Choosing Your Examiner

IMPORTANT! EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE SCHEDULING A POLYGRAPH EXAM:

Are You in a Hurry for an Exam? Some Things You Should Know . . .

We routinely receive calls from people who rushed to have a polygraph test done and ended up getting a test with a phony examiner. Don't fall prey to one of those phonies!

When selecting a polygraph examiner, you need to know that all examiners are not experienced or qualified professionals. Some are self-taught "polygraph operators" who purchased a self-study course over the internet, but hold no legitimate certifications or formal training, and never completed an internship. Others are part-time examiners, interns, or full-time private investigators who conduct just a few exams a month and lack any real experience. Many of these part-timers will offer you an immediate appointment at a discount price; they are simply not in demand due to inexperience or poor credentials. Some may offer to come to your home or have you come to their home because they do not even have their own office! Don't let them rush you into thinking you are having a polygraph emergency. An examiner should consult with you to help ensure that the polygraph is appropriate for your situation, and not try to rush you into a same-day appointment.

The American Polygraph Association (APA), American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP), and Arizona Polygraph Association (AzPA) have ethics, education, and training standards. Call these organizations directly to verify if an examiner is a "Full Member," "Associate Member," or "Intern." MANY examiners are not members, while others are only "Associate" or "Intern" members, as they do not meet the education or experience requirements to be a Full Member.

What to Ask an Examiner . . .

Before selecting an examiner, be sure to ask about their training and experience. 

• Professional memberships (e.g., APA, AAPP, & AzPA.)
• Continuing Education (30 hours required biannually by the APA.)
• Law enforcement experience (Required to be an AAPP Full Member.)
• Advanced certifications from the APA and AAPP.
• College degrees (A bachelor's degree is required for APA Full Member.)
• Arizona Private Investigator's license

Our college degrees and professional certifications are posted in our office, and our annual training certificates are available for inspection. ABOUT US.