Professional Examiners Trained to APA Standards
140+ Professional Testing Locations Across the U.S. & Canada
Trusted by 10,000+ Clients, Attorneys & Organizations
LieDetectorTest.com Private & Confidential Polygraph Provider
Quality ControlIndependent · Impartial · Defensible

Polygraph Second Opinion & Chart Review

An independent, qualified examiner checks whether your polygraph met professional standards

Failed a test you believe was flawed? Challenging a polygraph in a legal matter? A qualified examiner trained to APA standards reviews the charts, question construction, data, and scoring of an exam taken elsewhere — or conducts a fresh re-examination for a new, independent result. Two clear paths, one honest goal: a result you can stand behind.

Independent examiner · Reviews standards & defensibility · Fresh re-test available · Free, confidential case assessment — no obligation

2Ways to get a second opinion
4Technical review criteria checked
Up to 95%Single-issue accuracy (APA meta-analysis)
140+Office locations, US & Canada
FreeCase assessment — no obligation
Choose Your PathTwo Offerings

Two ways to get a defensible second opinion

A second opinion can mean two different things. Some clients want an independent review of the exam they already took; others want a completely fresh test for a new, independent result. Many use both. Select the option that fits your situation.

Second Opinion Options
Who It’s For
Documentation Review · No New Test

Independent Chart & Quality Review

A qualified, independent examiner reviews the documentation of a polygraph you already took elsewhere — the charts and physiological data, the questions asked, the technique used, and how it was scored. The purpose is to assess whether the examination met recognised professional standards and whether the result is defensible. Where the original examiner’s charts and materials are available, we assess quality and methodology; a review works from what was recorded — it cannot re-create data that was never captured, and it does not retroactively change what happened.

A New, Independent Examination

Fresh Re-Examination (Second Test)

A completely new polygraph examination, conducted from scratch by an independent examiner using a validated technique. This is the route to a genuinely fresh, independent result rather than an assessment of the old one. A re-test is a separate examination in its own right — new pre-test interview, newly agreed questions, and new data — and its result stands on its own. It is the strongest option when you want to actively challenge a “failed” test with your own evidence.

Legal & Court · Defensibility

Attorneys & Legal Challenges

Attorneys use an independent review to test whether a polygraph relied on by the other side — or one their own client took — was conducted to professional standards and is defensible. We can review methodology and produce a written opinion, arrange a fresh examination, or both. Polygraph evidence is not automatically admissible; admissibility varies by jurisdiction and is a matter for the court and your attorney.

01
When a Second Opinion HelpsFour Situations

When to ask for a second opinion

A second opinion is worthwhile whenever the result of a polygraph matters and you have genuine reason to doubt how it was run. These are the situations we see most often.

01You “failed” a test you believe was flawed

A “deception indicated” result on a test where the questions were vague, too numerous, compound, or poorly explained — or where the conditions felt rushed or unfair. If the examination was not run to standard, the result may not be defensible.

02A disputed or surprising result

An outcome that contradicts what you know to be true, or an “inconclusive” you were told counts against you. An independent review checks whether the data actually supports the conclusion that was reported.

03An attorney challenging a polygraph

Counsel needs to know whether a polygraph — on either side of a matter — was conducted to professional standards before it is relied upon. An independent examiner can review methodology and provide a written opinion.

04A defensible pre-court check

Before a hearing, mediation, or disciplinary process, you want confidence that a polygraph result will hold up to scrutiny — or a fresh, independent test to put alongside it. Better to know where you stand in advance.

How We Judge an Existing ExamReview Criteria

What an independent review actually checks

A professional review is not a second guess — it is a structured assessment against recognised standards. We examine the examination on five fronts. A shortfall on any one of them can undermine the reliability of the result.

01

Technique Validity

Was a validated, published technique used the way it was designed to be used?

The most reliable results come from techniques with published validation evidence, applied exactly as specified. We check which technique was used, whether it was appropriate for the type of issue tested, and whether it was administered correctly — not an improvised or unvalidated format.

✗ Weak
An improvised or unnamed format, or a validated technique administered incorrectly
Result rests on shaky foundations
✓ Sound
A published, validated technique administered to specification
Recognised, defensible methodology
02

Question Construction

Were the questions factual, clear, single-issue, and properly reviewed in advance?

Question wording is one of the biggest drivers of accuracy. We assess whether the relevant questions were factual and answerable yes/no, whether there were too many, whether any were compound, ambiguous, or inflammatory, and whether they were reviewed and agreed with the examinee before testing — as required by professional standards.

✗ Poor
“Did you steal the money and lie about it?”
Compound, and the answer could be mixed
✓ Proper
“Did you take money from the company account in March?”
Single, factual, testable issue
03

Data Sufficiency

Did the charts actually capture enough clean, artifact-free data to support a finding?

A conclusion is only as good as the data behind it. We check whether an adequate number of clean charts was collected, whether the physiological channels recorded usable signal, and whether artifacts, countermeasures, or movement compromised the tracings. Insufficient or noisy data cannot support a confident result — the honest outcome in that case is “inconclusive,” not “fail.”

✗ Insufficient
Too few charts, or tracings heavy with artifact and movement
Data cannot support a definitive finding
✓ Adequate
Multiple clean charts with clear signal on each channel
Enough usable data to score reliably
04

Scoring & Interpretation

Was the data scored by a defensible, consistent method — and does it support the conclusion reported?

We re-examine how the charts were scored against the stated result. Was a recognised scoring system applied consistently? Do the numbers actually support the conclusion the examinee was given? A result reported as “fail” when the underlying scores are marginal or point to “inconclusive” is a red flag we will identify.

✗ Questionable
A firm “deception indicated” drawn from marginal or inconsistent scores
Conclusion overreaches the data
✓ Supported
A recognised scoring system, applied consistently, matching the finding
Conclusion is defensible
05

Examiner Conduct & Conditions

Was the examination conducted fairly, with proper pre-test, consent, and recording?

Finally, we assess the conduct of the examination itself: was there a proper pre-test interview and suitability assessment, was informed consent obtained, were the questions reviewed, was the session recorded, and were the conditions free of coercion or leading behaviour? Procedural failures here can invalidate an otherwise competent test.

✗ Improper
No pre-test review, rushed conditions, or leading conduct
Fairness and validity in doubt
✓ Proper
Full pre-test, agreed questions, informed consent, recorded session
Conducted to professional standards
i
What a review can and cannot do. An independent review assesses whether a polygraph met professional standards and whether its result is defensible. It works from what was actually recorded and cannot retroactively change what happened during the original test. Where the original charts and materials are limited or unavailable, a fresh re-examination is usually the more productive route.
Which Route Fits Your SituationReview vs Re-Test

Independent review vs fresh re-examination

The two paths answer different questions. A review asks “was the first test done properly and is its result defensible?” A re-test asks “what does an independent examination show now?” Here is how they compare.

Independent Chart Review

Fresh Re-Examination

Assesses the standards & defensibility of a prior examWhat it doesProduces a new, independent result of its own
The original charts, questions, report & recordingsWhat it needsOnly you — a fresh test is run from scratch
No new test — documentation reviewNew examination?Yes — a full new polygraph examination
A written opinion on methodology & defensibilityWhat you receiveA same-day result and written report
Cannot change the original result — only assess itHonest limitIts result stands alone; it does not overturn the first by itself
Challenging or relying on an existing testBest whenYou want a clean, independent result to stand on
Priced as a documentation reviewCost basisPriced as a full examination
+
Not sure which you need? Many clients use both. A review can reveal that the first test was flawed, and a fresh re-examination then provides the clean, independent result to put in its place. A free case assessment will tell you which route — or combination — makes sense for your situation. Send us the details and we will advise honestly.
How a Second Opinion WorksFive Stages

A structured five-stage process

Whether you choose a chart review, a fresh re-examination, or both, the path is the same at the start: an honest assessment of what happened and what would genuinely help.

Stage 1

Free Case Assessment

Tell us confidentially what happened in the original test. We advise whether a review, a re-test, or both would genuinely help — and what materials we would need.

Stage 2

Gather Materials

For a review, we request the original charts, questions, report, and any recordings. For a re-test, we simply agree a suitable time and office — no old materials required.

Stage 3

Independent Analysis

A qualified examiner assesses technique, questions, data, scoring, and conduct — or, for a re-test, designs fresh questions and prepares a new validated examination.

Stage 4

Review or Re-Test

We complete the documentation review, or conduct the new examination in a private office at one of 140+ locations across the US and Canada.

Stage 5

Written Findings

You receive a clear written opinion on the original exam’s standards and defensibility, or a written report of your fresh, independent result — suitable for legal use where accepted.

Pricing & What Affects Your FeeFee Factors

What determines the cost

A documentation-only chart review and a full re-examination are priced differently — a review is scoped to the analysis work involved, while a re-test is priced as a complete new examination. Here is what shapes each.

Independent Chart & Quality ReviewDocumentation review — no new test

Volume of charts and data to analysepriced per case
Completeness of the original materials suppliedpriced per case
Whether a written opinion or report is requiredpriced per case
Turnaround and any attorney coordinationpriced per case

Fresh Re-ExaminationA full new polygraph examination

Complexity and number of issues to be testedpriced per case
Location and office / travel requirementspriced per case
Diagnostic vs. court-ready evidentiary formatpriced per case
Report format and any legal coordinationpriced per case
How booking worksYour appointment is secured with a non-refundable booking-fee deposit ($100 USD/CAD, £150 UK), which is deducted from your total — and is fully refunded only if we cannot accept your case or arrange an appointment. The remaining balance is confirmed only after your case is assessed and the right route is agreed. Review and re-test are quoted separately. See our full pricing page for starting rates, or send us a message for a confidential quote.
An Honest WordWhat a Second Opinion Is & Isn’t

Straight talk before you book

We would rather set expectations honestly than oversell. An independent review assesses whether a polygraph met professional standards and whether its result is defensible — it works from what was recorded and cannot retroactively change what happened during the original test. A fresh re-examination is a separate new test that produces its own independent result; it does not, by itself, erase the earlier one. And no polygraph result — original or second opinion — is automatically admissible in court: admissibility varies by jurisdiction and is a matter for the court and your attorney. What we can promise is a qualified, impartial examiner and a clear, professional assessment you can act on.

Where Your Review or Re-Test HappensOffices Nationwide

140+ professional offices across the US & Canada

Chart reviews are handled remotely from the materials supplied; re-examinations are conducted in person at a discreet, professional office. Select your state to find locations near you.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

View All Locations
If You Choose a Re-TestThree Possible Results

The three outcomes of a fresh re-examination

A re-test is a new examination scored on its own data. Like any properly conducted polygraph, it can produce one of three recognised outcomes — independent of whatever the first test reported.

1

No Deception Indicated

The new data does not indicate deception on the relevant questions — consistent with truthful answers, commonly called a “pass.” A clean, independent result you can put forward on its own merits.

2

Deception Indicated

The new data suggests deception on one or more relevant questions — commonly called a “fail.” An honest re-test can confirm as well as overturn; the report documents exactly which questions produced the response.

3

Inconclusive

The data is insufficient for a definitive finding either way. This is not a fail; it occurs in roughly 10–15% of examinations. A further test may be scheduled — no additional charge where the result arose from an examiner or equipment issue.

Understand the BackgroundRelated Reading

Guides worth reading before you decide

Frequently Asked QuestionsBefore You Book

Common questions about polygraph second opinions

Can I challenge a failed polygraph test?

Yes. If you believe a “deception indicated” result came from a flawed test, an independent examiner can review how it was conducted — the technique, questions, data, and scoring — to assess whether the result is defensible. You can also take a fresh re-examination for a new, independent result. A review assesses the original test; it cannot retroactively change what happened, which is why many people combine a review with a re-test.

What is the difference between a chart review and a re-test?

An independent chart review is a documentation-only assessment of the polygraph you already took — we work from the original charts, questions, report, and recordings to judge whether it met professional standards. A re-test is a completely new examination that produces its own independent result. A review does not involve a new test; a re-test does. They are priced differently and are often used together.

Do you actually review the charts, or just re-test?

Both are available. Where the original charts and materials can be supplied, we offer an independent chart and quality review that assesses technique, question construction, data sufficiency, scoring, and examiner conduct. Where those materials are limited or unavailable, a fresh re-examination is usually the more productive route. In your free case assessment we will tell you honestly which applies to you.

What do you need to review my original test?

For a chart review we ask for as much of the original examination record as you can obtain — the charts or physiological data, the list of relevant questions, the examiner’s written report, and any audio or video recording of the session. The more complete the materials, the more thorough the review. A review works only from what was actually recorded; it cannot re-create data that was never captured.

Will a second opinion overturn my original result?

Not automatically. A review can identify that the first test fell short of professional standards, and a fresh re-examination produces a new, independent result — but neither, by itself, deletes the earlier test. What they do is give you a qualified, impartial assessment and, if you re-test, a clean result to put alongside or in place of the original when the matter is decided.

How much does a second opinion cost?

It depends on the route. A documentation-only chart review is scoped to the analysis involved; a full re-examination is priced as a complete new test, so the two are quoted separately. A non-refundable booking-fee deposit ($100 USD/CAD, £150 UK) secures your appointment and is deducted from your total — fully refunded only if we cannot accept your case or arrange an appointment. See our pricing page or request a confidential quote.

Is a polygraph second opinion admissible in court?

No polygraph result is automatically admissible — admissibility varies by jurisdiction and is a matter for the court and your attorney. That said, an independent review or a fresh re-examination is regularly used to support legal strategy, negotiations, and disciplinary matters. Our written findings are prepared to professional standards, and we work with attorneys challenging or relying on a polygraph.

Who reviews my test — are they qualified?

Your review or re-test is handled by an independent examiner trained to APA standards, using validated techniques and government-grade instrumentation. Independence matters: the examiner reviewing or re-running your case is not the one who conducted the original test, so you get a genuinely impartial second opinion.

Where does the re-test take place?

Re-examinations are conducted in person at a discreet, professional office — we operate 140+ locations across the US and Canada, with UK coverage available. Chart reviews are handled remotely from the materials you supply. Find your nearest office or contact us to arrange the right option.

Get a Defensible AnswerSecond Opinion

Was Your Polygraph Accurate? Find Out.

An independent examiner reviews the charts and conduct of your test — or runs a fresh, impartial re-examination for a new result. Examiners trained to APA standards. Free, confidential case assessment — no obligation.

Need to book now? Our online booking system is open 24/7. Speak directly with our team about your test or booking.