Polygraph Questions and Answers:

How long does a polygraph test take?
The length of each examination depends on many factors including, but not limited to the number of issues to be determined, and the cooperation of the person to be tested. A full disclosure polygraph test will take from 2 to 4 hours to complete. A maintenance polygraph exam will normally take approximately 2 hours. A specific issue examination will take a minimum of 2 hours. Virginia State Law and Sound Polygraph Examination Technique requires that each person tested be informed of all issues to be covered and reported on. All questions to be asked during the test must be written down and read to the subject during the pre-test interview. [Top]

What are the different types of examinations?
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Who determines what questions are asked?
The determination of the issues to be covered during any examination is a collective decision made by parole officers, therapists and polygraph examiners. The parole officer and therapist are encouraged to suggest questions to be asked during the examination. However, the final determination of which questions are asked is the sole responsibility of the polygraph examiner. The accuracy of any polygraph test depends in large part on the polygraph examiner's ability to properly phrase questions so that they will illicit the correct response during the test. Polygraph examiners are trained to prepare questions worded in language that the subject understands. These questions deal directly with conduct and are very specific to a particular behavior. The clearer the issue, the more identifiable the answer will be on the examination as being either truthful or deceptive. Vague or non-specific questions can be confusing to the subject and difficult or impossible for the polygraph examiner to interpret. [Top]

How do I find a qualified Polygraph Examiner?
The polygraphist that you select should be a highly qualified examiner and must be a skilled interrogator. In the State of Virginia all polygraph examiners are licensed by the (DPOR) Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
To receive a polygraph license, an individual must graduate from an approved polygraph training school, successfully complete a 6 month internship and pass all parts of a rigorous state examination. Check your prospective polygraphist's reputation in the professional community. The great majority of polygraph examiners in practice in Virginia are competent and ethical and should be proud to tell about their professional credentials. Inquire about his/her formal education and specialized training and experience. There are professional societies with membership limited to qualified  polygraphists. These societies invite inquiries. The (VPA) Virginia Polygraph Association is the official association of licensed polygraph examiners in the state of Virginia. The (APA) American Polygraph Association is the national association of qualified examiners. The Academy of
Certified Polygraphists is an International Organization open to selected individuals. These associations will be happy to answer your questions as to whether or not the polygraphist in whom you are interested is a member of that organization. [Top]

What is the importance of a polygraph examination?
The goal of the polygraph examination is to get the offender to pass the examination. If the offender tells the truth and fully discloses his sexual assault pattern, this will increase the likelihood that an appropriate treatment and supervision plan will be developed. Much of the success of the treatment/supervision model rests on the information gathered by the polygraph examiner's thorough full examinations and subsequent behavioral maintenance examinations. The polygraph examiners provide all information reported during a polygraph examination to the probation/parole officer and the treatment provider. This enables the parole officer to assess compliance with supervision and provides the therapist with information on compliance with treatment directives. In sum, the polygraph examination provides the measure of compliance with treatment and supervision. [Top]