One of the frequently asked polygraph questions pertains to the average cost of conducting lie detector tests.
Many polygraph examinees would readily settle for examiners who promise rock-bottom rates, ostensibly to save a few extra bucks. However, experts strongly warn against choosing a polygrapher purely based on cost considerations.
When you place undue premium on affordability, you’re likely to end up with inexperienced examiners who trade off their limited skills for cheap services, or outright frauds who’re simply keen on swindling you out of your money.
Read below as we expound further on the dangers of cutting costs while looking for a polygrapher.
How Much Do Polygraph Examiners Charge?
Polygraph fees are largely unregulated.
In fact, the American Polygraph Association (APA) has previously stated that it doesn’t set polygraph fees, leaving it to an examiner’s discretion.
Generally, the cost of a single-issue lie detector test ranges from $500 to $900. The actual fees will depend on the test complexity, the examiner’s experience, and associated costs like travel expenses.
Why Is This Information Important?
Understanding the average fees charged by polygraph examiners can cushion you from being ripped off by unscrupulous polygraphers. It provides a benchmark against which to manage any cost negotiations.
Note that there are two types of fraudulent polygraphers – those who entice you with rock-bottom fees in exchange for cheap, low-quality services, and those who charge exorbitant rates but still provide substandard tests.
Therefore, understanding the industry rates is critical in sifting legitimate polygraphers from fraudulent ones.
Factors Affecting Polygraph Fees
Lie detector fees aren’t cast in stone. While $500 to $900 is a conservative average, the actual amount will be based on the following factors:
1. Examiner’s Experience and Expertise
Polygraphers who have practiced consistently for five years will naturally have higher rate cards than recent graduates.
Besides, some examiners may possess additional industry-relevant expertise, such as detective skills and data analysis. Such polygraphers would typically charge more than those who only specialize in administering lie detector tests.
2. Type and Scope of Test
Lie detector tests come in many forms, including criminal defense testing, sex offender testing, addiction treatment testing, relationship counseling testing, etc. Polygraphers who work for law enforcement agencies often charge more, as these tests involve higher stakes.
Similarly, complex polygraph tests would attract higher fees as they’re more time- and resource-intensive.
3. Test Location
If a polygrapher must travel several miles to administer a lie detector test, they’ll most certainly factor the transport markup into their final quote.
Reasons to Avoid Suspiciously Cheap Polygraph Tests
The biggest danger of cheaper polygraph testing is that the evaluations may be performed using outdated equipment and techniques, ultimately impacting the test’s accuracy. Inaccurate polygraph exams can have far-reaching implications, particularly if the findings are admitted in legal proceedings.
Insist on polygraphers who use advanced testing equipment. Besides, the examiner should follow the industry’s best practices when designing polygraph questions and interpreting the test results.
Another challenge with inexpensive polygraph tests is that inexperienced polygraphers may administer them. Again, this could result in inaccurate and unreliable findings.
Last but not least, polygraphers who offer cheaper lie detector evaluations are usually ignorant of relevant data privacy laws. They may leak the test results to unauthorized parties, compromising your integrity and reputation.
What Are The Tell-Tale Signs Of Fraudulent Polygraphers?
Suspiciously low polygraph fees are one of the sure indications of fraudulent polygraph examiners. Shun polygraphers who charge below $300, despite how seemingly short or simple the tests may be.
Fraudulent polygraphers may also ask for bribes to falsify the test results. To test an examiner’s integrity, ask if there’s “anything you can do to pass the test.” A professional polygrapher will simply ask you to tell the truth, while a fraudulent one will be keen to take you up on your covert offer.
A fraudulent polygrapher will also be reserved to share their findings with you. Worse yet, they’ll object to having their report subjected to a quality control review by independent experts.
Balancing Between Cost and Quality
Before choosing a polygraph examiner, carefully research their qualifications and experience. Insist on a polygrapher who graduated from an APA-accredited school and who’s a member of reputable polygraph organizations.
When it comes to practical industry experience, sample online user reviews and testimonials. Look out for examiners with positive feedback on reputable review websites, including the Better Business Bureau.
After narrowing down your options to a few credible examiners, compare rates and choose a provider that offers special discounts.
Cost and Quality: A Fragile Balance for Polygraph Examinees
It’s not impossible to find a polygraph examiner who guarantees quality tests at industry-competitive rates. However, there’s no such thing as the bargain of the century when looking for polygraph services.
To ensure quality and legally defensible tests, insist on an examiner who graduated from an accredited polygraph school and possesses at least five years of practical industry experience. The polygrapher must also be licensed if the license is required in that jurisdiction.
