How to Choose a Polygraph Examiner
What to Look for—and What to Avoid—When Hiring a Polygraph Professional
When you're considering hiring a polygraph examiner, you're likely facing a serious issue—whether it's a personal matter, a workplace concern, or a legal investigation. Choosing the right examiner is critical to ensuring accurate results, professional conduct, and a fair process. Unfortunately, not all polygraph examiners are created equal. Here's what you need to know before you schedule an exam.
Understanding Polygraph Examiner Training and Credentials
Many people assume that all polygraph examiners receive similar training, but the truth is there is wide variation in the quality and rigor of polygraph education across the country.
Private examiners who do not come from a federal polygraph background typically attend privately run polygraph schools. These schools can vary greatly in curriculum, standards, and credibility. Some offer robust, research-backed instruction that meets or exceeds industry standards. Others, however, only meet the bare minimum requirements—or fall short altogether.
Key concerns with lesser-quality polygraph training programs include:
- Lack of APA Accreditation: Not all schools are approved by the American Polygraph Association (APA), which sets recognized industry standards.
- Short Course Duration: Some programs may last only a few weeks—hardly enough time to master complex testing methods.
- Outdated or Incomplete Methods: Not all schools teach the latest validated techniques based on current research.
- No Admission Standards: Many schools do not require a college degree, law enforcement background, or investigative experience.
- No Background Checks: Unlike federal programs, some schools do not screen applicants for character, integrity, or criminal history.
Even after completing such a course, a new examiner may begin advertising services without any real-world interviewing or interrogation experience. These individuals often offer the lowest prices—which can come at the cost of professionalism, accuracy, and credibility.
The ORTSEC Difference
At ORTSEC, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in the polygraph profession. Our examiners are not only highly trained—they are federally certified and field-tested at the highest levels of law enforcement and national security.
Trained at the Nation’s Top Polygraph School
Our polygraph examiners have all completed their training at the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA)—widely regarded as the most rigorous and prestigious polygraph training institution in the world. The NCCA is the federal government's polygraph school, and it is where agencies such as the FBI, CIA, NSA, and Department of Defense send their examiners for training.
Admission to NCCA is extremely selective. Candidates must:
- Hold a four-year accredited college or university degree
- Be employed by a U.S. federal agency
- Pass a comprehensive background investigation
- Pass a full-scope polygraph examination themselves
This level of scrutiny ensures that NCCA graduates possess not just technical knowledge, but the integrity and professionalism essential to the field.
Real-World FBI Experience
Our examiners bring more than classroom training to the table—they bring decades of hands-on experience with the FBI. During their careers, ORTSEC examiners have conducted polygraph examinations related to:
- Counterintelligence operations
- Domestic and international terrorism
- Violent crimes and homicides
- Drug trafficking and organized crime
- Street gangs, public corruption, and more
This experience means we know how to manage complex cases with discretion, professionalism, and precision.
Accredited and Trusted
ORTSEC examiners are proud members of professional organizations such as the American Polygraph Association (APA) and the American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP). These memberships reflect our commitment to continuing education, ethical standards, and the use of validated polygraph techniques.
Why It Matters
A polygraph examination is often a high-stakes event. Whether you are seeking truth in a personal relationship, clarity in a workplace investigation, or support in a legal matter, your examiner's training, experience, and credibility are everything. A poorly administered test by an underqualified examiner can lead to inaccurate results, legal challenges, or unnecessary stress for all parties involved.
At ORTSEC, we believe in doing things the right way—every time. Our clients choose us because they trust the level of professionalism, discretion, and expertise we bring to every case.
Ready to Talk?
If you're considering a polygraph exam, don't leave it to chance. Contact ORTSEC today to discuss your situation with a federally certified examiner. We're here to provide you with honest answers, trusted methods, and reliable results.
