The Polygraph Institute

The Polygraph Institute: World-Class Credibility Assessment Training

The Polygraph Institute offers world-class credibility assessment training in San Antonio, Texas, featuring both basic and advanced polygraph and forensic interview courses. The school has been accredited by both the American Polygraph Association and the American Association of Police Polygraphists for many years, maintaining an impressive record of multiple accreditation inspections with zero deficiencies. Tuition for the Basic Polygraph Examiner Course is $6,500, with the PCSOT course available for $695. The intensive 400-hour basic program spans 10 weeks and follows a five-day work week with eight-hour class days.

Curriculum & Training Excellence

The basic polygraph examiner course focuses on validated test formats, the Empirical Scoring System, and the use of computer-assisted scoring tools to make scientifically-backed decisions regarding truth and deception. The school's instructors are the creators of the Single-Issue Screening Test (SIST), a cutting-edge format for pre-employment and post-conviction sex offender testing that is widely regarded as one of the most reliable polygraph tests for pre-employment, tactical polygraph, and sex offender supervision applications. Key components include weekly exams, hands-on chart analysis, and a comprehensive final assessment involving both written and practical exams.

Distinguished Faculty & Leadership

Under the stewardship of Co-Directors J. Patrick O'Burke and Clifford "Chip" Morgan, alongside a distinguished faculty including Gordon Moore, Kara Ayala, Michael Landin, Melissa Graham, and Kenneth W. Dollinger, The Polygraph Institute prides itself on a legacy of excellence. Mr. O'Burke holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice-Criminology and has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience, retiring from the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Commander. Chip Morgan has 35 years' experience as a law enforcement officer and holds an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Security Management and Intelligence.

Tuition, Costs & Financial Options

The Basic Polygraph Examiner Course tuition is $6,500 at their San Antonio location, which includes all instructional material, office supplies, library access, wireless Internet in the classroom, and access to all major polygraph instrument brands for practice and evaluation. PCSOT, Advanced, or Proficiency Evaluation Courses are priced at $695. Payment can be made via checks, money orders, Visa and MasterCard, with convenience fees applying for credit card use. Discounted pricing is available for agencies sending multiple students or hosting training on location.

Admissions & Prerequisites

All training courses require commitment from students, who should be prepared to take significant notes, study class handouts and be challenged mentally. Applicants for the Basic Examiner Course should expect a highly challenging academic environment requiring significant student effort. Students must maintain a test grade point average of 75% and pass the final written exam with at least 75%. They must also pass the final practical exam by successfully conducting a mock crime polygraph examination on a role player. Students are strongly encouraged to register early as space is limited to keep instructor to student ratios low, with a $1,000 deposit required to confirm seating space.

Campus & Training Environment

The institute's classroom location is at 8546 Broadway Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78217, with a mailing address at 923 10th St. Suite 101 pmb 185, Floresville, TX 78114. The 440-hour curriculum is designed to meet professional industry standards for becoming a polygraph examiner and is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Students receive one year access to the E-learning website where the electronic library on research in interviewing, interrogation and polygraph is maintained, though lodging, local travel and meals are not included in tuition.

Career Outcomes & Professional Development

The school has trained students from government agencies, police departments, sheriff's offices, and the private sector from more than sixteen countries worldwide, graduating students with an impressive near 100% pass rates for polygraph licensing exams. In Texas, graduates must complete a 400-hour polygraph training program accredited by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and at least 30 supervised polygraph examinations. The institute offers an exclusive one-year support period to graduates of the basic examiner course and advocates for mentoring and proficiency testing for field examiners following graduation.

Founding and Evolution

The Polygraph Institute is a Limited Liability Corporation established in Texas and managed by industry professionals. The professional staff is the only polygraph effort to have developed and conducted multiple professionally recognized polygraph schools in Iraq under war zone conditions for the Department of Defense and the Government of Iraq. Their last APA inspection was in June 2022 and was completed with zero deficiencies. The school has been accredited by the American Polygraph Association and the American Association of Police Polygraphists for many years, maintaining an impressive record of multiple accreditation inspections with zero deficiencies.

All training courses require commitment from students who should be prepared to take significant notes, study class handouts and be challenged mentally during any course. Applicants for the Basic Examiner Course should expect a highly challenging academic environment requiring significant student effort. Students must maintain a test grade point average of 75%, pass the final written exam with at least 75%, attend 100% of the training hours provided, and make up all missed class hours for excused absences prior to course completion. Students are strongly encouraged to register early as space is limited to keep instructor to student ratios low, with a $1,000 deposit required to confirm seating space.