The Polygraph Academy was established in 2015 by Trevor Henn and Deon Groenewald, Directors of
the Academy, to ensure ethical administration and interpretation of polygraph examinations in
Africa, rooted in the APA accredited programs and focused on South African and African
requirements and unique needs.
Previously, all training in South Africa was done primarily by APA registered providers from the
United States and once before 1998 by an Israeli school. Our affordable, quality programs are
designed to serve South African and African needs while based on international content.
The Polygraph Academy offers internationally aligned South African and African focussed
comprehensive training solutions in the field of Polygraph Examinations and detection of
deception. Programs are presented by experienced South African Polygraph Specialists and subject
matter experts. Students are educated in theory and practice, trained, coached and mentored to
become competent Polygraph Examiners/ Forensic Psychophysiologists.
Theory is followed by application under quality supervision until students are certified
competent. Proficiency is facilitated through accountable quality assurance.
The first South African Polygraph Examiner program was presented in Pretoria from 12 January
2016. We have trained 47 Polygraph Examiners up to 2019. Our graduates operate in South Africa,
Namibia, Eswatini, Congo, Botswana and Nigeria.
Our graduates are allowed to become members of the Polygraph Examiners Association International
(PEAI) who has also recognised the Polygraph Academy as training Institution as well as the
International Society of Polygraph Examiners (ISOPE) and the British and European Polygraph
Association (BEPA).
Trevor has extensive SAPS training and experience, has a post Matric qualification and was trained as Polygraph Examiner in 2004. He has done more than 15000 examinations. Trevor facilitates instrumentation, question formulation, techniques, chart interpretation, giving evidence in a court of law, practical work, short courses and advanced training.
Director FacilitationDeon has extensive military training and experience as well as private sector experience. He specialised in management, leadership and people matters in the workplace. He has a post graduate degree in Inustrial Psychology and was trained as Polygraph Examiner in 2016. Deon facilitates history, psychophysiology, research methodology, legal and ethical matters, client relationships, business plan workshop, and is responsible for training management.
Director General ManagementFlip has SAPS training and experience. He has been trained as Polygraph Examiner in 1999 and has done more than 17000 examinations. Flip is also the former President of the Southern African Polygraph Federation (SAPFED) and currently a SAPFED Board member.
Facilitates Techniques and Chart InterpretationHenri has a Honours degree in Psychology and private sector work experience in the HR field. Henri is a Polygraph Academy graduate from the first course in 2016. He facilitates interviewing, interrogation, non-verbal communication and micro expressions as well as reportwriting.1
Facilitator10 Weeks of hard work, excellent facilitators and a good syllabus have ensured that we can go out of the Academy ready to start work with confidence.
Ian PienaarBest Academy to do your course. Mentors are the best in the business. You know what you do after finishing this course.
Andre RohlandtThe Academy is well structured, and the facilitators are of top quality and integrity. The experience gained in the course is valuable and the best in South Africa. The extra course in Micro-expressions and statement analysis is a great add on for the field we are operating in. Overall this was a great experience and the knowledge gained from this course is invaluable. I will recommend the Academy to all that want to operate in our field and as the best Academy in South Africa without a doubt.
Manie VenterExcellent course material and lecturers with superb knowledge in their own specific fields.
Lawrence ErasmusThe Polygraph Academy gave excellent training and knowledge about not only conducting a polygraph examination but also understanding different cultures. I rate Polygraph Academy as international level. Excellent.
Pieter de BeerGreat program with knowledgeable learning experience and a friendly, caring environment where friendship is built between colleagues.
Henri de Backer