How to Become a Polygraph Examiner

A polygraph exam is also known as a lie detector test. A polygraph exam involves using an apparatus that measures several indicators such as respiration, pulse rate, blood pressure et cetera. to check for deceptive answers. A polygraph examiner administers a polygraph exam.

In this article, we will demystify the procedures to become a polygraph examiner.

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What Does a Polygraph Examiner do?

A polygraph examiner uses several devices to measure the respiratory and blood pressure responses to a series of questions administered orally.

The results are then analyzed, and an opinion is formed as to the veracity of the claims of the examinee.

It is important to note that polygraph test results are not admissible in court.

The job of a lie detector test examiner includes;

• Holding meetings with clients to determine the line of questioning to follow.
• Testifying in court bout findings.
• Running polygraph exams on suspects and witnesses alike.
• Keeping comprehensive records about the various techniques used, preparing reports, et cetera.

Are Polygraph Tests Reliable?

The accuracy of the polygraph exam is said to be about 87%. 87 out of 100 times, the polygraph test is correct.

While impressive, it leaves room for an inaccuracy level of 13%. This is one of the major reasons a polygraph examination is inadmissible in court.

Polygraph test results are not foolproof. A nervous person can sometimes fail a polygraph test which makes it susceptible to errors.

How much does a Polygraph Examiner Earn?

The average salary for a polygraph examiner is pegged at $49,380 per annum in the United States.

It is mostly between $45,000 to $55,000. It sometimes comes down to educational qualification, years of experience, additional skills, et cetera.

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How to Become an Examiner

Earlier in the article, we promised to demystify the procedures to become a polygraph examiner.

To become a lie detector test examiner, you must first possess good communication skills and a person of integrity. These are some of the ways how to become a polygraph examiner.

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree is usually the first step in becoming a polygraph examiner.

A bachelor’s degree in law, criminology, psychology, criminal justice, et cetera is suitable for a career in a polygraph examination.

Get the Required Training in Polygraphy

Besides getting a bachelor’s degree, training in polygraphy is usually required.

Enrolment in a polygraph training school accredited by the American Polygraph Association is required to become an examiner.

The training usually lasts for 18 months. To qualify for admission into an accredited polygraph school, you must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.

Training in a certified polygraph school usually involves ethics, design of polygraph test questions, legal issues, et cetera.

Build Your Experience With an Internship Job

After getting a bachelor’s degree and getting the required training in an accredited polygraph school, the next line of action typically involves building your experience through an internship.

Finding a job as an intern under the supervision of an experienced polygraph examiner is required before issuance of a certificate in a polygraph examination.

Passing the State Exam/Obtaining a License

In several states in the United States, not all require prospective polygraph examiners to take a written examination to become polygraph examiners.

If you happen to reside in a state where this is obtainable, you have to take the written examination to obtain a license.

Find a Job

After meeting the above requirements, all that is left to do is search for a job. There are several places where the services of a polygraph examiner are required.

Examples of such places include law enforcement such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the private sector, et cetera.

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Conclusion

The article discussed the different ways to become a polygraph examiner at great length.

It explained the job of the polygraph examiner, the academic qualifications required, the accuracy of the polygraph test, how much a polygraph examiner is likely to earn, et cetera.