APA Documents & Resources Guide: Complete Reference

The World's Leading Polygraph Organization

Established in 1966, the American Polygraph Association (APA) is the world's leading professional organization dedicated to evidence-based credibility assessment [1]Verified American Polygraph Association — Official Website (Home Page)
Confirms APA established in 1966, 2700+ members, dedicated to evidence-based credibility assessment. The APA promotes the highest standards of professional, ethical, and scientific practices for its 2,800+ members through the establishment and publication of standards for professional practice including techniques, instrumentation, analysis, research, training, and continuing education [1]Verified American Polygraph Association — Official Website (Home Page)
Confirms APA established in 1966, 2700+ members, dedicated to evidence-based credibility assessment[2]Verified About the APA — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA represents more than 2,800 experienced polygraph examiners, PO Box address, contact details, and governance structure.

The APA represents more than 2,800 experienced polygraph examiners in private business, law enforcement, and government [2]Verified About the APA — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA represents more than 2,800 experienced polygraph examiners, PO Box address, contact details, and governance structure. Professional APA polygraph examiners administer hundreds of thousands of polygraph examinations each year worldwide [2]Verified About the APA — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA represents more than 2,800 experienced polygraph examiners, PO Box address, contact details, and governance structure. The Association is governed by a board of 11 officers who are elected by the members, representing government, law enforcement, private practice, education, and the public at large [2]Verified About the APA — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA represents more than 2,800 experienced polygraph examiners, PO Box address, contact details, and governance structure.

The APA's national office is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee [3]Verified Contact Us — American Polygraph Association
Confirms PO Box 8037, Chattanooga, TN 37414, phone 1-800-272-8037, email [email protected]. Contact information: PO Box 8037, Chattanooga, TN 37414-0037. Phone: 1-800-APA-8037 (toll-free) or (423) 892-3992 (local). Email: [email protected]. Website: polygraph.org [3]Verified Contact Us — American Polygraph Association
Confirms PO Box 8037, Chattanooga, TN 37414, phone 1-800-272-8037, email [email protected].

The APA exists as a professional organization that provides training, model best practices, and professional resources for the continued growth of ethical and evidence-based detection of deception through the use of polygraph [1]Verified American Polygraph Association — Official Website (Home Page)
Confirms APA established in 1966, 2700+ members, dedicated to evidence-based credibility assessment. The membership consists of professional polygraph examiners, educators, and researchers who share a common commitment to the public interest through the development, communication, and promotion of valid and ethical polygraph practices [1]Verified American Polygraph Association — Official Website (Home Page)
Confirms APA established in 1966, 2700+ members, dedicated to evidence-based credibility assessment. For those interested in the international perspective, the EuroPolygraph: European Polygraph Association Standards page provides information on European standards that complement APA guidelines.

APA Bylaws

The APA Bylaws serve as the organizational charter for the Association. The current bylaws were adopted on 08/27/2019 and most recently amended on 03/14/2025 [4]Verified APA Bylaws and Standards — American Polygraph Association
Confirms bylaws adopted 08/27/2019 amended 03/14/2025, Standards of Practice effective 08/23/2024. The bylaws establish the structural framework of the APA, including membership categories, governance, elections, and operational requirements. They can be downloaded directly from the APA Bylaws and Standards page on polygraph.org.

Standards of Practice

The APA Standards of Practice are the binding professional rules that all APA members must follow. The current Standards of Practice are effective as of 08/23/2024 [4]Verified APA Bylaws and Standards — American Polygraph Association
Confirms bylaws adopted 08/27/2019 amended 03/14/2025, Standards of Practice effective 08/23/2024. These standards cover every phase of a polygraph examination, from pre-test preparation through post-test reporting, and are designed to promote the highest degree of decision accuracy in polygraph testing [5]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Amended 8-23-24) — PDF
Confirms Standards of Practice content including instrumentation minimums, testing protocols, and reporting requirements.

Key provisions of the Standards of Practice include requirements that member polygraph examiners use evidence-based validated testing techniques [5]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Amended 8-23-24) — PDF
Confirms Standards of Practice content including instrumentation minimums, testing protocols, and reporting requirements, that the examiner obtain the informed consent of the examinee prior to testing [5]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Amended 8-23-24) — PDF
Confirms Standards of Practice content including instrumentation minimums, testing protocols, and reporting requirements, and that questions used in the assessment of truth and deception shall be followed by time intervals of not less than 20 seconds from question onset to question onset [5]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Amended 8-23-24) — PDF
Confirms Standards of Practice content including instrumentation minimums, testing protocols, and reporting requirements. Audio or audio-video recording of all examination phases must be maintained for a minimum of one year [5]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Amended 8-23-24) — PDF
Confirms Standards of Practice content including instrumentation minimums, testing protocols, and reporting requirements. Examiners must conduct an acquaintance test for all diagnostic, evidentiary, paired-testing, initial screening, and initial investigative examinations [5]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Amended 8-23-24) — PDF
Confirms Standards of Practice content including instrumentation minimums, testing protocols, and reporting requirements.

For a deeper understanding of how questions are prepared before an examination, see our guide on how polygraph questions are reviewed before the test.

Code of Ethics

The APA Code of Ethics has been effective since September 4, 2021 [6]Verified APA Code of Ethics (Effective September 4, 2021)
Confirms the APA Code of Ethics effective date of September 4, 2021 and enforcement provisions. It establishes ethical obligations governing examiner conduct, examinee rights, confidentiality, and professional responsibility. A member who administers or attempts to administer any polygraph examination in violation of the Code of Ethics or the Standards of Practice may be subject to investigation, censure, suspension, expulsion, or other discipline as deemed appropriate, as provided by the APA Bylaws [6]Verified APA Code of Ethics (Effective September 4, 2021)
Confirms the APA Code of Ethics effective date of September 4, 2021 and enforcement provisions.

The Code requires that members not knowingly submit misleading or false polygraph examination reports, and that each report be a factual, impartial, and objective account of information developed during the examination [6]Verified APA Code of Ethics (Effective September 4, 2021)
Confirms the APA Code of Ethics effective date of September 4, 2021 and enforcement provisions. Members are also prohibited from making false or misleading statements or advertisements relating to the Association or the polygraph profession [6]Verified APA Code of Ethics (Effective September 4, 2021)
Confirms the APA Code of Ethics effective date of September 4, 2021 and enforcement provisions. For a detailed analysis of the APA Code of Ethics and its implications for practicing examiners, see our APA Code of Ethics for Polygraph Examiners guide.

Research Standards

The APA Research Standards were approved by the APA Board of Directors on March 11, 2011 [7]Verified APA Research Standards — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Research Standards approved by APA Board of Directors on March 11, 2011. These standards govern all research published in APA outlets and establish rigorous requirements for scientific methodology, data reporting, and ethical research conduct. They require that principle investigators accurately identify the type and method of study design, provide sufficient statistical information to permit competent analysis, and make data available for additional review [7]Verified APA Research Standards — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Research Standards approved by APA Board of Directors on March 11, 2011.

The Research Standards emphasize an evidence-based scientific approach to credibility assessment, recognizing that the effectiveness of individual examinations and polygraph programs depends on the integrity of the underlying scientific constructs and normative data [7]Verified APA Research Standards — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Research Standards approved by APA Board of Directors on March 11, 2011.

Overview of APA Model Policies

The APA publishes a comprehensive set of model policies that serve as non-binding best practice guidelines for polygraph professionals [8]Verified Policies and Acts — American Polygraph Association
Confirms all model policies including Domestic Violence (updated 08/24/24) and EDA Signal Processing Standard (August 2023). These model policies help agencies and examiners understand what constitutes good polygraph practices across a wide range of testing contexts. All model policies are available for download from the Policies and Acts page on polygraph.org [8]Verified Policies and Acts — American Polygraph Association
Confirms all model policies including Domestic Violence (updated 08/24/24) and EDA Signal Processing Standard (August 2023).

Current model policies include:

- Model Policy for Screening Polygraph Examinations in Public Safety Employment - Model Policy for Polygraph Examinee Suitability Evaluation - Model Policy for Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT) - Model Policy for Domestic Polygraph Testing (updated and approved 08/24/24) [8]Verified Policies and Acts — American Polygraph Association
Confirms all model policies including Domestic Violence (updated 08/24/24) and EDA Signal Processing Standard (August 2023) - Model Policy for Paired-Testing - Model Policy for Release and Management of Polygraph Reports and Data - APA Whistle Blower Policy - Model Policy for Quality Assurance (approved July 20, 2017) [9]Verified APA Model Policy for Quality Assurance (Approved July 20, 2017)
Confirms approval date of July 20, 2017 and quality assurance review framework - Operational Policy for Online Professional Development Content - Model Policy for Algorithm Use in Evidentiary Exams - Model Policy for Relationship Polygraph Testing (adopted August 2025) [10]Verified APA Model Policy for Relationship Polygraph Testing (Adopted August 2025)
Confirms adoption date of August 2025 and scope covering personal, domestic, and familial relationships

Model Policy for Relationship Polygraph Testing

The APA's newest model policy, for Relationship Polygraph Testing, was adopted in August 2025 [10]Verified APA Model Policy for Relationship Polygraph Testing (Adopted August 2025)
Confirms adoption date of August 2025 and scope covering personal, domestic, and familial relationships. This policy guides polygraph examiners and referring professionals in conducting examinations related to personal relationships. It covers issues related to the credibility of interpersonal behavior within personal, domestic, or familial relationships, including spouses, partners, children, parents, extended or blended family members, and dating relationships [10]Verified APA Model Policy for Relationship Polygraph Testing (Adopted August 2025)
Confirms adoption date of August 2025 and scope covering personal, domestic, and familial relationships.

The policy requires that examinations follow APA Standards of Practice and all applicable laws, covering areas such as instrumentation, sensors, audiovisual recording, test formats, acquaintance testing, analysis, and reporting [10]Verified APA Model Policy for Relationship Polygraph Testing (Adopted August 2025)
Confirms adoption date of August 2025 and scope covering personal, domestic, and familial relationships. For those interested in how relationship-based polygraph testing works in practice, our guide on lie detector tests for infidelity in North Carolina provides a practical example.

Model Policy for Quality Assurance

The APA Model Policy for Quality Assurance was approved on July 20, 2017 [9]Verified APA Model Policy for Quality Assurance (Approved July 20, 2017)
Confirms approval date of July 20, 2017 and quality assurance review framework. Quality assurance, as defined by this policy, refers to activities related to the review of a single polygraph examination for compliance with evidence-based field-practice standards and best practices [9]Verified APA Model Policy for Quality Assurance (Approved July 20, 2017)
Confirms approval date of July 20, 2017 and quality assurance review framework. Quality assurance reviews can include self-review, internal review by another examiner within the same agency, external review by an independent examiner, or blind review in which the reviewer is not informed of the examiner's conclusion or other case facts [9]Verified APA Model Policy for Quality Assurance (Approved July 20, 2017)
Confirms approval date of July 20, 2017 and quality assurance review framework.

All polygraph examinations should be conducted in compliance with applicable law, APA Standards of Practice, and best practices [9]Verified APA Model Policy for Quality Assurance (Approved July 20, 2017)
Confirms approval date of July 20, 2017 and quality assurance review framework. Examiners should maintain all case materials, including referral information, interview notes, test data, analysis, results, examination reports, and audio/video recordings [9]Verified APA Model Policy for Quality Assurance (Approved July 20, 2017)
Confirms approval date of July 20, 2017 and quality assurance review framework. For more on supervision during the quality assurance process, see our article on polygraph examiner supervision requirements.

APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation

The APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation was approved on August 25, 2023, and became effective on September 1, 2023 [11]Verified APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation (Approved August 25, 2023)
Confirms approval date, minimum requirements including 25 samples/second data acquisition, NCCA ASCII support. This standard defines minimal design and functionality requirements for polygraph instrumentation, and compliance is voluntary [11]Verified APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation (Approved August 25, 2023)
Confirms approval date, minimum requirements including 25 samples/second data acquisition, NCCA ASCII support.

Key technical requirements include data acquisition at not less than 25 samples per second [11]Verified APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation (Approved August 25, 2023)
Confirms approval date, minimum requirements including 25 samples/second data acquisition, NCCA ASCII support, support for NCCA ASCII export and import to enable a standardized cross-platform data format for quality control, research, and development [11]Verified APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation (Approved August 25, 2023)
Confirms approval date, minimum requirements including 25 samples/second data acquisition, NCCA ASCII support, and the ability for polygraph application software to support development, formulation, organization, and management of examination templates and test questions for validated techniques [11]Verified APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation (Approved August 25, 2023)
Confirms approval date, minimum requirements including 25 samples/second data acquisition, NCCA ASCII support. The standard also addresses requirements for breathing sensors, cardiovascular sensors, electrodermal activity sensors, vasomotor sensors, and activity sensors [11]Verified APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation (Approved August 25, 2023)
Confirms approval date, minimum requirements including 25 samples/second data acquisition, NCCA ASCII support.

For a comprehensive look at the instruments used in modern polygraph testing, see our Polygraph Instruments & Equipment guide.

Standard for EDA Signal Processing

In August 2023, the APA adopted minimum requirements for the recording and displaying of electrodermal activity (EDA) [12]Verified Standard for EDA Signal Processing — APA Policies and Acts Page
Confirms August 2023 adoption, consensus standards by volunteering manufacturers, Converus/Lafayette/Stoelting compliance. These are consensus standards developed by polygraph manufacturers who volunteered to participate in the development process [12]Verified Standard for EDA Signal Processing — APA Policies and Acts Page
Confirms August 2023 adoption, consensus standards by volunteering manufacturers, Converus/Lafayette/Stoelting compliance.

The manufacturers currently meeting APA's EDA standards are Converus, Lafayette, and Stoelting [12]Verified Standard for EDA Signal Processing — APA Policies and Acts Page
Confirms August 2023 adoption, consensus standards by volunteering manufacturers, Converus/Lafayette/Stoelting compliance. This collaborative effort between the APA and leading instrument manufacturers represents a significant advancement in standardizing one of the most important physiological signals measured during polygraph examinations.

NCCA ASCII Standard

The Introduction to the NCCA ASCII Standard was published in 2019 in Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment, Volume 48(2), pages 125-135 [13]Verified Introduction to the NCCA ASCII Standard — Journal Article
Confirms 2019 publication in Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment, Vol. 48(2), pp. 125-135. This technical documentation establishes a standardized data format developed by the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA) that enables interoperability between different polygraph software systems [13]Verified Introduction to the NCCA ASCII Standard — Journal Article
Confirms 2019 publication in Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment, Vol. 48(2), pp. 125-135.

The NCCA was designated on August 26, 2010, when the Deputy Secretary for Defense approved the redesignation of the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA) as the National Center for Credibility Assessment [14]Verified National Center for Credibility Assessment — History
Confirms NCCA redesignation from DACA was approved by the Deputy Secretary for Defense on August 26, 2010. The NCCA and its predecessor organizations have served as a core agency for the discipline of credibility assessment within the federal government for more than 50 years [14]Verified National Center for Credibility Assessment — History
Confirms NCCA redesignation from DACA was approved by the Deputy Secretary for Defense on August 26, 2010. The APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation requires all instruments to support NCCA ASCII import and export capabilities [11]Verified APA Standard for Polygraph Instrumentation (Approved August 25, 2023)
Confirms approval date, minimum requirements including 25 samples/second data acquisition, NCCA ASCII support.

PDD Terminology Reference

The Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception is currently in its 4th edition (2022), authored by Donald Krapohl, Mark Handler, and Michael Lynch [15]Verified Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (4th Ed., 2022)
Confirms 4th edition 2022 by Krapohl, Handler, and Lynch, published in Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment Vol. 51(2). Published in Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment, Vol. 51(2) [15]Verified Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (4th Ed., 2022)
Confirms 4th edition 2022 by Krapohl, Handler, and Lynch, published in Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment Vol. 51(2), this reference standardizes terminology across the polygraph profession, providing authoritative definitions grounded in peer-reviewed literature with 94 scientific references [16]Verified Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection
Confirms the reference standardizes terminology with 94 scientific references facilitating communication between practitioners and researchers.

The Terminology Reference is available in multiple languages. According to the APA Selected Publications page, editions exist in English (the 2022 4th edition), Spanish, and Ukrainian [17]Verified Selected Publications — American Polygraph Association
Confirms availability of Terminology Reference in English, Spanish, and Ukrainian editions, plus NCCA ASCII Standard and Meta-Analytic Review in Ukrainian. The reference has undergone significant revision since its first edition was published 25 years ago, capturing the transition from analog to digital polygraph, the shift from authority-based to evidence-based practices, and the appearance of new credibility assessment technologies [15]Verified Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (4th Ed., 2022)
Confirms 4th edition 2022 by Krapohl, Handler, and Lynch, published in Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment Vol. 51(2).

The publication has generated significant scholarly discussion. Widacki (2024) noted in the European Polygraph journal that the polygraph field has historically struggled with inconsistent terminology, with devices operating under various names including 'cardio-pneumo psychogram' and 'Berkeley psychograph' [18]Verified A Handful of Remarks on the Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception
Confirms historical inconsistency in polygraph terminology including devices called 'cardio-pneumo psychogram' and 'Berkeley psychograph'. Matte (2024) also contributed to the discussion with specific critiques of the terminology standards proposed by the APA [19]Verified A Letter to the Editor Regarding the APA's Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception
Presents specific critiques of terminology standards proposed by the APA for polygraph practice and research. The ongoing academic discourse underscores the importance of standardized terminology for the continued advancement of polygraph science.

For more on how precise question formulation impacts examination outcomes, see our guide on polygraph question formulation: behavioral vs mental state.

Journal Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment

The APA publishes the semi-annual peer-reviewed journal Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment, which the APA describes as "the most authoritative, thorough, and up-to-date journal in the field" [20]Verified APA Member Benefits — American Polygraph Association
Confirms approximately 2,800 members, semi-annual peer-reviewed journal Polygraph, bi-monthly APA Magazine, and advanced training certificate. The journal archives are available to members, with articles dating from 1972-2008 in one archive and 2009-Current articles in another [21]Verified APA FAQs — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Polygraph Journals archive from 1972-2008 and 2009-Current articles, EPPA FAQ resources, and other public resources.

The journal operates a peer-review process coordinated by the Editor-in-Chief using associate editors and subject matter experts [20]Verified APA Member Benefits — American Polygraph Association
Confirms approximately 2,800 members, semi-annual peer-reviewed journal Polygraph, bi-monthly APA Magazine, and advanced training certificate. It serves as the primary outlet for publishing polygraph research, validity studies, technical papers, and meta-analyses that support evidence-based practices across the profession.

APA Magazine

The APA Magazine is published six times per year (bi-monthly) and is available in electronic format only [22]Verified APA Magazine — Publication Details
Confirms APA Magazine is published six times per year in electronic format only, subscription address PO Box 8037. The magazine covers everything from APA and state organization news to recent court decisions, training opportunities, and practical polygraph articles [20]Verified APA Member Benefits — American Polygraph Association
Confirms approximately 2,800 members, semi-annual peer-reviewed journal Polygraph, bi-monthly APA Magazine, and advanced training certificate. It serves as the primary communication channel between the APA and its membership, delivering updates on policies, board actions, upcoming seminars, and continuing education opportunities.

APA Meta-Analytic Survey

In 2011, the APA completed an exhaustive review of all peer-reviewed publications on polygraph testing that met the requirements of the APA Standards of Practice [23]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms 2011 meta-analysis of 38 studies, 3,723 examinations, 89% accuracy for diagnostic testing, 87% overall decision accuracy. The meta-analysis found that 38 studies satisfied the qualitative and quantitative requirements for inclusion, involving 32 different samples and describing the results of 45 different experiments and surveys [23]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms 2011 meta-analysis of 38 studies, 3,723 examinations, 89% accuracy for diagnostic testing, 87% overall decision accuracy. These included 295 scorers who provided 11,737 scored results of 3,723 examinations [23]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms 2011 meta-analysis of 38 studies, 3,723 examinations, 89% accuracy for diagnostic testing, 87% overall decision accuracy.

The data showed that techniques intended for event-specific (single issue) diagnostic testing produced an aggregated decision accuracy of 89%, with an estimated inconclusive rate of 11% [23]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms 2011 meta-analysis of 38 studies, 3,723 examinations, 89% accuracy for diagnostic testing, 87% overall decision accuracy. The combination of all validated PDD techniques produced a decision accuracy of 87% with an inconclusive rate of 13% [23]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms 2011 meta-analysis of 38 studies, 3,723 examinations, 89% accuracy for diagnostic testing, 87% overall decision accuracy. These findings were consistent with the National Research Council's (2003) conclusions regarding polygraph accuracy [23]Verified Polygraph Validity Research — American Polygraph Association
Confirms 2011 meta-analysis of 38 studies, 3,723 examinations, 89% accuracy for diagnostic testing, 87% overall decision accuracy. The Meta-Analytic Review is also available in Ukrainian [17]Verified Selected Publications — American Polygraph Association
Confirms availability of Terminology Reference in English, Spanish, and Ukrainian editions, plus NCCA ASCII Standard and Meta-Analytic Review in Ukrainian.

Key Research Supporting Modern Polygraph Practice

The APA's research enterprise supports the continued advancement of polygraph science. Several landmark studies have significantly improved the reliability and accuracy of polygraph examination scoring and analysis.

Nelson (2017) produced theoretical multinomial reference distributions for the Empirical Scoring System that showed virtually perfect concordance with Monte Carlo simulations, enabling Bayesian classification that reduced inconclusive results by an average of 72% [24]Verified Multinomial reference distributions for the Empirical Scoring System
Confirms Bayesian classification reduced inconclusive results by an average of 72%. This research directly supports the APA's emphasis on evidence-based validated testing techniques.

Earlier foundational work by Nelson and Handler (2010) demonstrated that the Empirical Scoring System (ESS) enabled inexperienced examiners to achieve mean accuracy of 90.1% with only 3.3% inconclusives and 85% inter-rater agreement [25]Verified Empirical Scoring System: NPC Quick Reference
Confirms inexperienced examiners using ESS achieved 90.1% mean accuracy with 3.3% inconclusives. These findings demonstrate that systematic scoring methodology enables consistent, reliable results even among newer practitioners — underscoring the value of the standardized training and evidence-based approaches promoted by the APA.

Research on comparison test formats in polygraph examinations has further refined the testing methodologies that APA members use in practice. For an understanding of the statistical foundations underlying these methods, see our guide to P-values in polygraph testing.

Additional Research Resources

The APA provides a wide array of research resources through its website, including:

- Meta-Analytic Survey of Criterion Accuracy of Validated Polygraph Techniques - Meta-Analytic Review Frequently Asked Questions - Federal Examiner Handbook - Principles of Applied Psychophysiological Detection of Deception - Scientific Basis for Polygraph - Citations from Journal Polygraph 1972-2013 - Review of Voice Stress Based Technologies - Voice Stress Studies - Polygraph Validity Research [21]Verified APA FAQs — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Polygraph Journals archive from 1972-2008 and 2009-Current articles, EPPA FAQ resources, and other public resources

These resources collectively form the scientific foundation supporting modern polygraph practice and are freely or partially accessible through the APA website.

APA-Accredited Polygraph Training Programs

Becoming a qualified polygraph examiner requires completing an APA-accredited basic polygraph training program, which involves a minimum of 400 hours of instruction [26]Verified PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center — Basic Training Course
Confirms APA-accredited basic polygraph examiner course requires minimum 400 hours of instruction. There are currently eleven (11) APA-accredited training institutions in the United States [27]Verified American International Institute of Polygraph (AIIP)
Confirms eleven APA-accredited training institutions in the United States teaching the 400-hour basic course. All prospective students should verify with the APA National Office that the training they wish to receive is accredited at the time they plan to attend training [28]Verified APA Accredited Polygraph Training Programs — American Polygraph Association
Confirms prospective students should verify accreditation with APA National Office; accredited program is prerequisite for membership. Attending an APA accredited program is one of the prerequisites for membership in the APA [28]Verified APA Accredited Polygraph Training Programs — American Polygraph Association
Confirms prospective students should verify accreditation with APA National Office; accredited program is prerequisite for membership.

APA-accredited basic courses are completed in not fewer than 10 nor more than 17 weeks according to accreditation standards [26]Verified PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center — Basic Training Course
Confirms APA-accredited basic polygraph examiner course requires minimum 400 hours of instruction. Students learn to analyze polygraph data using validated scoring systems, understand essential components of testing protocols, demonstrate proficiency in conducting examinations under field-like conditions, and familiarize themselves with the APA and AAPP codes of ethics, standards of practice, and bylaws [26]Verified PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center — Basic Training Course
Confirms APA-accredited basic polygraph examiner course requires minimum 400 hours of instruction.

For information on examiner requirements after training, see our article on polygraph examiner supervision requirements for new examiners.

Continuing Education Requirements

Practicing examiners shall complete a minimum of 30 continuing education hours every two years in coursework related to the field of polygraphy [29]Verified Policy for APA Continuing Education Hours — American Polygraph Association
Confirms practicing examiners must complete minimum 30 continuing education hours every two years. A practicing examiner is defined as any member who has conducted polygraph training, quality assurance, or examinations in the previous two years [29]Verified Policy for APA Continuing Education Hours — American Polygraph Association
Confirms practicing examiners must complete minimum 30 continuing education hours every two years. Examiners are responsible for maintaining records to document that they have met this requirement [29]Verified Policy for APA Continuing Education Hours — American Polygraph Association
Confirms practicing examiners must complete minimum 30 continuing education hours every two years.

APA approval for continuing education hours follows a formal process, with requests submitted through the APA National Office to the General Chair of the APA Continuing Education Committee at least 30 days in advance of the proposed training [29]Verified Policy for APA Continuing Education Hours — American Polygraph Association
Confirms practicing examiners must complete minimum 30 continuing education hours every two years.

Advanced & Specialized Training Certificate

The APA offers a Certificate of Advanced and Specialized Training to members who complete thirty-six (36) hours of approved advanced and specialized training during the past three (3) years [30]Verified Advanced & Specialized Training Certificate Request — American Polygraph Association
Confirms certificate requires thirty-six (36) hours of approved advanced training during past three years. This certificate exceeds the minimum APA membership continuing education guidelines and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development.

William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship

The William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship was created in 1999 by the APA Board of Directors in honor of Dr. William J. Yankee's commitment and lasting contribution to examiner education [31]Verified William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Dr. Yankee's career as Director of US government polygraph school, scholarship details up to $5,000. Dr. Yankee began his career as an entry-level local police officer and over his 35 years in the field conducted important polygraph research, created nationally recognized workshops for field examiners, led a college and university, and finished his celebrated career as the Director of the U.S. government polygraph school [31]Verified William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Dr. Yankee's career as Director of US government polygraph school, scholarship details up to $5,000.

Under this program, the APA underwrites the cost of basic polygraph training at an APA-accredited school for one candidate each year, up to $5,000.00 [31]Verified William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Dr. Yankee's career as Director of US government polygraph school, scholarship details up to $5,000. The scholarship also includes a computer polygraph system donated by Limestone Technologies [32]Verified IWP Student Steven Feldman Receives APA Yankee Scholarship
Confirms Yankee Scholarship includes computer polygraph system donated by Limestone Technologies. Criteria for selection include academic success and a demonstrated interest in contributing to the field of polygraph [31]Verified William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Dr. Yankee's career as Director of US government polygraph school, scholarship details up to $5,000.

For those considering a career in polygraph, see our articles on Border Patrol polygraph requirements and corrections officer polygraph hiring.

Annual Seminar

The 60th APA Annual Seminar is scheduled for August 30 – September 4, 2026, at the Palmer House in Chicago [33]Verified APA Annual Seminar Update — American Polygraph Association
Confirms 60th APA Annual Seminar scheduled August 30 – September 4, 2026 at Palmer House, Chicago. The annual seminar provides extensive continuing education opportunities, networking, and the presentation of the latest research and developments in the polygraph profession. The 2026 seminar will feature a Speakeasy/Roaring 20's themed Welcome Reception and a Sunset Dinner Boat Cruise [33]Verified APA Annual Seminar Update — American Polygraph Association
Confirms 60th APA Annual Seminar scheduled August 30 – September 4, 2026 at Palmer House, Chicago.

Finding a Qualified Examiner

The APA maintains an online member directory with searchable fields for name, city, and state, allowing the public to find qualified polygraph examiners [34]Verified APA Member Directory — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA online member directory with searchable fields for name, city, and state. This directory is an essential resource for consumers, attorneys, and agencies seeking examiner services.

APA examiners are highly qualified professionals who are motivated to help protect the public by verifying the truth, while following the highest standards of moral, ethical, and professional conduct [2]Verified About the APA — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA represents more than 2,800 experienced polygraph examiners, PO Box address, contact details, and governance structure. Through strict adherence to training and education standards, APA examiners are able to attain accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent [2]Verified About the APA — American Polygraph Association
Confirms APA represents more than 2,800 experienced polygraph examiners, PO Box address, contact details, and governance structure.

EPPA and Employment Resources

The APA provides detailed information about the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA), including frequently asked questions that help employers and employees understand their rights and obligations regarding polygraph testing in the workplace [21]Verified APA FAQs — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Polygraph Journals archive from 1972-2008 and 2009-Current articles, EPPA FAQ resources, and other public resources. The APA also offers information on state licensing boards and professional licensing resources [21]Verified APA FAQs — American Polygraph Association
Confirms Polygraph Journals archive from 1972-2008 and 2009-Current articles, EPPA FAQ resources, and other public resources.

For detailed guidance on EPPA exceptions and employer polygraph rights, see our EPPA exception guide. Additional information about polygraph in specific employment contexts is available in our guides to polygraph testing for security guards and polygraph for government contractors.

State Licensing Boards & Associations

The APA maintains a directory of state licensing boards and associations, which is an essential resource for examiners operating in jurisdictions with licensing requirements. Polygraph licensing laws vary significantly by state, and examiners must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations [5]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Amended 8-23-24) — PDF
Confirms Standards of Practice content including instrumentation minimums, testing protocols, and reporting requirements. For a comprehensive overview of how licensing has evolved across the United States, see our polygraph licensing laws state-by-state timeline.

Practical Guidance for Different Users

The APA documents cataloged in this guide serve different purposes depending on your professional role:

For practicing examiners, the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics are mandatory compliance documents. The model policies provide best-practice guidance for specialized testing contexts such as PCSOT, pre-employment screening, and relationship testing. The continuing education policy and advanced training certificate requirements outline your professional development obligations.

For attorneys and legal professionals, the Standards of Practice, Research Standards, and the Meta-Analytic Survey provide the evidentiary and procedural framework for polygraph admissibility arguments and expert witness preparation. Understanding the post-test interview techniques used by examiners is also valuable for legal preparation.

For consumers and examinees, the Code of Ethics outlines the protections and rights you have when undergoing a polygraph examination. The FAQ resources on polygraph.org answer common questions about the testing process, and the member directory allows you to verify that your examiner meets APA standards.

For law enforcement agencies and government programs, the model policies for screening examinations, quality assurance, and PCSOT provide templates for developing or updating internal polygraph programs. The instrumentation standards and NCCA ASCII Standard ensure technical consistency across systems.

For employers, the EPPA resources explain the legal framework for pre-employment and workplace polygraph testing. For more context, see our guide on whether employers can polygraph you and our article about polygraph tests in Florida police hiring.