PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center

PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center: Overview

Established in 2016, PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lafayette Instrument Company under the leadership of founder Ben Blalock. The school is accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA) and recognized by many state and national associations.The Basic Polygraph Examiner Course costs $6,000, with PCSOT certification available for an additional $725.

Curriculum & Training Approach

PEAK uses immersive learning, commonly used in learning a foreign language, to ensure students understand the 'whys' behind every aspect of the polygraph testing process rather than surface-level memorization. The Basic Polygraph Examiner's Course is accredited by APA and consists of a minimum of 400 hours. Students participate in role-playing, hands-on activities, scenario-based practicum, and mock examinations, with PEAK students completing more practice examinations than any other polygraph training program. Students train on all three major instrument brands (Lafayette, Stoelting, Axciton), ensuring familiarity with equipment used across agencies worldwide.

Faculty & Expertise

PEAK was founded by Ben Blalock, who began his career as a polygraph examiner in 2005 and quickly became a leader in the field through his research, writing, and teaching. Ben has published over 30 articles and papers regarding best practices in polygraph.West Coast Director Chip Morgan was the 2024-2025 President of the American Polygraph Association and holds multiple lifetime achievement awards from national polygraph organizations.

Tuition, Costs & Financial Options

The Basic Polygraph Examiner Course tuition is $6,000, with PCSOT certification available for $725. Tuition includes all course materials, supplies and use of equipment and polygraph instrumentation together with staff consultation while in attendance. Cancellations are subject to a 10% fee, though this fee is refunded if the student attends a future class within one year. Payment plans and arrangements can be made with the school administration.

Admissions & Prerequisites

Students must have completed at least a high school diploma or its equivalent and be of verified good reputation as documented by professional references. Applicants may be denied admission if they have previously been refused admission to or expelled from any professional organization. PEAK welcomes students from all professional backgrounds — law enforcement, military, private sector, and career changers, with a minimum high school diploma, clean legal record, and demonstrated personal integrity as the main requirements.

Campus & Location

The primary campus is located at 1925 Bartow Road, Suite 200, Lakeland, FL 33801. The first West Coast campus will begin operations in September 2026 in Boise, Idaho, with the inaugural course running September 14 - November 20, 2026. Both facilities provide students with access to state-of-the-art polygraph equipment and controlled testing environments that simulate real-world examination conditions.

Career Outcomes & Licensing

Graduates receive an APA-recognised Certificate of Completion, though 21 states require a separate state licence — PEAK provides guidance for navigating licensure requirements. Florida does not require state licensing for polygraph examiners, though professional certification through organizations like the APA is highly recommended. Alumni have gone on to federal agencies, law enforcement, private practice, and independent polygraph services. For comprehensive training options, visit our training directory to compare all accredited programs.

Founding and Evolution

PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center was founded in 2016 when Ben Blalock teamed with Lafayette Instrument Company to open the school as Director and Lead Instructor. Ben became director of the International Academy of Polygraph in 2009 and later served as director and chief instructor for Academy of Polygraph Science from 2011 to 2016. A significant milestone occurred when the historic Backster School of Lie Detection, with over 60 years of history, merged with PEAK. In 2025, PEAK relocated to Lakeland, Florida and expanded operations with a second campus in Boise, Idaho, marking the school's transition to a dual-coast training operation under its status as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lafayette Instrument Company.

Applicants must have completed at least a high school diploma or equivalent and be of verified good reputation as documented by professional references. Students must qualify for polygraph or credibility assessment licensure in the jurisdictions they intend to practice, if applicable. Applicants may be denied admission if they have previously been refused admission to or expelled from any professional organization. PEAK welcomes students from all professional backgrounds — law enforcement, military, private sector, and career changers, with demonstrated personal integrity as a key requirement.