WHAT ARE THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
FOR POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS

Licensure of Polygraph Examiners

Currently there are about 29 states and 3 counties which have laws requiring licensure or certification for polygraph examiners. Most laws require formal instruction, an internship training period and successful completion of a licensing examination. For example, the following are basic requirements for licensure in one state:

A person is best qualified to receive a license as an examiner:

• Who establishes that he or she is a person of good moral character; and,



• Who has conferred upon him or her an academic degree, at the baccalaureate level, from an accredited collect or university; and,



• Who has satisfactorily completed an intense residential academic program in the detection of deception, as approved by the American Polygraph Association (APA); and,



• Who has satisfactorily completed 6 months of supervised study in the detection of deception, as prescribed by rule; and,



• Who has passed an examination conducted by an official "Licensing Committee" to determine his or her competency to obtain a license to practice as an examiner.

Texas provides national leadership in establishing and enforcing the regulation of polygraph examiners and practices. A review of their regulations and rules is insightful.

Several of those states, that do not have a licensing body, do have specific requirements in legislative acts that require following the APA guidelines. Enforcement then becomes a matter for the courts.

LINK TO TEXAS BOARD OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS

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