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Private / Civilian School · Florida

International Academy of Polygraph

IAP
Institution Dossier
Location
Florida
Campus
1835 S Perimeter Rd Ste 125, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
APA Accredited
Yes
Access
Open to Civilians
Duration
10-17 weeks
Clock Hours
400+
Tuition (Basic)
$5,000 + $750 registration
Director
Michele Hoff
Phone
(954) 771-6900
The Institution

About International Academy of Polygraph

International Academy of Polygraph: Fort Lauderdale Training Excellence

The International Academy of Polygraph (IAP) is accredited by the American Polygraph Association, providing one of the most comprehensive polygraph training programs, covering all aspects of polygraph methodology, psychology, physiology, and legal standards. Located at 1835 S. Perimeter Road Suite 125 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, this private civilian training institution offers 10 weeks of full-time, on-campus study, totaling 400 hours. The IAP collaborates with Broward College's Criminal Justice Institute, allowing graduates to receive 19 college credit hours, which distinguishes it from other training programs. Current tuition is $5,000 with a $750 registration fee.

Curriculum & Comprehensive Training Program

The IAP curriculum spans 400 hours, ensuring a well-rounded and thorough polygraph education with intensive practical application. Students must complete multiple examinations covering History, Psychology, Physiology, and Instrumentation with a minimum grade of 75%, along with the Final Examination with a minimum grade of 75%. The program requires 100% class attendance for 7 weeks total and completion of a minimum of 60 minutes in chart time. The IAP's state-of-the-art facilities offer advanced resources, including video-assisted learning and comprehensive study aids, creating an environment conducive to in-depth learning.

Faculty & Leadership Excellence

Director Michele Hoff and Owner Marietta Michaels lead the International Academy of Polygraph's educational mission. Notably, Ben Blalock served as director of the International Academy of Polygraph in 2009 before moving on to establish other prominent training institutions. The program is led by seasoned examiners with deep expertise in polygraph science, making IAP a top choice for aspiring polygraph professionals. The school maintains high educational standards through experienced instructors who bring real-world expertise to the classroom environment.

Tuition, Costs & Financial Investment

The International Academy of Polygraph charges $5,000 tuition plus a $750 non-refundable registration fee. Costs include training materials, instruction, and supplies, while tuition must be paid in full by the first day of class, unless otherwise approved by the Administrator's Office. Compared to other APA-accredited schools, IAP's pricing structure falls in the middle range, with the basic course at $5,000 but does not offer PCSOT training, distinguishing it from institutions that provide post-conviction sex offender testing certification.

Admissions Requirements & Prerequisites

Applicants must meet specific criteria for admission to the IAP program. Applicants may come from law enforcement backgrounds or have completed at least 60 college credits, with each applicant required to be of verified good reputation and meet requirements including sworn member, either active or former, of a federal, state or local law enforcement agency. Candidates must provide verified qualifications and a strong recommendation from their referring school. The academy maintains strict admission standards to ensure student quality and program integrity.

Campus Facilities & Learning Environment

The Fort Lauderdale campus features ultra modern facilities equipped with video monitoring/taping capabilities for effective teaching and student study aids. Located in South Florida's business district, the academy provides state-of-the-art facilities with advanced resources including video-assisted learning and comprehensive study aids. Students benefit from a focused learning environment designed specifically for polygraph education, with access to modern instrumentation and technology essential for hands-on training in credibility assessment techniques.

Career Outcomes & Professional Development

Upon completion, graduates receive a certificate and qualify for American Polygraph Association membership. A Certificate of Completion will be presented to each graduate upon successful completion, with each graduate extended an opportunity to qualify for the American Polygraph Association membership. Since Florida does not subject polygraph examiners to state-mandated licensing requirements, graduates can begin practicing immediately upon certification. For comprehensive information about polygraph career paths, visit our training directory.

Program Sheet

Program & Course Schedule

Basic Polygraph Examiner Course

10-17 weeks · 400+ hours
$5,000 + $750 registration
Upcoming & Current Sessions
Nov 9 – Nov 13, 2026
Advanced Polygraph CourseAdvanced Course
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Enrolling
Past Sessions
Aug 31 – Nov 6, 2026
Basic Polygraph Examiner Course
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$5,000
Completed
May 18 – May 22, 2026
Advanced Polygraph Course
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Completed

Last checked: Jun 8, 2026

Origins

History & Background

Academy Foundation & Development

The International Academy of Polygraph was established as a premier civilian polygraph training institution in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The academy has maintained continuous APA accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to educational excellence in polygraph science. Over the years, the school has been guided by notable figures in the polygraph profession, including Ben Blalock, who served as director in 2009 before establishing other prominent training centers. Under current leadership of Director Michele Hoff and Owner Marietta Michaels, the academy continues its mission to provide comprehensive polygraph education. The school's partnership with Broward College's Criminal Justice Institute represents a unique collaboration that enhances the educational value for graduates, setting it apart in the field of polygraph training.

What Is Taught

Curriculum & Training

Comprehensive 400-Hour Training Program

The International Academy of Polygraph delivers an intensive 400-hour curriculum spanning 10 weeks of full-time study. Students must achieve a minimum 75% pass rate across examinations in History, Psychology, Physiology, and Instrumentation, culminating in a comprehensive Final Examination requiring the same 75% threshold. The program mandates 100% attendance for all class hours and completion of at least 60 minutes of chart analysis time. The curriculum covers all aspects of polygraph methodology, including question construction, physiological monitoring, chart interpretation, and legal standards. State-of-the-art facilities feature video monitoring and taping capabilities for enhanced learning, providing students with comprehensive study aids and practical experience essential for professional competency in polygraph examination.

Admissions Register

Admissions & Prerequisites

Admission to the International Academy of Polygraph requires applicants to demonstrate verified good reputation and meet specific professional criteria. Candidates must either possess a law enforcement background as sworn members (active or former) of federal, state, or local agencies, or have completed at least 60 college credits with verified transcripts. All applicants must provide strong recommendations from referring institutions and undergo verification of qualifications. The academy maintains selective admission standards to ensure program quality and student success, with emphasis on professional integrity and educational preparedness for the demanding field of polygraph examination.

The People

Leadership & Key People

MH
Michele Hoff Director
Current director of the International Academy of Polygraph, overseeing the day-to-day operations and educational programs. Leads the academy's APA-accredited training curriculum in Fort Lauderdale.
MM
Marietta Michaels Owner
Owner of the International Academy of Polygraph, responsible for the overall strategic direction and business operations of this established polygraph training institution.

Instructors & Faculty

MH
Michele Hoff Director
APA Member
PCSOT · Criminal · Civil

Current director of the International Academy of Polygraph, overseeing daily operations and educational programs. Has a background in law enforcement having served as a Deputy Probation Officer and Communications Dispatcher.

EducationBS Humboldt State University, AAS College of the Redwoods, Certificate of Completion Backster School of Lie Detection
Polygraph TrainingBackster School of Lie Detection
CertificationsFPA Certified Polygraphist #266
BackgroundCounty of Sonoma, Whitestar Group
TeachesBasic
MM
Marietta Michaels Owner

Owner of the International Academy of Polygraph, responsible for overall strategic direction and business operations of this established polygraph training institution. Listed as Administrator.

The Record

News & Events

2026-03-01
News

Basic Polygraph Examiner Course - Spring 2025

Source →
2026-03-01
News

Specialized Sex Offender Testing Course (PCSOT)

Source →
2026-03-01
News

Post-Graduate Workshop - May 2026

Source →
Questions, Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes International Academy of Polygraph unique among training schools?+
IAP offers a distinctive partnership with Broward College's Criminal Justice Institute, allowing graduates to earn 19 college credit hours. This collaboration enhances the educational value and sets IAP apart from other APA-accredited institutions. The school provides comprehensive 400-hour training in state-of-the-art facilities with video-assisted learning capabilities.
What are the total costs for training at International Academy of Polygraph?+
The total investment is $5,750, consisting of $5,000 tuition plus a $750 non-refundable registration fee. This covers all teaching materials, instruction, lab supplies, and access to modern facilities. Payment in full is required by the first day of class unless alternative arrangements are approved by the Administrator's Office.
What admission requirements must applicants meet for IAP?+
Applicants must be of verified good reputation and meet one of two criteria: serve as sworn members (active or former) of federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies, or complete at least 60 college credits with verified transcripts. Strong recommendations from referring institutions and qualification verification are also required.
How long is the training program and what does it include?+
The program consists of 400 hours over 10 weeks of full-time, on-campus study. Students must maintain 100% attendance and complete examinations in History, Psychology, Physiology, and Instrumentation with minimum 75% grades. The program includes extensive hands-on training and requires completion of at least 60 minutes of chart analysis time.
Does Florida require polygraph examiner licensing after graduation?+
No, Florida does not require state licensing for polygraph examiners. Graduates can begin practicing immediately upon certification from IAP. However, professional certification through organizations like the American Polygraph Association is highly recommended and available to IAP graduates who meet membership requirements.
What kind of facilities and learning resources does IAP provide?+
IAP features ultra-modern facilities equipped with video monitoring and taping capabilities for effective teaching. The state-of-the-art campus includes advanced resources, video-assisted learning systems, and comprehensive study aids. These facilities create an optimal environment for in-depth polygraph education and practical skill development in Fort Lauderdale's business district.
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