Named BPS Examiner of the Year for a second consecutive time, Marc Bester exemplifies the professionalism clients should expect from a lie detector test, the standard LieDetectorTest.com works to uphold.
Marc Bester has been named Examiner of the Year by the British Polygraph Society (BPS) for the second consecutive year. This recognition, awarded by a panel of experts, reflects his outstanding commitment to ethical practices, professional standards, and his significant contributions to the UK polygraph profession.
TL;DR — The Short Version
- Marc Bester has been named Examiner of the Year by the British Polygraph Society (BPS) for the second consecutive year, as recognised by a panel of experts.
- He has conducted over 19,000 polygraph examinations across multiple countries and holds memberships in six international professional associations.
- Bester trained at the APA-accredited American International Institute of Polygraph (AIIP) and holds a degree in Security Risk Management from the University of South Africa.
- He has actively championed ethical standards in the UK polygraph profession and played a key role in training and mentoring new examiners.
Who This Guide Is For
- Individuals seeking a qualified and professional polygraph examiner in the UK
- Professionals interested in polygraph examiner credentials and ethics
- Aspiring polygraph examiners looking for mentorship and training guidance
- Organisations requiring corporate or investigative polygraph services
Marc Bester Receives BPS Examiner of the Year Award
A Consecutive Honour from the British Polygraph Society
Marc Bester has achieved the remarkable distinction of being named Examiner of the Year by the British Polygraph Society (BPS) for the second consecutive year [1]Verified Marc Bester – Examiner of the Year (BPS Featured Member)
Confirms Marc Bester was named Examiner of the Year for the second consecutive year by a panel of experts at the BPS. This honour was awarded by a panel of experts and underscores his unwavering dedication to ethical practices, professional excellence, and significant contributions to the polygraph profession [1]Verified Marc Bester – Examiner of the Year (BPS Featured Member)
Confirms Marc Bester was named Examiner of the Year for the second consecutive year by a panel of experts at the BPS.
The BPS is an independent professional association in the UK committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in polygraph science and testing [2]Verified About the British Polygraph Society
Confirms the BPS is an independent professional association dedicated to maintaining rigorous standards for ethical polygraph practice in the UK. As a membership body for professional polygraph examiners, BPS recognition carries significant weight within the industry. The British Polygraph Society operates a voluntary accreditation scheme, provides continuing professional development opportunities, and maintains rigorous standards for ethical polygraph practice in the UK [2]Verified About the British Polygraph Society
Confirms the BPS is an independent professional association dedicated to maintaining rigorous standards for ethical polygraph practice in the UK.
This recognition reflects not only Bester's technical expertise but also the consistent five-star feedback he has received from clients. With over 100 five-star reviews, his reputation for professionalism, honesty, and high ethical standards is well established [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews.
Professional Background and Qualifications
Training at the American International Institute of Polygraph
Marc Bester pursued formal polygraph training at the American International Institute of Polygraph (AIIP) in 2004, completing the programme with a commendable score of 95% [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. The AIIP is one of only eleven training institutions in the United States accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA) to teach the 400-hour Basic Polygraph Examiner Course [4]Verified American International Institute of Polygraph (AIIP)
Confirms AIIP is one of only eleven APA-accredited training institutions in the United States teaching the 400-hour Basic Polygraph Examiner Course. The school was founded to provide leading-edge polygraph training and teaches methodology, theory, and science that closely mirrors the US Federal Government school's approach [4]Verified American International Institute of Polygraph (AIIP)
Confirms AIIP is one of only eleven APA-accredited training institutions in the United States teaching the 400-hour Basic Polygraph Examiner Course.
Beyond his polygraph qualifications, Bester holds a comprehensive four-year degree in Security Risk Management from the University of South Africa [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. He also holds a National Certificate in Human Resources and Computer Programming and has been pursuing his International Diploma to qualify as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. This broad academic foundation enhances his effectiveness as a polygraph examiner.
Understanding the documentation and technical aspects of modern polygraph work is essential for any examiner. Learn more about examiner workflows in our digital workflow guide.
Military and Investigative Career
Bester's professional journey began in the military in 1993, where he served as a certified specialist Airborne Soldier (Paratrooper) at 44 Parachute Brigade [5]Verified Marc Bester – The Lie Detector
Confirms Bester's military background at 44 Parachute Brigade, De Beers career, over 19,000 examinations, and immigration to UK in 2021. Following his military service, he spent nearly a decade with De Beers, the globally renowned diamond mining company, serving as a Criminal Investigator until 2004 [5]Verified Marc Bester – The Lie Detector
Confirms Bester's military background at 44 Parachute Brigade, De Beers career, over 19,000 examinations, and immigration to UK in 2021. His investigative work took him across Africa, handling complex cases involving theft, syndicates, and international diamond transfers in nations such as Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews.
After completing his polygraph training, Bester established a highly successful polygraph examination firm in South Africa in 2004 [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. His team, which includes four examiners, has conducted over 30,000 tests for a wide range of clients [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. Bester himself has personally overseen more than 19,000 polygraph examinations, primarily involving criminal and corporate matters [5]Verified Marc Bester – The Lie Detector
Confirms Bester's military background at 44 Parachute Brigade, De Beers career, over 19,000 examinations, and immigration to UK in 2021. He immigrated to the UK with his family in early 2021 and currently operates nationwide [5]Verified Marc Bester – The Lie Detector
Confirms Bester's military background at 44 Parachute Brigade, De Beers career, over 19,000 examinations, and immigration to UK in 2021.
For those interested in following a similar career path, our guide on becoming a polygraph examiner in South Africa provides comprehensive information. You can also explore our polygraph history in South Africa for broader context.
Professional Memberships and Continuing Education
Six International Association Memberships
Marc Bester holds memberships in six prominent international polygraph and investigation organisations: the American Polygraph Association (APA), British Polygraph Society (BPS), European Polygraph Association (EPA), International Society of Polygraph Examiners (ISOPE), Southern African Polygraph Federation (SAPFED), and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. The APA, established in 1966, is the world's leading association dedicated to evidence-based scientific methods for credibility assessment, representing more than 2,800 examiners worldwide [6]Verified About the APA – American Polygraph Association
Confirms the APA promotes standards for 2,800+ members and that adherence to training standards enables accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent.
Bester has also served as a Director of two South African national polygraph associations — SAPFED and SAPPA — with particular responsibility for Quality Control and Assurance [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. SAPFED is the polygraph association of choice for professional polygraph examiners across South and Southern Africa [7]Verified Southern African Polygraph Federation (SAPFED)
Confirms SAPFED is the polygraph association of choice for professional examiners in South and Southern Africa, while SAPPA is recognised as a leading South African professional polygraph body [8]Verified South African Professional Polygraph Association (SAPPA)
Confirms SAPPA as a professional polygraph association in South Africa promoting examiner standards. These directorship roles have given him significant influence over professional standards in the field.
To understand the importance of professional association membership, see our overview of SAPPA standards and their role in the polygraph profession.
Commitment to Advanced Training
As a fervent advocate of ethical conduct and international standards, Bester has participated in over 30 advanced polygraph and investigation training programmes, including sessions with SAPFED and ISOPE [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. He is a regular attendee at the annual 5-day APA worldwide conference in the USA [3]Verified Marc Bester – Internationally Accredited UK Polygraph Examiner
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews. The APA requires its members to acquire annual continuing education and training in order to maintain membership, and through strict adherence to training and education standards, APA examiners are able to attain accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent [6]Verified About the APA – American Polygraph Association
Confirms the APA promotes standards for 2,800+ members and that adherence to training standards enables accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent.
This commitment to continuing professional development aligns with what research has identified as one of the most important changes in the polygraph profession over the past century. As Tuvya T. Amsel's research documented, the profession has undergone a significant shift from intuitive-based practice toward evidence-based practice [9]Verified The Centennial Introspection Project: 100 Years of Polygraph Practice
Foundational research documenting the shift from intuitive-based to evidence-based polygraph practice over the profession's first century. Similarly, James Allan Matte identified the evolution from basic lie detection methods to validated testing techniques with computerised scoring systems and standardised practices as one of the foremost changes in the field [10]Verified Foremost Changes in Polygraph in Last 100 Years
Confirms key transformations including evolution to validated testing techniques with computerised scoring and standardised practices.
For aspiring examiners, explore our apprenticeships and internships guide and learn about PCSOT examiner qualifications.
Championing Ethical Standards in UK Polygraph Practice
Advocacy for Professional Integrity
One of Marc Bester's most significant contributions has been his leadership in promoting ethical standards within the UK polygraph profession. Over the past year, he has been actively involved in efforts to uphold professional integrity and ensure that examinations conducted in the UK meet internationally recognised standards. His advocacy has included working to identify and address unprofessional practices within the industry.
The importance of ethical standards in polygraph practice cannot be overstated. As Frank S. Horvath documented, several primary transformations fundamentally altered the trajectory of the polygraph profession from its origins in early 20th century American law enforcement to its current international status [11]Verified A Hundred Years of Polygraphy: Some Primary Changes and Related Issues
Identifies primary transformations that fundamentally altered the polygraph profession from its early origins to current international status. Professional self-regulation through associations like the BPS plays a critical role in maintaining these standards.
The UK polygraph landscape includes several professional bodies working to maintain standards. The BPS sets standards for polygraph practice and promotes the use of examinations as a reliable method of truth verification [2]Verified About the British Polygraph Society
Confirms the BPS is an independent professional association dedicated to maintaining rigorous standards for ethical polygraph practice in the UK. Choosing a BPS-qualified examiner ensures clients receive services that meet rigorous professional standards.
Unfortunately, the polygraph industry is not immune to issues such as fake certificates and unqualified practitioners. Marc's work in this area has been instrumental in protecting clients and upholding the reputation of legitimate examiners.
Training and Mentoring New Examiners
Beyond his own professional achievements, Bester has played a crucial role in shaping the future of the polygraph profession. He has been instrumental in training and mentoring new examiners, sharing his extensive knowledge to ensure that the next generation of professionals upholds the same high standards.
As Stanley M. Slowik's research highlighted, the most important changes in the polygraph profession originated from structured training environments and field research, transforming polygraphy from rudimentary measurements into a structured discipline [12]Verified Critical Changes Over the 100 Year Evolution of Polygraph Practices
Documents how structured training and field research transformed polygraphy from rudimentary measurements into a structured discipline. The mentorship model that Bester champions ensures this knowledge transfer continues effectively.
Those considering entering the field can learn more about the process through our guide to hiring polygraph professionals and our private practice setup guide.
The Value of Professional Polygraph Testing
Why Qualified Examiners Matter
Marc Bester's consecutive Examiner of the Year awards highlight why choosing an accredited, well-trained examiner is essential. The APA promotes the highest standards of professional, ethical, and scientific practices for its 2,700+ members through established standards for techniques, instrumentation, analysis, research, training, and continuing education [6]Verified About the APA – American Polygraph Association
Confirms the APA promotes standards for 2,800+ members and that adherence to training standards enables accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent. When clients select an APA member like Bester, they benefit from this rigorous framework.
The evolution of polygraph science over the past century has transformed the field into a sophisticated discipline. As William George Iacono's comprehensive 50-year retrospective documented, the field has seen significant evolution in testing methods including the CQT, CIT, and screening tests [13]Verified Psychology and the Lie Detector Industry: A Fifty-Year Perspective
Comprehensive 50-year retrospective reviewing the evolution of CQT, CIT, and screening tests in polygraph science. Modern examiners like Bester utilise these validated, evidence-based approaches.
If you are considering a polygraph examination, understanding the fundamentals is important. Our polygraph glossary provides clear definitions of key terms, while our guide to test data sheets explains the documentation process. You can also book a polygraph test directly or view test locations and prices.
Pros
- Over 19,000 polygraph examinations conducted across multiple countries
- Trained at the APA-accredited AIIP with a 95% course score
- Member of six international professional associations including APA, BPS, and ACFE
- Over 30 advanced training programmes completed throughout career
- Director of two South African national polygraph associations (SAPFED and SAPPA)
- More than 100 five-star client reviews
- Extensive background in military service and corporate investigation with De Beers
- Active in training and mentoring the next generation of polygraph examiners
Frequently Asked Questions
Who awarded Marc Bester the Examiner of the Year title?
The Examiner of the Year award was conferred by the British Polygraph Society (BPS), an independent professional association in the UK dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards in polygraph science. The honour was awarded by a panel of experts.
Where did Marc Bester receive his polygraph training?
Bester trained at the American International Institute of Polygraph (AIIP) in 2004, one of only eleven institutions in the United States accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA) to teach the 400-hour Basic Polygraph Examiner Course. He achieved a score of 95% on the programme.
How many polygraph examinations has Marc Bester conducted?
Marc Bester has personally conducted in excess of 19,000 polygraph examinations. His team has collectively completed over 30,000 tests for clients across multiple countries, primarily involving criminal and corporate matters.
What professional associations does Marc Bester belong to?
Bester holds memberships in six professional organisations: the American Polygraph Association (APA), British Polygraph Society (BPS), European Polygraph Association (EPA), International Society of Polygraph Examiners (ISOPE), Southern African Polygraph Federation (SAPFED), and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
What qualifications does Marc Bester hold beyond polygraph certification?
In addition to his polygraph qualifications, Bester holds a four-year degree in Security Risk Management from the University of South Africa, a National Certificate in Human Resources and Computer Programming, and has been pursuing his International Diploma to qualify as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Does Marc Bester operate in the UK?
Yes. Marc Bester immigrated to the UK with his family in early 2021 and now operates a nationwide polygraph service. He previously ran a highly successful polygraph company in Cape Town, South Africa, since 2004.
What is the British Polygraph Society (BPS)?
The BPS is an independent professional association in the UK that brings together professional polygraph examiners. It is responsible for setting standards for polygraph practice, providing training and professional development, and promoting the use of polygraph examinations as a reliable method of truth verification.
Why is continuing education important for polygraph examiners?
The APA requires members to acquire annual continuing education to maintain membership. Through strict adherence to training and education standards, APA examiners are able to attain accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent. Bester has completed over 30 advanced training programmes throughout his career and regularly attends the annual APA worldwide conference.
Sources & References
Confirms Marc Bester was named Examiner of the Year for the second consecutive year by a panel of experts at the BPS
Confirms the BPS is an independent professional association dedicated to maintaining rigorous standards for ethical polygraph practice in the UK
Confirms Bester's training at AIIP with 95% score, over 30 advanced training programmes, six professional memberships, and 100+ five-star reviews
Confirms AIIP is one of only eleven APA-accredited training institutions in the United States teaching the 400-hour Basic Polygraph Examiner Course
Confirms Bester's military background at 44 Parachute Brigade, De Beers career, over 19,000 examinations, and immigration to UK in 2021
Confirms the APA promotes standards for 2,800+ members and that adherence to training standards enables accuracy rates exceeding 90 percent
Confirms SAPFED is the polygraph association of choice for professional examiners in South and Southern Africa
Confirms SAPPA as a professional polygraph association in South Africa promoting examiner standards
Foundational research documenting the shift from intuitive-based to evidence-based polygraph practice over the profession's first century
Confirms key transformations including evolution to validated testing techniques with computerised scoring and standardised practices
Identifies primary transformations that fundamentally altered the polygraph profession from its early origins to current international status
Documents how structured training and field research transformed polygraphy from rudimentary measurements into a structured discipline
Comprehensive 50-year retrospective reviewing the evolution of CQT, CIT, and screening tests in polygraph science
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