Polygraph Frequently Asked questions

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The polygraph examiner is an independent and neutral party. His or her job is to provide a fair and accurate test and report the results.

The client and the polygraph examiner work together to develop test questions. The questions will be developed based on the concern or issue of the client. Tests can be designed for a single issue or for multiple issues or concerns. Some additional questions on the test are termed control questions. The control questions are standard questions given on every test.

* A Polygraph test will assist with determining a person's past actions or conduct.

 ** Polygraph tests are not a crystal ball and do not help determine what a person will do or won't do in the future. 

  The following are the possible polygraph/lie detector exam results or outcomes:

1. No Deception Indicated (NDI), the person has passed the polygraph test. 
2. Deception Indicated (DI), the person has failed the polygraph test.
3. Inconclusive (INC), the person has neither passed or failed the polygraph test. When this result occurs, up to two additional attempts can be made to obtain an NDI or DI result.
4. No Opinion (NO), not enough data (charts) and or information was collected from the person being tested to yield an NDI, DI, or INC result. (Note: for NO result client will be responsible for full cost of polygraph test, another test will be rescheduled if requested at full cost) .

• The cost for a polygraph exam depends upon the complexity and type of polygraph test to be conducted, as well as the location (town, city, state, country, see "Services" for starting price).

•  A non-refundable $300.00 deposit is required to schedule a test. This is applied to the total cost.

•  Should you need to reschedule a polygraph test within 2 days of a scheduled test, an additional deposit of $300.00 may be required and will be applied toward the total cost of polygraph test.

• The length of time required for a polygraph test varies. Most tests are completed in less than two hours, others may take up to four hours. It’s recommended that you give yourself extra time. Rule of thumb is to block out four hours . 

The examination begins with a general introduction and overview of the reason for the lie detector test. A form or two will need to be signed, and then a detailed pretest interview.  Next, is the actual polygraph test, which is a collection of data and charts.  This is followed by an analysis of the polygraph charts, and then a post polygraph test interview. During the post polygraph test interview, an oral advisement of the polygraph test result will be provided.

A written report of the test results will be emailed within 72 hours to the client (person paying for the test). The examinee (the person polygraph tested), is entitled to the report as well, if requested. The written report can only be provided after a quality control (QC) review of the polygraph test charts is completed by an independent certified QC polygraph examiner.

• Know that you will need to arrive 15 minutes early.
• Wear comfortable clothing to examination.
• Eat your regular amount of breakfast or lunch. 
• Having some coffee or caffeine is okay if it is your norm. 
• Take daily prescriptive or allergy medications. Vitamins have no effect either way.
• No alcohol or recreational drugs 24 hours prior to test.
• Get close to your normal rest or sleep the night before.
• Make sure you clear your schedule for at least 4 hours from the time your test is scheduled.
• Bring your valid driver’s license or other government identification.
• Use the bathroom just prior to taking the polygraph test to avoid disruptions.
• No cellular phones or weapons of any kind are allowed during the appointment.
• Do not bring friends, relatives, or children to your appointment.
• Hydrate (drink water), no less than 32 ounces a day for at least 2 days prior to test.
• If you are pregnant, injured, or ill (cold/Flu), call in advance for further instruction. Pregnant woman will need a doctor’s note.
• Do not do any research on "how to pass a lie detector test", (it can only adversely effect your test result).