National Polygraph Academy

National Polygraph Academy: Overview

The National Polygraph Academy (NPA) is an accredited, quality polygraph training provider serving law enforcement, government and private sector personnel throughout the U.S. and abroad. NPA takes pride in its prestigious accreditations and recognitions, with its basic courses accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA) and recognized by the American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP) and approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The academy offers comprehensive 10-week training programs totaling 400 hours of instruction. Based on industry standards, tuition typically ranges from $5,000-$7,000 for basic polygraph examiner training.

Curriculum & Training Approach

The curriculum covers law, ethics, polygraph techniques, psychology, physiology, and practical application. The NPA's course provides students foundational knowledge necessary to administer exams, sit for state licensing exams and apply for membership in professional associations. Classes run Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some Saturday classes. The program includes a total of 400 hours of training, including mock examinations and comprehensive exams. Director Pam Shaw notes that many students have described it as "one of the most difficult academic classes they've had to take in their career."

Faculty & Expertise

Under the leadership of Director and Co-Founder Pamela Shaw, along with Co-Founder Michael Gougler, NPA boasts a wealth of experience and expertise, with Pamela Shaw bringing extensive background in psychophysiological detection of deception and education, alongside Michael Gougler's 38 years of law enforcement experience. Ms. Shaw served as President of the American Polygraph Association in 2012 and has served on the APA Board in various positions for 18 years. National Polygraph Academy's cadre of instructors can vary with each course location, with faculty carefully selected to ensure a solid, foundational approach to polygraph with strong adherence to best practices and professional standards.

Tuition, Costs & Financial Options

The average price for basic polygraph training in the USA is approximately $6,000, covering around 400 hours of instruction. Basic schools, advanced programs and PCSOT courses are offered regularly. All applications, course catalogs, and flyers with pricing for classes can be downloaded from their "Forms & Catalogs" page. The academy offers various payment options and may accommodate agency sponsorships for law enforcement personnel.

Admissions & Prerequisites

Admissions are open to qualified individuals with at least an associate's degree or equivalent investigative experience, who must have good moral character and no felony convictions. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, documentable by professional references, and must not have been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude. Students must have the ability to bring a laptop for use throughout the duration of the course. The program requires 90% classroom attendance, with provisions for make-up classes.

Campus & Location

The National Polygraph Academy is located at 1890 Star Shoot Parkway, Suite 170-366, Lexington, KY 40509. The academy is hosted in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training and offers training at various locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. The school also provides training at the Texas Department of Public Safety Polygraph School and as the Principal Primary Instructor for the Singapore Ministry of Defense Centre for Credibility Assessment.

Career Outcomes & Licensing

The NPA course provides students foundational knowledge necessary to administer exams, sit for state licensing exams and apply for membership in professional associations. In Kentucky, polygraph examiners work through the Kentucky State Police Polygraph Unit located at 1250 Louisville Rd., Frankfort KY 40601. Kentucky has specific requirements for polygraph examiners to become licensed, including completing an internship program and licensing exam. Graduates are prepared to work in various sectors including law enforcement, government agencies, and private practice. For comprehensive information about polygraph training programs nationwide, visit our training directory.

History & Development

NPA's commitment to excellence extends beyond the borders of the United States, with the academy regularly partnering with law enforcement agencies and organizations worldwide to offer quality polygraph training globally, ensuring that NPA's influence and standards of polygraph training reach professionals across the globe. The academy has hosted international students, including customs officers from Singapore who traveled thousands of miles to attend the 10-week program. In 2017, the National Polygraph Academy graduated 23 students from eight states and Singapore after completing 400 hours of polygraph training. The school provides professional training to law enforcement, government and private sector students in various locations in the U.S. and abroad.

Admissions are open to qualified individuals with at least an associate's degree or equivalent investigative experience, who must have good moral character and no felony convictions. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character documentable by professional references, must not have been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, and must have the ability to bring a laptop for use throughout the duration of the course. The program requires 90% classroom attendance with provisions for make-up classes. Applications, course catalogs, and pricing information can be downloaded from the academy's "Forms & Catalogs" page.