Frequently Asked Questions

Also referred to as a 'lie detector test' psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) test, a polygraph test consists of the simultaneous recording of specific physiological functions during the application of specific stimuli. The physiological functions recorded are cardio, breathing and electrodermal activity. The specific stimuli that are applied are test questions that are reviewed before the polygraph examination is initiated.

Pre Employment Screening

• Government Agencies (law enforcement, fire departments etc)
• Financial Institutions
• Armored Car Companies
• Companies that manufacture, distribute and/or dispense controlled substances
• Private and corporate security companies

Specific Issue Testing

• Corporate
  • Theft
  • Embezzlement
  • Fraud
  • Corporate espionage/sabotage
  • Misapplication of funds or resources
• Government
  • District Attorney's Offices
  • Law Enforcement Agencies
• Private
  • Fidelity/loyalty issues
  • Drug/Alcohol use
  • Theft
  • Assault
  • Civil Litigation
  • Defense Attorneys
• Compliance Verification
  • Sex offender treatment programs
  • Alcohol and drug treatment programs

Though professionalism and expertise varies from one examiner to another, only a polygraph examiner that is licensed by the Texas Polygraph Examiners Board can administer a polygraph examination in Texas. The board is charged with the establishment and enforcement of rules regulating the education, testing, licensing and professional conduct of all polygraph examiners in the State of Texas.

The professional fee associated with a polygraph examination will vary depending on several issues, most notably the professional level and expertise of the examiner and the type of examination conducted. Generally, prices begin at $250.00 and may be as high as $750.00 for more in depth and complicated issues. However, the price can be negotiated depending on the number of examinations requested and the examiners availability.

A professionally trained polygraph examiner will interview the examinee at length in order to establish a clear understanding of the relevant issue to be tested. It is imperative that the examiner take time to understand the examinee's perspective in order to assure that a fair and impartial examination is conducted. A professionally trained polygraph examiner will also take the time to explain how the examination will be conducted including the instrumentation that will be utilized and a review and complete understanding of all questions that will be asked on the polygraph test. Most professionally trained polygraph examiners will conduct an acquaintance test that will further set the examinee at ease. The type of acquaintance test will vary from one examiner to another but is very simple. The purpose of the acquaintance test is to familiarize the examinee with the components that are attached to him/her during testing and the test format as well as giving the examiner ample information to calibrate the instrument before the polygraph examination.

A polygraph test, administered by a professionally trained polygraph examiner using established, validated testing formats have been proven to be a highly accurate means to determine the veracity of a statement or deception. Depending on the type of testing (pre-employment screening, specific issue, etc) reliability vary between 70% to over 90% according to several independent studies. In order to minimize errors, all polygraph examinations conducted by Absolute Truth Polygraph Associates, Inc. are conducted using formats validated by the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment and all examinations are reviewed by an outside expert for quality assurance and control.

The polygraph test is scored immediately following the examination and a professional opinion is rendered by the examiner and related to the examinee.

The dissemination of polygraph test results is closely restricted. Generally the test result can be provided to the examinee, anyone designated by the examinee in writing, the individual, company or governmental agency requesting the examination and anyone under due process of law (subpoena).

According to the federal rules of evidence, polygraph examination results are not automatically excluded from court proceedings, however, in State court in Texas the admissibility of polygraph examination results in court usually requires both sides stipulate to the result and agree to allow it. In some other states, polygraph examination results are readily allowed when specific criteria has been met.