In today’s world, becoming a polygraph examiner may be one of the most rewarding careers a person can pursue.
A polygraph examiner is someone who administers lie detector tests and interprets the data to determine if an individual is being truthful.
As a polygraph examiner, you have the opportunity to help people make important decisions while working in an investigative field.
With proper training and dedication, anyone can become a polygraph examiner and begin helping others in this unique field of work.
In this article, we will explore what it takes to become a certified polygraph examiner, including the educational requirements and job responsibilities.
Becoming a polygraph examiner is a career path that requires dedication and an understanding of complex and sensitive topics.
As a polygraph examiner, you will have the opportunity to make an impact on society and help protect citizens from malicious intent.
Also, polygraph examiners typically work in law enforcement agencies or private companies that provide security services.
In the next section, we’re going to be discussing the educational requirements to become a Polygraph Examiner.
Education Requirements To Become A Polygraph Examiner
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline is typically required for polygraph examiners also known as polygraphers, polygraphists, or polygraphers.
The following academic disciplines are recognized by the CIA as being suitable for security clearances: psychology, biology, nursing, education, political science, international relations, and criminal justice.
To fulfil its employment standards, the CIA offers training and certification through its polygraph examiner program.
Steps to Become A Polygraph Examiner
Below are some of the steps that must be taken if you want to become a polygraph examiner.
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Or A Similar Discipline.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or a closely related discipline is required for polygraph examiners.
You can learn about the industry and be ready for a job as an examiner by enrolling in one of the polygraph examiner programs offered by some colleges.
Coursework on subjects like human behaviour, research methodologies, ethics, and law enforcement is frequently included in these programs.
To understand how to use polygraph software, you might also consider taking classes in computer science.
2. Complete the Necessary Program at a Polygraph Institute
You need to enrol in an authorized polygraph education program if you want to become a polygraph examiner.
A lot of these 18-month programs are accredited by the American Polygraph Association.
Remember that some polygraph institutes demand that you hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as psychology, criminal justice, or law enforcement before you can enrol with them.
During these programs, you’ll learn about ethics, legal concerns, and the creation of polygraph test questions.
Additionally, you learn how to conduct interviews, use polygraph technology and apparatus to determine how examinees answer particular questions, and correctly interpret exam results.
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3. Complete Independent Research Or Fieldwork
You’ll have to complete an internship or fieldwork after completing your polygraph examiner training.
After completing your coursework, you have one to two years to complete an internship or fieldwork.
You get to work under the direction of a polygraph examiner while completing an internship.
On the other hand, the writing of a research paper can be substituted for the internship.
4. Obtain a License
After completing polygraph training, you have the option of joining the American Polygraph Association, although it is not required nor compulsory.
Through the state or regional associations of polygraph examiners, you can seek certification.
The American Polygraph Association has strict standards that examiners must satisfy to be certified to ensure the accuracy of the polygraph because the outcomes of a polygraph test frequently depend on the expertise of the polygraph examiner.
Additionally, there are tests available that are focused on a specific component of polygraph testing.
For instance, you could choose to specialize in a certain kind of testing or become a licensed forensic law enforcement polygraph examiner.
5. Pass The Licensure Test Required By Your State
If your state has licensing requirements, you might need to get a trainee license, finish a set number of polygraph tests, or finish your internship requirements before you can take the licensing exam.
A polygraph examination stimulation and a variety of multiple-choice questions are frequently included in licensure exams to gauge your level of expertise in this area.
You might also have to participate in an oral interview with a council or advisory board, depending on the state in which you reside.
6. Get Further Training As a Polygraph Examiner
Keeping up with the most recent techniques will help you advance your profession as a polygraph examiner.
Many states demand that you maintain your training to renew your license.
To maintain your certification, you might need to enrol in continuing education classes if you belong to a professional body.
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The Duties/Obligations of a Polygraph Examiner
- Connecting people to the polygraph equipment, monitoring their replies as they are given, and then performing polygraph tests.
- Collecting and measuring data on a polygraph exam’s findings.
- Evaluating test findings to determine whether a respondent is telling the truth or lying.
- Participating in investigations.
- Giving testimony regarding the exam’s results in court.
- Assembling information about the validity of your polygraph exams and presenting reports to your superior or client.
- Explaining the polygraph process and preparing people who have been accused of a crime or who are being considered for a job.
- Posing a series of inquiries to people to provide a baseline for their test responses.
- Creating a report outlining the findings after interpreting the polygraph test’s results.
- Researching the newest polygraph methods and tools.
Polygraph Examiner Salary and Job Outlook
A polygraph examiner makes an average of $90,125 a year.
However, wages can differ according to the particular employer, the area, and the examiner’s level of education and experience, among other things.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for polygraph examiners will be below average over the ensuing ten years.
One possible explanation for this is that some employers could be reluctant to recruit these experts due to the possibility of legal issues.
In some areas, the adoption of more recent technology, such as lie-detecting software, may also eliminate the necessity for polygraph examiners.
Final Remarks
In conclusion, becoming a polygraph examiner is an achievable goal for those who have the right skills and dedication.
It requires both knowledge and experience, as well as the ability to work confidently with individuals from all backgrounds.
With hard work, commitment, and a bit of courage, it is possible to become a qualified polygraph examiner and make a lasting difference in the field of criminal justice.
So, don’t wait any longer, start your journey today towards becoming a professional polygraph examiner!
