EyeDetect Cost: How Much Does a Test Cost in 2026?

What Is EyeDetect and Why Does Pricing Matter?

EyeDetect is an ocular-based lie detection system developed by Converus, Inc., a company headquartered in Lehi, Utah. First conceived in 2002 by University of Utah scientists including Dr. John Kircher and Dr. Douglas Hacker, the technology was branded EyeDetect in September 2013. In December 2013, the parent company was officially renamed Converus, derived from the Latin words con ("with") and verus ("truth").

The technology uses a high-definition, infrared eye-tracking camera that takes approximately 60 measurements per second of involuntary eye behaviour in each eye — including pupil dilation, blink rate, gaze fixation, and reading behaviour — to detect deception. During a 30-minute test, over 180,000 measurements are recorded and analysed by a specialised algorithm. Results are available within five minutes of test completion.

Understanding EyeDetect pricing matters because the technology represents a fundamentally different cost structure than traditional polygraph examination. While polygraph costs are driven primarily by examiner labour and extensive training requirements, EyeDetect's automated approach shifts costs toward hardware, software licensing, and per-test scoring credits. This has significant implications for consumers, employers, and government agencies evaluating credibility assessment options. For a deeper comparison, see our EyeDetect vs. Polygraph: Accuracy, Cost & Admissibility guide.

How EyeDetect's Technology Drives Its Pricing Model

EyeDetect's pricing is shaped by its automated design. Because the test is nearly fully automated, a test proctor can be trained in just a few hours to administer tests. This stands in sharp contrast to traditional polygraph examiners who require 10 or more weeks of accredited training. The reduced training investment directly translates to lower per-test costs.

The system works by measuring bio-cognitive responses — subtle changes that occur when the brain is under the increased cognitive load that deception requires. Research has demonstrated measurable cognitive costs of deception [1]Verified Learning to Lie: Effects of Practice on the Cognitive Cost of Lying
Foundational research demonstrating measurable cognitive costs of deception, supporting EyeDetect's theoretical basis, and EyeDetect captures these physiological changes through its eye-tracking technology. Dr. Kircher, who also co-developed the first computerised polygraph in 1991 [2]Verified The Eyes Have It: How This Lehi Company Has Taken Lie Detecting to a New Level
Confirms Kircher and colleague credited with inventing the first computerised polygraph in 1991, and EyeDetect research published in 2012, has published over 100 scientific publications in the field of psychophysiological detection of deception [3]Verified Doña Ana County — EyeDetect Sole Source Purchasing Document
Confirms Converus owns all patents and technology rights, Dr. Kircher has published 100+ scientific publications, and the first computerised polygraph was developed in 1991. For more on how AI is transforming polygraph systems, EyeDetect represents one of the most significant advances in automated credibility assessment.

Standard Consumer EyeDetect Test Prices

Consumer pricing for EyeDetect tests varies by provider, location, and test type. Based on verified pricing from active providers in 2026:

One provider charges a flat fee of $300 for an EyeDetect test, which includes the test administration, data analysis, and a final report. Another provider lists $325 for a one-person, single-question private civil EyeDetect test, $400 for a sexual addiction therapeutic maintenance test, and $800 for a court-ordered or court-related EyeDetect test.

In the UK market, EyeDetect+ tests (which combine ocular-motor and physiological data) start at £595 per single-person test.

For most consumers seeking a standard private EyeDetect test, expect to pay between $200 and $400. Court-related and more complex tests carry a premium, typically ranging from $400 to $800. Converus itself does not provide testing services directly — all consumer tests are administered by authorised service partners who set their own pricing. To understand the broader value proposition, our guide on polygraph test cost vs. value provides useful context.

What's Included in the Consumer Price

A standard consumer EyeDetect test fee typically includes several components: a brief pre-test orientation, the actual automated test session (15 to 30 minutes depending on the protocol), real-time data collection via the infrared eye-tracking camera, automated algorithmic scoring and analysis, and a final report showing the Converus Credibility Score. Scores between 50 and 99 indicate credibility, while scores between 1 and 49 categorise the subject as deceptive.

Results are delivered remarkably quickly. Unlike polygraph examinations where scoring can take additional time, EyeDetect results are typically available within five minutes of test completion. This rapid turnaround adds considerable value for consumers who need timely results.

EyeDetect Hardware Investment

Operators looking to offer EyeDetect services need to invest in specialised hardware and software from Converus. The system requires a high-definition infrared eye-tracking camera, a dedicated computer workstation, a chin rest for examinees, and the proprietary EyeDetect software. EyeDetect requires custom hardware and software that is exclusively manufactured and licensed by Converus [3]Verified Doña Ana County — EyeDetect Sole Source Purchasing Document
Confirms Converus owns all patents and technology rights, Dr. Kircher has published 100+ scientific publications, and the first computerised polygraph was developed in 1991.

Converus owns all patents and technology rights for the commercial development, production, and sale of the EyeDetect product line [3]Verified Doña Ana County — EyeDetect Sole Source Purchasing Document
Confirms Converus owns all patents and technology rights, Dr. Kircher has published 100+ scientific publications, and the first computerised polygraph was developed in 1991. This exclusive licensing model means operators must purchase directly from Converus or through its authorised distribution channels.

Proctor Training and Certification

One of the most significant cost advantages of EyeDetect over traditional polygraph is the dramatically reduced training requirement. EyeDetect proctors can be trained in as little as one day, with some sources indicating training can be completed in as few as 3 hours. One provider describes proctor training as taking 1 to 2 days.

By contrast, polygraph examiner training requires a minimum of 10 weeks at an accredited school, representing a substantially greater investment of time and money. This difference is a major factor in EyeDetect's lower operational costs. Learn more about what a polygraph examiner's training involves.

Software Licensing and Per-Test Scoring Credits

Operators pay ongoing costs beyond the initial hardware investment. Converus operates a credit-based model where each test requires a scoring credit to process results through the cloud-based analysis system. Converus may also modify pricing or discontinue software features with or without notice, as outlined in their End User License Agreement.

For U.S. federal agency buyers, the purchasing process is simplified through the GSA Schedule contract (#47QTCA22D002D), which was awarded to Converus in February 2022 as a five-year agreement. This contract provides pre-negotiated volume discount pricing and allows agencies to purchase EyeDetect hardware and software without the standard competitive bidding process.

Volume Discounts for High-Throughput Organisations

EyeDetect's scalability is one of its strongest selling points for enterprise customers. One test administrator managing three EyeDetect stations can run up to 40 tests per day during an 8-hour workday. A single proctor on a single station can administer up to 14 tests per day. With three stations, a proctor can run up to 30 tests daily. This throughput dramatically exceeds traditional polygraph, where examiners typically complete only 3 to 5 examinations per day [5]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act — American Polygraph Association
Confirms EPPA limits examiners to no more than 5 polygraph tests per calendar day and tests must be at least 90 minutes.

At the institutional level, Converus claims EyeDetect costs approximately 1/30th the per-test cost of polygraph. If traditional government polygraph examinations cost upward of $2,000 per exam, this would suggest institutional per-test costs well under $100 for EyeDetect. This cost differential drives significant projected savings — Converus estimates the U.S. federal government could save $29 billion annually by replacing or supplementing polygraph with EyeDetect across security clearances, immigration enforcement, personnel vetting, and leak prevention.

For a detailed look at how EyeDetect is being adopted by police departments and agencies, see our EyeDetect in Law Enforcement guide.

Government and Law Enforcement Adoption

EyeDetect is used by more than 1,000 customers worldwide, including over 100 U.S. law enforcement agencies. Federal agencies in 60+ countries have deployed the technology. The U.S. State Department has facilitated over 50,000 EyeDetect tests across various countries since 2018. The Department of State paid Converus $25,000 to use EyeDetect when vetting local hires at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala [6]Verified EyeDetect Marketer Converus Spends Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars Lobbying Federal Agencies
Confirms U.S. State Department paid $25,000 for EyeDetect at Guatemala embassy.

Converus CEO Todd Mickelsen has stated that 80% of the company's revenue comes from customers such as banks and businesses who never previously used polygraphs [7]Verified Converus Lie Detector Uses Eye Tracking — CNBC
Confirms 80% of Converus revenue from non-polygraph customers, use by Latin American banks, and EyeDetect launched in 2014 across 34 countries initially. These organisations use EyeDetect primarily for employee integrity verification and corruption prevention. For insight into EyeDetect's expansion into developing economies, see our EyeDetect in Africa and Emerging Markets article.

Pre-Employment Screening Considerations

In the U.S., the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) of 1988 generally prevents most private employers from using any lie detector test — including EyeDetect — for pre-employment screening [8]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 — Wikipedia
Confirms EPPA generally prevents private employers from using lie detector tests, with exemptions for government agencies and specific private employers. EPPA defines "lie detector" broadly to include any device used to render diagnostic opinions about an individual's honesty, which likely encompasses EyeDetect [9]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act — Full Text (29 USC Ch. 22)
Confirms EPPA's broad definition of 'lie detector' including 'any other similar device' used for diagnostic opinions on honesty, which likely encompasses EyeDetect.

Limited exemptions exist for polygraph tests administered to employees of security firms, pharmaceutical companies, and those suspected of workplace theft [8]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 — Wikipedia
Confirms EPPA generally prevents private employers from using lie detector tests, with exemptions for government agencies and specific private employers. Federal, state, and local government agencies are exempt from EPPA entirely [8]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 — Wikipedia
Confirms EPPA generally prevents private employers from using lie detector tests, with exemptions for government agencies and specific private employers, which is why the primary U.S. market for EyeDetect pre-employment screening is in the public sector. For more on navigating EPPA requirements, read our EyeDetect for Pre-Employment Screening HR Guide.

EPPA also specifies that no more than 5 polygraph tests may be administered per calendar day, and each test must last at least 90 minutes [5]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act — American Polygraph Association
Confirms EPPA limits examiners to no more than 5 polygraph tests per calendar day and tests must be at least 90 minutes. These constraints do not apply to EyeDetect specifically, though EPPA's broader restrictions on private-sector testing remain relevant.

Price Per Test: Side-by-Side Breakdown

The cost differential between EyeDetect and traditional polygraph is substantial across every pricing tier:

Consumer pricing: EyeDetect ranges from $200 to $400 for standard tests, while traditional polygraph tests average $400 to $1,200 per session nationally. Some experienced polygraph examiners charge $900 to $1,500 or more for complex cases.

Institutional pricing: At the government level, EyeDetect operates at approximately 1/30th the cost of polygraph per test. As an example, Converus projects that CBP could save $21 million annually if 10,000 candidates were screened with EyeDetect instead of polygraph.

Combination packages: Some providers offer bundled EyeDetect and polygraph packages ranging from $695 for a basic single-issue combination to $1,295 for court-related combination testing. For more context on how these costs translate to value, our polygraph test cost vs. value analysis is a useful resource.

Why Polygraph Tests Cost More

The higher cost of traditional polygraph examinations is driven by several factors:

Examiner labour: A qualified polygraph examiner has completed extensive education and supervised practice. Their time — typically 90 minutes to 4 hours per examination — is the single largest cost driver. The pre-test interview, chart collection, and post-test discussion all require a highly trained professional's active involvement for the entire session.

Training investment: Polygraph examiners require a minimum of 10 weeks of training at an accredited school, plus ongoing continuing education. This significant upfront investment is reflected in per-exam pricing. To understand more about how long a polygraph test takes and why, that timing directly impacts cost.

Equipment and interpretation: Polygraph instruments typically cost $5,000 to $15,000 and results require expert human interpretation — including specialised skills like spot analysis and chart marking. EyeDetect's automated scoring eliminates this variable entirely.

When EyeDetect Offers the Best Value

EyeDetect typically offers the best value in high-volume screening scenarios. A consumer can save $300 to $800 or more per session by choosing EyeDetect over a traditional polygraph. For organisations screening at scale, the savings multiply dramatically — moving from a $660 million annual polygraph cost to EyeDetect could reduce that to a fraction, while still maintaining a 10% polygraph component for deeper investigation.

However, traditional polygraph retains distinct advantages for specific-incident investigations where tailored follow-up questioning is necessary [7]Verified Converus Lie Detector Uses Eye Tracking — CNBC
Confirms 80% of Converus revenue from non-polygraph customers, use by Latin American banks, and EyeDetect launched in 2014 across 34 countries initially. Many providers recommend a combined approach for maximum confidence. It is also worth understanding EyeDetect's limitations before making a decision based purely on cost.

Test Type and Protocol

EyeDetect offers several test protocols, each with different pricing implications:

The Relevant Comparison Test (RCT) is the original screening protocol. The mean accuracy for this test is 86%, as published by Dr. Kircher and Dr. Raskin in the European Polygraph Journal in December 2016. RCT covers 2 to 4 issues per test and is designed for pre-employment and periodic screening.

The Directed Lie Comparison (DLC) test is a single-issue diagnostic protocol with a mean accuracy of 90%, according to field data gathered and analysed in December 2018. DLC tests are typically shorter (around 15 minutes) and are used for specific investigations.

The Multi-Issue Comparison Test (MCT) achieved 88% accuracy and can score up to 4 relevant issues in a single test. This protocol was published by Dr. Andrew Potts in April 2020 based on lab studies at the University of Utah.

EyeDetect+ adds physiological measurements to ocular-motor data, achieving 89 to 91% accuracy. The Hybrid MCT achieved 91% accuracy and the Hybrid DLC achieved 88% accuracy in lab studies published in June 2021.

Location and Provider

Geography significantly influences consumer pricing. Prices in major metropolitan areas tend to be higher than in rural locations, consistent with trends seen across professional services. In the UK, where EyeDetect+ tests start at £595, pricing reflects both the premium market and the more advanced testing protocol offered.

Converus does not set consumer pricing directly — each authorised service partner determines their own rates. This means prices can vary considerably between providers even within the same region. The best approach is to contact an authorised partner directly through the Converus website to get accurate pricing for your specific needs.

Purpose: Private, Legal, or Court-Ordered

The purpose of the test significantly affects pricing. Private civil tests are typically the most affordable option, starting around $300 to $325. Sexual addiction and therapeutic maintenance tests command a moderate premium at around $400. Court-ordered or court-related tests are the most expensive category, running approximately $800 for an EyeDetect-only test.

The price premium for court-related testing reflects additional documentation requirements, potential expert testimony obligations, and the higher stakes involved. For those considering how polygraph evidence functions in legal proceedings, the investment in court-grade testing is often worthwhile.

No Insurance Coverage

Neither EyeDetect nor polygraph tests are covered by health insurance. All costs are paid out-of-pocket by the consumer or the requesting organisation. This applies regardless of whether the test is for personal, legal, therapeutic, or employment purposes.

Retesting and Inconclusive Results

Like any credibility assessment technology, EyeDetect can produce inconclusive results in some cases. If a retest is necessary, you may need to pay the full testing fee again. Factors that can lead to inconclusive results include poor eye-tracking calibration (which can be caused by heavy eye makeup or pupil-dilating substances), excessive blinking or eye closing, and certain visual impairments.

Some providers have strict cancellation and rescheduling policies. For example, one provider states that all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable, and rescheduling is only permitted once with at least 7 days' advance notice.

Travel and Convenience Costs

Because EyeDetect requires specialised hardware, the test must be conducted at a location equipped with an EyeDetect station. Unlike some portable polygraph setups, you cannot administer EyeDetect remotely. Depending on your location and the nearest authorised provider, you may need to factor in travel costs. Some providers do offer to conduct tests at a convenient location for the examinee, but this may come with additional fees.

Research-Backed Accuracy Figures

Understanding what accuracy level your investment delivers is critical. Converus reports that EyeDetect achieves 86 to 88% accuracy depending on the test type. Specifically, the RCT screening protocol achieves 86% mean accuracy, the DLC diagnostic protocol achieves 90% mean accuracy, and the MCT protocol achieves 88% mean accuracy.

EyeDetect+ combines ocular-motor data with physiological measurements and reports 89 to 91% accuracy. This represents a meaningful improvement over the standard EyeDetect platform. Research on the cognitive foundations of deception detection, including studies showing measurable cognitive cost differences between truth-tellers and liars [1]Verified Learning to Lie: Effects of Practice on the Cognitive Cost of Lying
Foundational research demonstrating measurable cognitive costs of deception, supporting EyeDetect's theoretical basis, supports the theoretical basis for EyeDetect's approach.

When evaluating accuracy claims, it's important to consider the broader landscape of automated deception detection. Research on incorporating base rates and cost into system evaluation [10]Verified Advancing the Assessment of Automated Deception Detection Systems
Foundational research on incorporating base rates and cost into evaluation of automated deception detection systems demonstrates that real-world performance depends heavily on the population being tested and the base rate of deception. For a comprehensive analysis, see our EyeDetect Accuracy: What the Research Shows article.

Combined Testing for Maximum Confidence

The most powerful application of EyeDetect is in combination with traditional polygraph using a "successive hurdles" approach. When both EyeDetect and polygraph produce the same result, outcome confidence reaches approximately 97 to 99%. This works because the two technologies measure independent channels — EyeDetect tracks ocular-motor behaviour while polygraph monitors cardiovascular, respiratory, and electrodermal responses.

Combination packages are available from many providers. Pricing ranges from $695 for a basic single-issue combination to $1,295 for court-related combination testing. While more expensive than either test alone, the substantially higher confidence level makes this approach the gold standard for cases where maximum reliability is needed. The underlying principle is that an individual may be able to influence one measurement channel, but simultaneously controlling responses across completely independent biological systems is extraordinarily difficult. Our article on whether you can beat a polygraph explores this dynamic further.

Value for Individual Consumers

For individual consumers, EyeDetect offers a compelling value proposition. At $200 to $400 for a standard test, it provides a scientifically validated credibility assessment at a fraction of the cost of traditional polygraph. The test is non-invasive — no sensors are attached to the participant, who simply answers true/false questions on a computer. The experience is generally considered less stressful than a traditional polygraph session.

EyeDetect is particularly well suited for relationship matters, therapeutic monitoring, personal verification, and situations where cost sensitivity is a factor. For those dealing with relationship trust issues, our partner wants a lie detector test guide provides additional context on when and how to pursue testing.

Value for Organisations and Agencies

For organisations conducting high-volume screening, EyeDetect's value is transformative. The ability for a single proctor with three stations to administer up to 40 tests per day versus 3 to 5 polygraph exams per day [5]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act — American Polygraph Association
Confirms EPPA limits examiners to no more than 5 polygraph tests per calendar day and tests must be at least 90 minutes represents an order-of-magnitude improvement in throughput. Combined with per-test costs estimated at 1/30th of polygraph, the total cost of ownership for large-scale screening programmes is dramatically lower.

Latin American banks, for example, use EyeDetect to screen tellers and prevent corruption [7]Verified Converus Lie Detector Uses Eye Tracking — CNBC
Confirms 80% of Converus revenue from non-polygraph customers, use by Latin American banks, and EyeDetect launched in 2014 across 34 countries initially. Law enforcement agencies use it for pre-employment screening, where one study found that 32% of prospective police officers failed EyeDetect screening [11]Verified The Eyes Have It — Deseret News (Customer Statistics)
Confirms 75 U.S. law enforcement agency contracts and 32% of prospective cops fail EyeDetect screening. The technology is also increasingly used in sex offender monitoring, parole compliance, and corporate investigation contexts. For businesses considering adoption, the EyeDetect for Pre-Employment Screening HR Guide provides a complete implementation roadmap.

The real-world consequences of credibility assessment errors — including false confessions and wrongful convictions — underscore the importance of investing in accurate, validated technologies [12]Verified 5 Costs and Consequences of Deception, Coercion, and False Confessions: The Norfolk Four
Demonstrates real-world costs of credibility assessment errors including wrongful convictions from false confessions. Whether choosing EyeDetect, polygraph, or a combination of both, the cost of testing is minimal compared to the potential cost of making a wrong decision about trustworthiness.