Marston Polygraph Academy

Marston Polygraph Academy: Leading Polygraph Education in California

Established in 2004, Marston Polygraph Academy has been training professional polygraph examiners for over two decades and holds the distinction of being the oldest and most experienced California-approved polygraph training institution. Located in San Bernardino, California, the academy provides comprehensive theoretical and practical application using effective, proven teaching and learning techniques through evidence-based practices. The institution is committed to providing instruction in the art and science of polygraph in accordance with the standards established by the American Polygraph Association (APA), maintaining full APA accreditation status. Tuition for the basic course is $4,895 plus a $100 non-refundable registration fee, with PCSOT training included at no additional cost for graduates.

Comprehensive Curriculum & Advanced Training Methods

The academy's ten-week Basic Polygraph Examiner course delivers 400 hours of concentrated study and hands-on experience. The curriculum covers a wide array of crucial areas including interrogation techniques, understanding body language, maintaining objectivity, and operating polygraph instruments. Topics include techniques used in polygraph or physiological detection of deception (PDD), instrumentation training, legal considerations, psychology and physiology. A significant feature of the course is training with the latest Stoelting Elite Polygraph Instrumentation, which are state-of-the-art devices considered the gold standard in the industry. The Basic Course and PCSOT course are bundled for one price, allowing graduates of the basic course to attend the PCSOT course for no additional cost.

Expert Faculty & Industry Leadership

Jim Sackett serves as the Academy Director and brings extensive credentials to the institution. Mr. Sackett is a 1994 graduate of the U.S. Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DoDPI), currently known as The National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA). He holds a Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychophysiology from Argosy University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from University of Maryland. Mr. Sackett has over 37 years of law enforcement experience with over 27 years directly involved as a polygraph examiner, retiring as an Advanced P.O.S.T Certified Detective/Polygraph Examiner for the Nevada Department of Public Safety in 2015. The academy's dedicated instructors have nearly a century of combined experience and take a coaching approach to equipping students.

Tuition, Equipment Packages & Financial Investment

The basic polygraph examiner course costs $4,895 plus a $100 non-refundable registration fee, making it one of the most competitively priced APA-accredited programs in the United States. Students can purchase a comprehensive training and polygraph equipment bundle for $9,990, which includes the Stoelting Elite instrument package regularly priced at $7,490 ($6,995 for the instrument plus $495 for plethysmograph). The bundle contains everything graduates need to begin polygraph testing after graduation, plus a free plethysmograph. PCSOT training is included with the basic course at no additional charge, representing significant value compared to other institutions that charge separately for this specialized training.

Admissions Requirements & Student Prerequisites

The academy conducts basic polygraph training for those who wish to join this elite profession, accepting both law enforcement and civilian students. The institution provides professional polygraph training to qualified students from law enforcement, military or academic backgrounds in a comfortable educational environment. Prospective students must complete an application for admission and meet background check requirements. Applicants must download, complete, and submit the Application for Admission. The academy maintains selective admission standards to ensure student success and program integrity.

State-of-the-Art Campus & Training Facilities

Marston Polygraph Academy offers polygraph courses and instrumentation training at its modern, state-of-the-art facility located less than 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Classes are held at 1845 Business Center Drive, Suite 210, San Bernardino, California. The academy's labs use Elite polygraph equipment, providing students with hands-on experience using the same professional-grade instruments they'll encounter in their careers. The office is closed when classes are not in session, and prospective students should call ahead to schedule facility tours.

Professional Recognition & Career Development

Both courses are accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA), the California Association of Polygraph Examiners (CAPE), and the American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP). Upon graduation, students are "street ready" to begin their new career. In California, polygraph examiners must complete an APA-accredited polygraph training program, though no specific educational requirement exists beyond a preferred degree in criminal justice. Marston Polygraph Academy is part of the Stoelting Co. family, providing graduates with additional industry connections and equipment support throughout their careers. For more information about polygraph training opportunities nationwide, visit our training directory.

Marston Polygraph Academy History

Marston Polygraph Academy has been training professional examiners since 2004, marking over two decades of continuous operation in polygraph education. The academy holds the distinction of being the oldest and most experienced California-approved polygraph training institution, establishing its reputation as a pioneer in West Coast polygraph education. The institution was named after William Moulton Marston, who made significant contributions to early polygraph technology development. Marston Polygraph Academy is part of the Stoelting Co. family, benefiting from the backing of one of the most respected names in polygraph instrumentation. The academy maintains BPPE approval to operate, meaning compliance with state standards as set forth by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Throughout its history, the institution has maintained its commitment to evidence-based training practices and has evolved its curriculum to meet the changing demands of the polygraph profession while preserving the fundamental principles of credibility assessment.

MPA conducts basic polygraph training for those who wish to join this elite profession, welcoming both law enforcement and civilian applicants. The academy provides professional polygraph training to qualified students from law enforcement, military or academic backgrounds. Prospective students must download, complete, and submit the Application for Admission. The application process includes background verification to ensure candidates meet the academy's standards for professional integrity. Seating is limited for each course, and early application is recommended to secure placement. Prospective students can schedule facility tours by calling ahead, though the office is closed when classes are not in session.