Polygraph Examiner Programme

Our programs are presented by experienced South African Polygraph Specialists and Subject Matter Experts. Suitably qualified and experienced facilitators from our network team are contracted as and when the need arise. The successful completion of this 10 week (400 hour) full-time program results in a qualified Polygraph Examiner (Psychophysiologist). After graduating the Polygraph Examiner get lifelong access to QA and support from the Polygraph Academy. Our affordable, quality program is designed to serve South African needs while incorporating international content. The 400-hour program results in a competent Polygraph Examiner and is followed up with coaching and quality assurance until the Polygraph Examiner has completed at least 80 tests successfully. Thereafter, the Polygraph Examiner becomes a certified Examiner.
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Contents Include:

  • History and Development (8 Hours): The history of lie detection form ancient times until its evolution into a science is presented.
  • Psycho Physiology (Psychology and Physiology)(32 Hours): The interrelationship between mind and body is studied. The current knowledge of the working and interaction of the effects of emotions and fear on the nervous system as well as changes in the body organs and systems are studied and applied to psychophysiological examinations.
  • Polygraph Instrumentation (24 Hours): Students are educated regarding legacy systems and current modern computerised polygraph systems. Students are exposed to both Lafayette and Limestone systems and software. Students learn and demonstrate proper placement of components, software operations and other operations used during examinations.
  • Polygraph Methodology (Fact-finding, Pre-test, test, Post-test, Results Reporting, Further Investigations) (24 Hours): Fact-finding, Pre-test, test, Post-test, Further Investigations, using interpreters and quality assurance are covered in this module.
  • Polygraph Techniques (Investigative, Evidentiary and Screening techniques) (48 Hours): ). A comprehensive study of various techniques currently used in polygraph examinations and their correct application is undertaken. The development of techniques is discussed.
  • Resuts Reporting (8 Hours): The focus is on reporting the correct information to the customer for the customer to make a decision regarding further action.
  • Conducting a Polygraph test (Includes using Interpreters, quality Assurance and countermeasures.
  • Question Formulation.
  • Interviewing & Interrogation including Verbal, Nonverbal Indicators and Micro-expressions (40 Hours): The student will be taught to prepare an examinee for forensic psychophysiological criminal and screening examinations as well as methods to determine important information. The student will be taught to observe and interpret non-verbal behaviour and micro expressions. Students will be trained in different techniques to interrogate examinees to obtain confessions from deceptive examinees.
  • Confessions and Admissions.
  • Chart Analysis, Interpretation of Data (48 Hours): The student will be taught how to understand, score and interpret the tracings on the charts in order to conclude deception or no deception. The student also applies the psychophysiology learned previously. Scoring systems taught include the three and seven point numerical scoring system, empirical scoring system (ESS) and horizontal scoring systems (ASIT).
  • Legal and Ethical matters, gibing evidence in a court of law (16 Hours): The student learns about international and South African legal requirements and practices. The students are trained in giving evidence in a court of law or administrative justice body in South Africa. Ethics, codes of conduct and standards of practice in polygraph examinations are discussed in depth. The importance of self-regulation and membership of professional bodies are discussed.
  • Client Relationships (8 Hours): Customer service and expectation management are dealt with.
  • Research Methods (16 Hours): The students are taught the principles of reliability and validity as well as the application in polygraph examinations. Students are exposed to current research in the scientific field of Psychophysiology. Selected books, journals and research papers are provided for creating a basic understanding of research available as well as research needs. Students are motivated to contribute to the Polygraph body of knowledge through case studies, articles and research papers.
  • Practical Experience Requirements, Professional Involvement & Membership Opportunities (8 Hours): Students will apply everything learned in practical polygraph examinations in class while being coached. During the last two weeks students that prove competence in class will be exposed to field tests in real life examinations first as observers and then as examiners under supervision.
  • Countermeasures (16 Hours): The student will learn to identify countermeasures as well as atypical data. The student will be taught ant-countermeasures and counter-countermeasure procedures.
  • Post Course Requirements: Every student will be required to provide up to 80 tests (charts, case facts and report) for quality assurance.

Continued Professional Development

The Polygraph Academy offers short courses and refreshers to ensure continued professional development to qualified Polygraph Examiners. Duration ranges from seminars to full day or days. Advanced training for continued professional development including but not limited to:

  • Non-verbal communication and Micro Expressions (2 Days).
  • Interrogation (2 Days).
  • Statement Analysis (2 Days).
  • Techniques Refresher (2 Days).
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Leadership, Management, Soft Skills Training and Facilitation

The Polygraph Academy offers above training through the Polygraph Academy Services unit in Management, Leadership and soft skills training and facilitation adapted in accordance with customer needs. Programmes offered available includes:

  • General Management and Leadership training, coaching and mentorship including topics such as Decision making & Problem solving, Thinking skills, Project management, Customer service, Coaching & mentorship, Women in Leadership, Presentation skills, Change management, Finance for non-Finance Managers, HR for non-HR managers, Delegation, Performance Management.
  • Ethics Training.
  • Soft skills training eg resilience, stress management, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, communication, conflit resolution, negotiation, valuing people (diversity and inclusion).
  • Personal branding and etiquette.
  • Soft skills training.
  • Coaching and mentoring services.
  • Teambuilding services.

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Professional Services including but not limited to:

  • Strategy formulation and facilitaion.
  • Design and facilitation of programs to develop high performance culture, individuals and teams.
  • Forensic investigations and statement analysis.
  • Employment and security screening.
  • Investigations into financial loss and sexual misconduct.
  • Testifying in dispute resolution matters.
  • Working in other countries.
  • Quality assurance and setting industry standards in co-operation with stakeholders.