Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD), more commonly known as polygraphs or lie detector tests, has been used in criminal investigations and courtroom procedures for decades. But besides their widespread application in criminal defense testing, polygraph evaluations have since pervaded several other sectors as well. The growing adoption of lie detector tests in various industries has triggered a corresponding demand for polygraph examiners. And with multiple surveys predicting a shortage in polygraphers across the United States, now is the time to pursue a career as a polygraph examiner.
We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide on how to become a polygrapher, including the required training and potential employers.
Types of Polygraph Examiners
Polygraph examiners fall into three distinct categories, namely:
1. Law Enforcement Examiners
One of the first images that springs to mind when we think of polygraph exams is criminal suspects being questioned in police precincts. That’s understandable, as lie detector tests have long been synonymous with law enforcement.
As a law enforcement examiner, your primary role is to administer polygraph tests on behalf of police units. These include local, county, and state police departments.
2. Federal Examiners
The recent past has seen widespread adoption of lie detector tests among government agencies. A case in point is the Department of Defense (DoD), which announced in March 2025 that it had initiated polygraph-aided investigations into unauthorized disclosure of sensitive national security information.
Federal polygraph examiners, also known as federal examiners, work at the behest of the federal government.
3. Private Examiners
Most polygraphers exist as independent contractors. That includes many of those hired in law enforcement or government testing.
Private examiners enjoy certain unique privileges, including salary flexibility and the freedom to maintain a degree of autonomy.
How to Become a Qualified Polygrapher
The qualifications for polygraph examiners vary by the examiner type.
Private polygraphers must possess a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Besides, they must graduate from a polygraph school accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA). Training typically lasts 10 – 13 weeks and requires full-time attendance.
After graduation, the polygrapher may be required to undergo an internship and obtain a license based on their preferred jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, government polygraphers are typically required to graduate from federally approved training academies like the National Center for Credibility Assessment. This is often in addition to attending a full-time APA-accredited school and earning a four-year college degree.
While private examiners can enter the field with a high school diploma and APA-accredited training, federal agencies typically require a four-year degree, law enforcement or military experience, and successful completion of training at the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA). Law enforcement requirements vary by state or department.
Must Polygraphers Be Licensed?
Depending on the state, a license may be mandatory to practice as a polygraph examiner.
Be sure to check local licensing requirements before launching your career as a polygrapher.
Specific Employment Opportunities Open To Polygraph Examiners
1. Law Enforcement
As a law enforcement examiner, you may be hired to conduct polygraph tests on behalf of the local, county, or state police.
2. Federal
Federal polygraph examiners typically work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the DoD, and the following entities:
- National Security Agency (NSA)
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Border Patrol
- Corrections Department
- Prosecutor’s Office (at the federal, state, or municipal level)
Federal polygraphers are usually engaged in matters that pose a direct threat to national security.
For instance, the government may hire polygraph examiners to help screen prospective contractors. This is common for contracts involving the sharing of sensitive information between the state and its vendors.
3. Private
Private polygraphers are perhaps the most employable of all three types of polygraph examiners. These examiners can administer pre-employment polygraphs, relationship testing, therapeutic testing, and sporting testing.
As mentioned, private polygraphers may also be contracted by the government and law enforcement agencies.
Set Up Costs
Private examiners are essentially independent contractors. Therefore, they must possess their polygraph equipment.
You can check the APA classifieds page for amazing deals on polygraph instruments. You may expect to invest approximately $7,000 – $9,000 in a new polygraph instrument. However, the leasing options and refurbished models may be an ideal, cost-effective option for beginners.
If you’re budget-conscious, you may explore the possibility of hiring.
Expected Salary
Polygraph examiners earn pretty decent salaries, with independent contractors able to bring in $15,000 to $150,000 annually if there’s a steady income stream. The actual earnings would depend on an individual’s experience and specialty.
Generally, entry-level polygraph fees range from $150 to $500 per test.
While law enforcement examiners often enjoy a full-time, stable role with several benefits, experienced private polygraph examiners can out-earn them on the basis of volume and specialization.
The annual income for Federal polygraphers is considerably higher than that of their private and law enforcement counterparts, at $82,000 – $170,000. Moreover, most federal examiners are permanent employees and enjoy the benefits of job security. Conversely, private polygraphers can earn in the range of $50,000 to $150,000 or more annually, based on their client base, specialization, and test volume.
Unlocking Fantastic Career Opportunities in Polygraph Testing
Becoming a polygraph examiner can be ultimately rewarding. Besides providing a legitimate career opportunity, polygraphers also play an instrumental role in enforcing the law and good behavior.
However, while there are multiple places to work for qualified polygraph examiners, you’ll need to graduate from a recommended polygraph school and possess relevant licenses to be hired.
Remember also to understand the specific certifications required by your potential employer. This is particularly important for government and law enforcement polygraphers, who may need to possess specialized training in addition to basic qualifications.
