Confidential polygraph testing for personal, legal, and professional matters
Resolve disputes, prove your innocence, or uncover the truth with a professional polygraph examination. Our examiners trained to APA standards provide confidential lie detector tests for relationships, theft, fraud, sexual allegations, integrity screening, and legal defence — at 140+ discreet locations nationwide. Free consultation. Results within 48 hours.
Tests to APA standards, all examiners · 100% confidential — no results shared without consent · Written report within 48 hours · Free consultation, no obligation
Up to 95%Single-issue accuracy (APA meta-analysis)
≤3Relevant questions per single-issue test
5Physiological channels monitored
600+ hrsExaminer training required (APA standard)
30 hrsCPD every 2 years (APA standard)
FreeConsultation — no obligation
Choose Your Test12 Examination Types
Is a polygraph right for your situation?
Select the service that matches your situation. Each test is tailored to your specific circumstances with targeted questions developed by your examiner during the pre-test consultation.
Relationship & Personal
Workplace & Business
Legal & Court
Relationship & Personal · Most Requested
Infidelity Lie Detector Test
Resolve relationship trust issues, confirm or rule out suspected cheating, and get the clarity you need to move forward. Whether you’re the one suspected or the one who needs answers — our confidential infidelity test provides objective, verifiable results.
Relationship & Personal · Sensitive & Confidential
Sexual Contact Test
Discreet testing for concerns about sexual contact outside your relationship. Targeted questions about specific encounters, intimate acts, or physical contact — handled with sensitivity and strict confidentiality.
Domestic and workplace theft, embezzlement, missing valuables, and financial misconduct. Identify the responsible party or clear your name when falsely accused of stealing.
Pre-employment screening for security-sensitive roles, corporate due diligence, fraud investigation, and personal proof of honesty. EPPA-compliant methodology for eligible employers.
Polygraph examination to investigate drug use, substance abuse concerns, or denial of drug-related activity. Used by families, employers, and individuals seeking to confirm sobriety or address allegations.
Falsely accused? Polygraph evidence is a powerful tool for demonstrating your innocence. Used in personal disputes, disciplinary proceedings, legal defence, and situations where your word is being questioned.
Internal investigations, employee screening, IP theft, corporate espionage, financial misconduct, and vendor due diligence. Discreet, professional polygraph services tailored to business environments.
Polygraph testing in support of custody disputes, child welfare concerns, allegations of abuse or neglect, and family court proceedings. Court-ready reports for attorneys and self-represented litigants.
Polygraph testing for individuals accused of sexual offences or victims seeking to corroborate their claims. Court-ready reports for legal proceedings, defence strategy, and prosecution support.
Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing as part of the containment model. Instant offense, sexual history disclosure, maintenance, and monitoring examinations coordinated with probation and treatment teams.
Comprehensive polygraph support for attorneys, law firms, and legal professionals. Pre-trial investigation, defence strategy support, prosecution assistance, plea negotiation evidence, sentencing mitigation, and court-ready reporting. We work with criminal defence, family law, civil litigation, and immigration attorneys across all 50 states.
Real feedback from people who’ve been through the process
Names and identifying details withheld to protect confidentiality.
After months of doubt and argument, the polygraph gave us both the clarity we needed to move forward. The examiner was professional, compassionate, and explained every step. The report arrived the next morning.
M.T.Relationship dispute · Chicago, IL
“I was falsely accused by a coworker before an HR hearing. The polygraph report was exactly what I needed. The HR panel accepted it immediately — case closed within the week.”
R.K.Workplace allegation · Dallas, TX
“My attorney recommended this for our custody case. Handled with total professionalism. The court-ready report was clear and well-documented — our attorney said it was one of the best she’d seen from a private provider.”
J.L.Custody proceedings · Phoenix, AZ
Why Clients Choose UsService Specification
What separates a professional polygraph provider from the rest
Professional Standards
ExaminersTrained to APA standards — carefully vetted, extensively experienced in private testing
TechniquesValidated techniques only — the same evidence-based methods used by FBI, Secret Service, and the Department of Defense
InstrumentationGovernment-grade — calibrated and maintained to APA instrumentation standards (Aug 2023)
RecordingFull audio recording — all examination phases recorded and retained per APA §1.7.5
ReportingCourt-ready — detailed, professionally written reports suitable for legal proceedings
Client Experience
ConsultationFree — no-obligation case assessment including suitability review before you commit
Locations140+ discreet locations — professional offices in every major metro area
Scheduling48-hour scheduling — appointments typically available within 2 business days
ConfidentialityStrict — no results shared without your explicit written consent
ConsentInformed consent always obtained — the examinee reviews and agrees to all questions before testing
No gimmicksWe do not offer app-based, phone, or online “lie detector” tests
Not sure which test you need?Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation — we’ll recommend the right test for your situation, or send us a message.
How Every Polygraph Test WorksFive Stages
A structured five-stage process
Every examination follows the same structured five-stage process. APA Standards of Practice require a minimum 90-minute appointment — we schedule 2 hours to ensure thoroughness.
Stage 1
Free Consultation
Discuss your situation confidentially. We assess suitability, recommend the right test, and explain the process.
Stage 2
Question Design
Your examiner develops targeted yes/no questions specific to your case — reviewed and agreed before testing begins.
Stage 3
Pre-Test Interview
Full suitability assessment, process explanation, informed consent obtained, and question review — as required by APA §1.6.2.
Stage 4
Examination
Private room. Non-invasive sensors record upper and lower respiration, cardiovascular activity, electrodermal activity, and movement.
Stage 5
Written Report
Same-day verbal results. Written report delivered within 24–48 hours. All recordings retained per APA standards.
How to Phrase Your Polygraph Questions12 Rules
Question wording decides test quality
The wording of your questions is one of the biggest factors affecting test accuracy. Poorly formed questions can make results inconclusive or invalid — even with a perfect examiner. One question is ideal, four is the maximum, every question must be answerable yes or no, and no question should take more than 6–7 seconds to ask.
01
Questions Must Be Based on Facts
Only events that happened — or didn’t happen — can be tested
Every polygraph question must be grounded in a verifiable factual event — something that either occurred or did not occur. Opinions, beliefs, feelings, and hypotheticals cannot be meaningfully tested because there is no objective true/false answer.
✗ Invalid
“Do you think your partner is faithful to you?”
Opinion-based — untestable
✓ Valid
“Have you had sexual intercourse with anyone other than your partner in the last 12 months?”
Factual, verifiable event
02
Yes / No Only — No Narrative Answers
Every question must be answerable with a single word
The polygraph records physiological responses to specific questions. Only binary yes/no answers are permitted — narrative explanations or qualifications during the test corrupt the data. Typically, no answers are expected from suspects and yes answers from witnesses or victims.
✗ Invalid
“Can you explain what happened with the money?”
Requires a narrative — not testable
✓ Valid
“Did you take money from the company account in March?”
Simple yes/no factual question
03
Fewer Questions = Higher Accuracy
One question is ideal. Four is the maximum. Never ask more.
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of polygraph testing. Many clients want to ask 10 or 15 questions — but this significantly reduces accuracy. A single, well-framed relevant question produces the most reliable result. The upper limit of four relevant questions is where accuracy begins to degrade noticeably.
1 questionHighest accuracy
2 questionsHigh accuracy
3 questionsGood accuracy
4 questionsReduced accuracy
5+ questionsNot recommended
04
Questions Must Be Clear and Unambiguous
If a term could mean two things, it must be explicitly defined
Every person who hears the question should interpret it identically. Vague terms — especially relating to sexual acts, financial conduct, or physical contact — must be explicitly defined during the pre-test so the examinee knows exactly what is being asked. Ambiguity in a question creates ambiguity in the result.
✗ Ambiguous
“Have you been intimate with anyone else?”
“Intimate” means different things to different people
✓ Clear
“Have you had vaginal, oral, or anal sex with anyone other than [name] since January 2024?”
Explicit, defined terms — no ambiguity
05
Questions Must Be Brief — Under 6–7 Seconds to Ask
Long questions dilute the physiological response signal
Questions that take more than 6–7 seconds to read aloud are too long. The physiological response being measured occurs within a narrow window after the question is asked — excessively long questions either arrive too early or cause the response to fade before it can be clearly recorded.
✗ Too long
“During the period between January and March of last year, while you were employed at the company, did you deliberately and knowingly remove any cash or property belonging to the business without authorisation?”
~10 seconds — response window compromised
✓ Concise
“Did you steal from the company last year?”
Under 4 seconds — clean response window
06
No Questions About Intentions or Future Behaviour
Only past actions can be tested — not plans, intentions, or hypotheticals
Polygraph testing can only assess whether a person is being deceptive about something that already happened. Intentions, plans, promises, or hypothetical scenarios cannot be verified physiologically — a person may genuinely believe they will behave a certain way, making the question untestable.
✗ Invalid
“Do you intend to be faithful from now on?”
Future intention — cannot be tested
✓ Valid
“Have you been faithful to your partner for the past 12 months?”
Past behaviour — factual and testable
07
No Opinions, Emotions, or Beliefs
The polygraph measures physiological responses to facts — not feelings
Questions about what someone believes, thinks, feels, or values are excluded entirely. These cannot produce a deceptive response because there is no objective factual answer — a person can genuinely hold any belief without it being “true” or “false” in the testable sense.
✗ Invalid
“Do you feel guilty about what happened?”
Emotion-based — not measurable as deception
✓ Valid
“Did you deliberately damage the vehicle on the 14th?”
Factual act — testable as true or false
08
No Compound or Double-Barrelled Questions
One question, one fact — never combine two issues into a single question
Compound questions that contain “and” or “or” between two separate issues are not valid for polygraph testing. If the examinee is truthful about one part and deceptive about the other, the result is unreadable. Each question must target a single, specific fact.
✗ Compound
“Did you steal the money and lie about it to your manager?”
Two separate issues — answer could be mixed
✓ Single issue
“Did you take money from the cash register last month?”
One fact, one question
09
No Duplicate or Overlapping Questions
Asking the same thing in different ways does not improve accuracy
Because polygraph results are evaluated per examination rather than per individual question, rephrasing the same issue does not add evidential weight — it just increases the total question count and reduces accuracy. Each question must address a genuinely distinct factual issue.
✗ Duplicate
“Did you cheat on your partner?” + “Have you been unfaithful to your partner?” + “Did you have an affair?”
Three versions of the same question — wastes question quota
✓ Distinct
One focused question covering the specific conduct in question
Uses question quota efficiently
10
Use Time Frames, Not Specific Dates
Situational time windows are more reliable than calendar dates
Specific calendar dates can introduce false uncertainty — the examinee may genuinely be unsure of the exact date an event occurred, which can introduce noise into the physiological signal. Situational time frames (“since your wedding,” “while working at that company,” “in the last 6 months”) produce cleaner data.
✗ Specific date
“On the 14th of February, did you access the accounts?”
Examinee may genuinely be uncertain of exact date
✓ Time frame
“While working at the company, did you access accounts you were not authorised to use?”
Situational frame — no date uncertainty
11
Avoid Legal or Inflammatory Language
Charged terms can trigger emotional responses unrelated to deception
Legal terms like “assault,” “rape,” “fraud,” or emotionally loaded words can cause exaggerated physiological responses in truthful people — making them appear deceptive. Plain, direct, neutral language produces the clearest signal. Your examiner will help translate any legally-framed concerns into testable question language.
✗ Inflammatory
“Did you sexually assault the victim on that occasion?”
“Assault” and “victim” are emotionally loaded — responses may reflect emotion, not deception
✓ Neutral
“Did you have sexual contact with [name] without their consent?”
Direct and factual without inflammatory framing
12
Questions Must Relate to What the Examinee Disclosed
Your examiner can only work with what the examinee has acknowledged knowing
Polygraph questions must be based on information the examinee has disclosed or acknowledged — not on third-party allegations the examinee has never been confronted with. The pre-test interview is where your examiner establishes what the examinee knows, recalls, and claims — and builds valid questions from that foundation.
✗ Not disclosed
Asking about a specific incident the examinee has never been told about or confronted with
Examinee has no knowledge basis — question is invalid
✓ Disclosed
Questions built from what the examinee acknowledged during the pre-test interview
Examiner has firsthand knowledge of the claim — testable
↓Your examiner finalises all questions with you during the free pre-test consultation. You’ll review, discuss, and agree to every question before any testing begins — as required by APA §1.6.3. Bring your initial ideas and we’ll refine them together. Full question guide →
Pricing & What Affects Your FeeFee Factors
What determines the cost
We don’t publish a single flat fee because the right price depends on your specific situation. Here’s what determines the cost — and what you can expect at every stage.
Relationship & Personal TestsInfidelity, sexual contact, drug use, false accusation
Number of examineespriced per case
Location and travel requirementspriced per case
Complexity of issues to be testedpriced per case
Report format requiredpriced per case
Corporate & Integrity TestsTheft, fraud, pre-employment, due diligence
Number of subjects to be testedpriced per case
On-site vs. location-based testingpriced per case
Scope and depth of investigationpriced per case
EPPA compliance requirementspriced per case
Legal Defence & PCSOTCustody, sexual allegations, PCSOT, defence
Examination type (diagnostic vs. evidentiary)priced per case
Court-ready reporting requirementspriced per case
Attorney coordination and timelinepriced per case
PCSOT programme requirementspriced per case
How booking worksA non-refundable $100 booking fee secures your appointment and begins case review. The remaining balance is confirmed only after your case is assessed and your appointment is formally set. Visit our full pricing page for starting rates, or send us a message for a confidential quote.
Find Your Nearest Testing LocationEvery State
140+ professional locations across the US
Discreet office environments in every major metro area. Select your state to view available locations and examiners near you.
Source: The American Polygraph Association’s 2011 meta-analysis of 38 peer-reviewed studies found single-issue diagnostic testing achieved an aggregated accuracy of 89% (CI: 83–95%) with an ~11% inconclusive rate. Accuracy is highest when: (1) a single clearly defined issue is tested, (2) questions are minimal and targeted, (3) APA-validated techniques are used, and (4) examiners are trained to APA standards. Read the APA validity research →
Understanding Your ResultsThree Outcomes
Every examination produces one of three outcomes
Understanding what each means — including inconclusive — is important before you book.
1
No Deception Indicated
The physiological data does not indicate deception on the relevant questions. The examinee’s responses are consistent with truthful answers. Commonly referred to as a “pass.”
2
Deception Indicated
The physiological data suggests deceptive responses to one or more relevant questions. Commonly referred to as a “fail.” The report documents which questions produced the response.
3
Inconclusive
The data is insufficient to support a definitive finding either way. This is not a fail. Occurs in approximately 10–15% of examinations. A retest may be beneficial — no additional charge if the result arose from an examiner or equipment issue.
Private vs. Court-OrderedWhich Applies to You
Private vs. court-ordered polygraph — what’s the difference?
Many clients aren’t sure whether they need a private test or a court-ordered one. Here’s a clear comparison to help you understand which applies to your situation.
Private Polygraph
Court-Ordered Polygraph
You — voluntarilyWho initiates it?A judge, probation officer, or attorney
Yes — you select the providerChoose your examiner?Sometimes — court may specify approved examiners
Yes — shared only with your consentResults confidential?No — submitted to the court or agency
By stipulation — varies by jurisdictionUsable in court?Yes — submitted as evidence or monitoring record
The client booking the testWho pays?Varies — court, agency, or subject
Within 48 hoursBooking timelineSet by court schedule
YesAPA standards apply?Yes
Polygraph Admissibility by StateLegal Standing
How US courts treat polygraph evidence
Admissibility of polygraph evidence varies significantly across US jurisdictions. Most states allow results by stipulation. A few states have specific statutes. Always consult your attorney for case-specific guidance.
Broadly AdmissibleCourt may admit without stipulation
New MexicoOne of few states allowing broad admission
NevadaStatute permits admission with foundation
By StipulationBoth parties must agree in advance
CaliforniaAdmissible if both parties agree in advance
TexasWidely used in plea negotiations
FloridaAlso used in probation & PCSOT
ArizonaRoutinely used in family & criminal courts
GeorgiaAccepted by agreement of parties
OhioCommon in employment & civil matters
All other statesCall us for state-specific guidance
VariesDepends on court/judge
WashingtonDepends on court & judge
Generally ExcludedTypically not admitted as evidence
New YorkCourts typically decline admission
IllinoisUsed outside court in negotiations
How to Prepare for Your TestSix Habits
Arrive ready
Arriving well-prepared improves test quality and your comfort on the day.
01Sleep well
Get a full night’s sleep before your appointment. Fatigue can affect physiological baselines. Avoid sleep aids the night before.
02Avoid alcohol & stimulants
No alcohol for 24 hours before testing. Limit caffeine. Do not use recreational drugs — these affect physiological responses.
03Declare all medications
Tell your examiner about all prescription and over-the-counter medications during the pre-test. This is confidential and for assessment only.
04Don’t research “countermeasures”
Attempting to manipulate results is detectable and can make truthful examinees appear deceptive. Modern polygraph software makes countermeasures unreliable and risky.
05Be honest in pre-test
The pre-test interview is confidential. Disclose anything relevant to your examiner. Surprises during the test are worse than disclosures before it.
06Arrive early, stay calm
Arrive 5–10 minutes before your appointment. Normal anxiety is expected and built into the methodology — your examiner will put you at ease.
Who Can Take a Polygraph Test?Suitability
Suitability is assessed before every test
APA Standards of Practice (§1.2.3) require examiners to assess suitability before testing. Always reviewed during your free consultation.
Generally suitable
Healthy adults aged 18 and over
Those under mild stress or emotional distress (baseline established pre-test)
People taking most common medications — declare all medications during consultation
Individuals with minor anxiety or nervousness (expected and accounted for)
Non-native English speakers (translator arrangements can be made)
May affect suitability — discuss first
Cardiovascular conditions affecting heart rate or blood pressure monitoring
Active psychosis, severe dissociative disorders, or recent psychiatric crisis
Certain psychiatric medications — discuss with your examiner before booking
Minors under 18 (parental consent and examiner approval required)
What APA Standards Actually MeanThe Fine Print
Not all polygraph examiners are equal
APA standards involve rigorous training, ongoing education, and adherence to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice — last updated August 2024.
1Accredited training. APA-accredited schools require 600+ hours of instruction plus supervised internship before certification.
2Code of Ethics. All APA members bound by a formal Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (amended Aug 2024).
3Continuing education. APA mandates 30 hours of polygraph-related continuing education every two years to maintain membership.
4Evidence-based only. APA §1.7.1 requires validated techniques with published peer-reviewed evidence of accuracy — no experimental methods.
Employer Polygraph Testing & EPPAExemptions
When employers can legally request testing
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA, 1988) restricts — but does not ban — polygraph testing in private-sector employment. The following employer categories are exempt from EPPA restrictions and may request polygraph testing under specific conditions:
Federal, State & Local Government
Defence Contractors
Security Service Firms
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Distributors
Ongoing Theft / Loss Investigations
Nuclear Power Facilities
Public Water Supply Operators
Individuals — including job applicants at exempt employers or parties in personal/legal matters — may voluntarily submit to testing at any time. EPPA does not restrict voluntary private polygraph testing. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, call us for a confidential assessment.
Real Polygraph TestingConsumer Note
Real polygraph testing — not shortcuts or imitations
Mobile “lie detector” apps, automated quizzes, and tests conducted over the phone or video have no scientific basis and are not recognised by the APA or any professional polygraph body. APA Standards of Practice prohibit any examiner from rendering truthfulness opinions based on non-standard procedures. When clarity matters, choose a provider backed by forensic science, training, and accountability.
Learn More About Polygraph TestingFurther Reading
Guides worth reading before you book
In-depth guides to help you understand the science, standards, and legal context before you book.
The American Polygraph Association’s 2011 meta-analysis of 38 peer-reviewed studies found single-issue diagnostic testing produced an aggregated accuracy of approximately 89%, with an upper confidence interval of up to 95% and an inconclusive rate of around 11%. Accuracy is highest when a single clearly defined issue is tested, the number of relevant questions is kept minimal, APA-validated techniques are used, and the examiner is trained to APA standards. We maximise accuracy through validated techniques, government-grade calibrated instrumentation, and strict adherence to APA Standards of Practice.
How much does a private polygraph test cost?
Pricing varies by test type, number of subjects, and location. A $100 non-refundable booking fee secures your appointment, with the remaining balance confirmed after your case is assessed. Visit our pricing page or send us a message for a confidential quote.
What questions will I be asked?
All questions require simple yes/no answers and are developed specifically for your case. Per APA §1.6.3, you review and agree to every question with your examiner during the pre-test phase — there are no surprise questions. Single-issue tests typically include no more than 3 relevant questions — the fewer and more focused, the more accurate the results.
How long does the test take?
A typical appointment takes approximately 2 hours. APA Standards §1.7.11 require examinations to be scheduled for not less than 90 minutes — we schedule 2 hours to ensure no session feels rushed. This covers the pre-test interview, informed consent, question review, the examination, and a post-test debrief.
What happens if my result is inconclusive?
Inconclusive is not a fail. It means the physiological data was insufficient to support a definitive finding in either direction — this occurs in approximately 10–15% of examinations and is a recognised outcome under APA methodology. A retest may be scheduled. No additional charge applies where the inconclusive result arose from an examiner or equipment issue.
Are the results confidential?
Yes — strictly confidential. Results are shared only with the person who booked the test. No results are ever disclosed to any third party without explicit written consent — agreed in the consent document signed before testing begins.
Can nervousness affect my results?
No. Nervousness is completely normal and expected. APA-validated methodology accounts for baseline anxiety — your examiner establishes your physiological baseline during the pre-test, and the scoring differentiates between general nervousness and specific deception-linked responses. Attempting to “control” your responses with breathing techniques is actually detectable and can create ambiguous data.
Where can I take the test?
We operate at 140+ professional locations across the US in discreet, controlled office environments. Tests can also be conducted at your private location where conditions are suitable. View all locations or call to discuss arrangements in your area.
Can polygraph results be used in court?
Admissibility varies by jurisdiction. Many courts accept results by stipulation of both parties. Even where not directly admissible, results are routinely used in settlement negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, plea bargaining, and custody proceedings. Our reports are prepared to court-ready standards with full documentation of APA-validated methodology and recording certification.
Can employers legally require a polygraph?
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA, 1988) restricts — but does not ban — employer-requested testing. Exempt categories include federal and state government agencies, security services, pharmaceutical firms, defence contractors, and employers investigating specific workplace incidents. Private individuals may voluntarily submit at any time. See our EPPA guide above or call us to discuss your situation.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Appointments are typically available within 48 hours of booking confirmation. Book online 24/7 or send us a message for same-day scheduling assistance. Urgent cases can often be accommodated with expedited arrangements.
Get the Truth. Get Peace of Mind.
Professional polygraph testing at 140+ locations. Examiners trained to APA standards. Confidential. Accurate. Results within 48 hours. Free consultation — no obligation.