What Does a Polygraph Examiner Do?

Learn About the Salary, Required Skills, & More

A Day in the Life of a Polygraph Examiner

The Balance / Theresa Chiechi

Perhaps one of the most fascinating and misunderstood tools of the criminal justice and criminology industry is the polygraph exam, more commonly known as a lie detector test. While the tests are based on simple scientific principles, not anyone can strap a subject to an instrument and start asking questions. Lie detector tests are conducted by highly trained and disciplined technicians, known as polygraph examiners.

The term polygraph means many writings. It refers to the science of the test, in which several physiological responses are measured at the same time to detect signs of deception. This process is called forensic psychophysiology, which denotes the relationship to the mind and body as it pertains to physical responses to thoughts and emotions. The true professional title of a polygraph examiner, then, is forensic psychophysiologist.

Invented in 1921 by Berkeley medical student John Larson, the polygraph has been used in interviews and interrogations for nearly a century. It operates on the notion that telling a lie causes stress for most individuals and that stress, in turn, produces measurable physiological responses.

The polygraph is the subject of skepticism and misunderstanding. In many cases, polygraph results are not admissible in court and have been prohibited from being used in pre-employment screening for all but the most sensitive jobs, such as special agents and police officers. Nonetheless, it has proven to be a useful tool for internal and criminal investigations and intelligence gathering, both in the public and private sectors.

Polygraph results are often only as good as the examiner conducting the test. For this reason, the American Polygraph Association (APA) has established rigorous standards to certify examiners and ensure that the integrity of the polygraph is maintained and upheld.

Polygraph examiners are highly analytical people with excellent interpersonal communication skills. They combine knowledge of psychology and physiology to evaluate individuals for deceptive tendencies. The work can be fascinating and intellectually stimulating. If this sounds like the kind of work you would be interested in performing, then a career as a polygraph examiner may be the perfect criminology career for you.

Polygraph Examiner Duties & Responsibilities

This job requires candidates to be able to perform duties that include the following:

  • Prepare subjects for testing.
  • Conduct polygraph exams.
  • Prepare written reports.
  • Work closely with investigators.
  • Provide courtroom testimony.
  • Obtain continuing education.

Polygraphers prepare reports about the results of their exams and submit them to their superiors or clients. Depending on the scope of questioning, the process can take several hours. A large part of the job involves effective communication and dealing closely with individuals, many of whom are nervous about the test.

Generally speaking, examiners do not make recommendations on how to deal with the test subject but, instead, report their opinion regarding the veracity of the subject or the presence of deception. At times, they may be called to testify in court proceedings about the conduct or results of their examinations.

Certified examiners must maintain their skills by participating in annual continuing education and training programs. They also submit reports about the accuracy of their tests to build upon the data set and further verify the efficacy of the testing process.

Polygraph Examiner Salary

A polygraph examiner's salary varies based on the area of expertise, level of experience, education, certifications, and other factors. For example, state agencies may pay more than federal agencies. The U.S. Department of Labor reports salary data for forensic science technicians, which includes polygraph examiners as follows:

  • Median Annual Salary: $58,230 ($28 /hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $97,200 ($46.73/hour)
  • Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $34,600 ($16.63/hour)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018

Education, Training & Certification

The polygraph examiner position involves fulfilling education and training requirements as follows:

  • Education: Individuals looking to work as polygraph examiners often need to hold an associate's or bachelor's degree. Degrees in criminal justice, criminology, psychology, or forensic science are most beneficial. Interpersonal communication skills and writing skills are required for potential examiners. Polygraph examiners can attend one of several polygraph academies throughout the United States, where they receive more than 200 hours of industry-specific training. They must also conduct 200 verified exams before they can be certified by the APA.
  • Training: Many times, agencies appoint current officers to the position of a polygraph examiner and arrange for the officer to be trained. In these instances, a degree may not be required, but relevant work experience, particularly in law enforcement and investigations, is necessary.

Polygraph Examiner Skills & Competencies

In addition to education and other requirements, candidates that possess the following skills may be able to perform more successfully in the job:

  • Communication skills: A polygraph examiner may need to testify in court, write reports, and work with other law enforcement individuals.
  • Critical thinking: Examiners must use critical thinking and their best judgment to perform their job well.
  • Detail-oriented: Individuals must pay strict attention to detail and nuance when examining polygraph tests.
  • Math and science skills: A solid understand of statistics and natural science helps polygraph examiners perform their required job duties.

Job Outlook

A polygraph examiner salary varies based on the area of expertise, level of experience, education, certifications, and other factors. Jobs for all forensic examiners are expected to grow at a rate of 17% through 2026. This job growth rate is much higher than the national average of 7% growth for all occupations in the United States.

Law enforcement and federal criminal investigative agencies continue to make use of polygraph exams as part of their background investigations. Polygraph examiners receive highly specialized training, meaning they will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future.

Work Environment

Polygraph examiners work for public law enforcement agencies, criminal investigative entities, intelligence services, and private consulting and investigative firms. The bulk of their work is performed in an office setting.

Work Schedule

Technicians working in laboratories typically work a standard 40-hour workweek, although they may need to be on-call after normal business hours to work immediately on a case.

How to Get the Job

PREPARE

Brush up your resume to highlight relevant skills and previous experience. Before you apply for polygraph examiner jobs, get your cover letter and resume in order.

NETWORK

Network your way to a new job by attending events organized by polygraph industry trade organizations. Check the online sites for industry associations, such as the American Polygraph Association, for events happening in your area. Many trade association sites also post job openings, which can help narrow your search.

APPLY

Locate open positions by using resources such as Indeed.com, Monster.com, and Glassdoor.com for available positions. Visit hiring organizations' websites, such as the Central Intelligence Agency, to locate job openings.

Comparing Similar Jobs

People interested in a polygraph examiner career should also consider the following career paths, listed with the median annual salary:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018