in their career.
Some individuals with specialized training, such as law enforcement officials, can become polygraph examiners without the requirement of a university degree to enter the field. Federal or state licensing is also a requisite for becoming a polygraph examiner.
The American Polygraph Association hosts a list of accredited polygraph examiner training programs, offering candidates a minimum of 400 hours of examiner training and instruction, usually held over 10 to 17 weeks.
These programs offer courses in instrumentation, psychophysiology, exam question formulation, chart analysis, and interviewing techniques. Polygraph examiners need advanced written and verbal communication, analytical and interpersonal skills, and a high level of personal integrity and professionalism.
Who Employs Polygraph Examiners?
In 2019, the American Polygraph Association had over 2,800 members. The APA lists job openings on its website, and some of the listings for employment opportunities include the need for polygraph specialists in law enforcement, government, sex offender programs, and immigration control.
Government contractors and private companies also use polygraph examiners to assist with the background check process for new hires to these organizations.
Polygraph Examiner Licensing
States and local jurisdictions have laws requiring certification and licensure of polygraph examiners. These laws require the examiner to have formal instruction and an internship period alongside the successful completion of their polygraph licensing examination.
As an example, here are the basic requirements for state licensure.
The examiner must establish they have good moral character.
The examiner must pass an examination under the supervision of the Licensing Committee to determine their competency.
The examiner must have an academic degree from an accredited university at the minimum of the baccalaureate level.
The examiner must complete six months of study in deception detection.
Examiner Ethical Code
The prospective polygraph service you’re looking at hiring must abide by a code of ethics. It’s easy for examiners and employers to abuse the polygraph exam process to force people out of their job without the employee doing anything wrong. Abuse of polygraph processes is illegal and can open the employer to liability for huge fines.
The Ethical Code of the American Polygraph Association (APA) ensures the following in the integrity of its members.
To maintain the highest standards of ethical, moral, and professional conduct by assuming the responsibility for behavior and conduct to serve the cause of justice and truth.
Respect the dignity of employees and persons by being fair, just, and impartial when discharging professional objectives and duties.
Examiners must protect themselves from influences intended to benefit personal, political, or financial gain when exercising their professional responsibility.
Quick Check List for Hiring a Polygraph Examiner
Ensure your preferred polygraph company meets the following requirements as an industry professional you can trust to deliver for your organization and your team.
Ask the Examiner for Their Qualifications
When considering a prospective firm for your polygraph partner, ask them for their credentials. The company’s examiners must undergo training administered and accredited by the American Polygraph Association.
The APA ensures that the polygraph examiners that go through its training meet its code of ethics and have the correct qualifications and experience required to conduct polygraph exams effectively and ethically.
Examine the Affiliation Credentials
Ensure that the organization has the correct credentials and memberships to the APA and affiliated organizations. Some companies might use clever wordplay in their website copy to appear to have these accreditations, misrepresenting their affiliation.
If examiners state they’re APA accredited but don’t refer to membership status, they may have accreditation from other recognized training institutions. However, they might not have applied for APA membership or to any recognized professional institutions, meaning they don’t adhere to the required standards of best practice, undergo annual mandatory training or adhere to the regulations of these organizations or institutions.
It’s also common for some polygraph companies to claim they only use examiners from a specific organization or “APA accredited” institution. This wordplay attempts to associate the accredited company with the APA or create an impression that their unrecognized company has credibility.
If not expressly stated that the polygraph company is a member of the American Polygraph Federation, the institution is likely unrecognized. There are instances where unqualified and unaffiliated polygraph examiners have attempted to use or used “training certificates” to provide the impression they are affiliated with the APA or members of the organization.
Always ask your prospective polygraph partner for their APA membership certificate.
What Is the Process for Hiring a Polygraph Firm?
Hiring a polygraph specialist is as easy as contracting the services of any other company. After you’ve identified a worthy service provider, it’s time to reach out to them and book your polygraph service. Follow this quick guide to hiring the right service provider for your organization.
Review the Website or Speak to a Consultant
After identifying three polygraph specialists in your area, use the contact form on their website to inquire about their services. We like using contact forms because they indicate the type of customer service you’ll experience for the company.
If the polygraph service returns your contact form inquiry promptly, they’re hungry for business and value every opportunity to serve their community. It shows a level of customer service that makes it easy to work with the organization, especially when you’re dissatisfied with something or need emergency assistance.
If the company doesn’t have a contact form on its site, that’s okay. Call their number and ask to speak to a consultant about their services. The consultant should ask you for critical information about your business model. They’ll be able to answer your questions about implementing a polygraph policy in your workplace and how to remain compliant with the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988.
Ask About the Testing Protocol
The polygraph consultant will likely run you through a series of qualifying questions to understand your business’s nature, hiring practices, and why you need a polygraph service. They’ll advise you on all aspects of implementing lie detector tests in the workplace.
While you have the polygraph professional on the phone, ask them about the testing protocol and what you can expect from hiring their services. The consultant should have all the information to explain the protocol to you and what you need to do to prepare for the polygraph.
They’ll give you a cost-benefit analysis of their services and a quote for hiring them. You can get quotes from two or three services to compare costs and what to expect from hiring each form. Some polygraph services are more expensive than others because they have more experience or a better industry reputation.
Don’t assume the cheapest quote is the best option. Sometimes it’s better to pay a little more for the polygraph specialist if they have a better industry reputation than the others you inquire about.
Make an Appointment
After you’re satisfied with your choice, call the company and ask for a consultant to visit your business and finalize the service. The polygraph consultant will arrive at your company premises to review your business model and discuss your polygraph requirements.
The consultant will issue you all the paperwork and documents you need to notify your team about the pending polygraph exam. The consultant works with you in informing your team and answering their questions about the lie detector test and what they should expect from the process.
Before The Day of the Polygraph Exam
The examiner should provide the employer with everything they need to know about the exam at least 72 hours before the exam day. The examiner will be available to the employer and the employee 48 hours before the exam day to answer employee-related queries on the exam process and what to expect during the lie detector test.
The polygraph examiner also assists the employer with handling all the paperwork required to legally administer the lie detector test in the workplace. There are several documents the employer needs to serve the employees well in advance of executing the exam. Failing to do so goes against the best practices and guidelines required for compliance with the Employee Polygraph Protection Act.
The examiner will ensure that the employees or candidates understand what they’re getting into before they take the polygraph exam. They assist them with handling the emotional side of the process during the testing process.
Hiring the Right Professionals for the Job
A polygraph policy in the workplace serves the specific function of improving the employee experience for your team. It is not a weapon of intimidation. The employer and the polygraph professionals must understand that polygraphs are there to serve the business and the team and listen to the feedback they receive from their staff regarding their polygraph experience.
Suppose the employees state they didn’t like the experience and felt threatened by it. In that case, it might be time to consider hiring a new polygraph service that adds value to the workplace experience and your team rather than intimidating and devaluing it.
