The Importance of Experience Over Cost in Polygraph Testing
When it comes to polygraph tests, the decision to prioritize experience over cost can be life-altering. Choosing an experienced examiner can ensure the accuracy and reliability of results for critical matters such as criminal issues, child custody, infidelity, and more.
The Value of Experience in Polygraph Testing
As a State Licensed Advanced Board-Certified Polygraph Examiner with over 22 years of experience and a member of a state advisory commission for polygraph examiners, I often see individuals swayed by cost rather than experience when selecting an examiner. It's concerning that in a field requiring such specialized knowledge and skill, some still prioritize saving a few dollars over ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Polygraph services are unique and specialized, requiring real-life altering and changing answers for important matters such as serious issues in marriages, relationships, child well-being, or preventing false allegations from leading to prison time. Yet, some individuals still choose a lower cost over an experienced examiner. This choice often indicates a preference for a cheaper way to get answers rather than truly caring about the issues at hand.
Cost vs. Experience: Why Experience Matters Most
Polygraph examinations are not just about operating the equipment; they require a deep understanding of psychology, physiology, and the nuances of human behavior. An experienced examiner has undergone rigorous training and has years of practical experience, making them adept at handling complex cases involving serious issues like marriages, relationships, child well-being, and criminal accusations.
Choosing a lower-cost examiner often leads to inaccurate results. People who prioritize cost over experience might not fully understand or care about the gravity of their situation. Just as you wouldn't trust a cheap mechanic with your car or an inexperienced lawyer with your legal matters, you shouldn't compromise on the quality of your polygraph examination.
I understand that not everyone can afford the highest prices, and it's important to be empathetic to the cost of living. However, there are times when spending a bit more is crucial, especially for matters that significantly impact your life. When it comes to medical issues, vehicle repairs, or making life-altering decisions based on absolute truth, investing in a professional with the right experience is essential.
The Differences Between Basic and Experienced Polygraph Examiners
Just like every college-bound individual, no matter their age, they all register the same way for academic classes. Once they register, they must take their prerequisite courses first before they can take their upper-level classes for their desired degrees. They all start out on the same entry-level courses: Math, English, Biology, History, American History, and so on. After the first year or first semester of basic entry-level classes, the college student may go on to their required upper-level course classes for their desired degree. Whether it will be in the field of medicine, science, technology, or vocation, the student will take many classes to get to their desired degrees over the years. There are many factors that set individual students apart from other students. Some may study harder than others. Some may not study and just get by. Either way, many students will excel, and others will just pass by to graduate. But those that excel may make it further in life.
The Basic Polygraph Examiner: Each polygraph examiner candidate must meet basic qualifications to apply to a polygraph school. Once their application and screening are approved, and if there is an opening, the candidate is accepted into the school of their choice. Essentially, all applicants start on the same playing field when they enter their designated school.
The polygraph training program is intense, requiring 400 credit hours of learning. Courses include History, Physiology, Psychology, Question Formulation, Equipment Understanding, Testing Procedures, Report Writing, Testifying in Court, and many other subjects. Each course involves several weekly written examinations to assess the student's progress. Every student receives the same instructions, course materials, and exams to gauge their learning. After completing the 400 credit hours, some students may drop out or fail. Those who remain will take a final examination to graduate from the basic polygraph school.
Graduates then move on to their designated agencies, departments, or private agencies. All must intern with an experienced examiner for a minimum of six months to one year. After this internship, the graduate can apply for and take a state boards and license exam, which is intense and has a significant failure rate, requiring a passing score of 90% or higher.
Graduating and obtaining a state license as a polygraph examiner signifies competence in administering exams at a basic level but does not automatically equate to experience. Experience is gained over time.
The Learning and Practicing Examiner (0-9 years): An examiner who graduates is a learning and practicing examiner for up to 9 years. During this period, they are gaining practical experience and building foundational skills necessary for more complex cases.
The Certified Examiner (10-14 years): At 10 to 14 years, an examiner becomes truly certified with enough knowledge and testing experience, provided they handle more than just pre-employment and infidelity testing. This period marks the transition to a certified professional with a broad range of examination types.
The Well-Advanced Certified Examiner (15-18 years): From 15 to 18 years, an examiner is considered well-advanced certified. They possess significant experience and are adept at handling a wide variety of cases.
The Expert Examiner (19+ years): From 19 years and beyond, an examiner is considered an expert. They have numerous referrals, testify in courts, handle high-profile cases, receive great reviews, and have many certifications. Their extensive experience ensures the highest level of competence and reliability in polygraph examinations.
What Makes an Experienced Polygraph Examiner Different From Any Other Examiner?
First and foremost, they attend regular training more than once a year. They have administered thousands of exams and have professional referrals from attorneys, therapists, counselors, probation offices, child protection services, law enforcement agencies, corrections, fire departments, and judges. These examiners have testified in many courts at local, state, and federal levels, and have assisted in winning many cases for their clients and attorneys’ clients.
If your examiner hasn't achieved this level of experience, you should research them thoroughly to avoid potential regret. Experience goes beyond just running polygraph charts.
Having years of experience administering polygraph tests doesn't necessarily equate to a wide range of expertise. Many examiners may have spent most of their careers conducting pre-employment or infidelity tests, which are the most frequently requested. However, if your case involves critical issues like child custody, false allegations of child molestation, or facing prison or jail time, you need an examiner with experience in these serious matters.
Would you trust your entire life to an examiner who has only conducted pre-employment or infidelity tests? The answer should be a resounding NO. Research and read reviews before hiring an examiner. Avoid focusing solely on cost; a cheaper price does not guarantee experience.
Avoiding Red Flags When Choosing a Polygraph Examiner 🚩🚩🚩
Do not settle for an examiner who is eager to get you into their office with promises like, "I can get you in today for less than my competitor is charging," or "I don’t charge a lot." These statements should be RED FLAGS. That examiner is desperate for business and is not genuinely concerned about your issues.
An experienced examiner will take the time to explain the process thoroughly and will never pressure you like a used car dealer. They understand that if you need their services, you will choose them willingly. An experienced examiner is usually very busy, but they will make time for you when you are ready. In contrast, an inexperienced examiner may rush you and focus more on getting you in quickly rather than addressing your specific needs.
Do your due diligence: research thoroughly to find a well-qualified, experienced examiner who can provide you with real, reliable answers so you can move forward in your life.
If you are in need of any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service to schedule your polygraph examination.
Take the pivotal step towards peace of mind by connecting with Mr. David Goldberg, the founder of Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service. With over 30 years of experience as an Advanced Board-Certified Polygraph Examiner and Investigator, Mr. David Goldberg brings unparalleled expertise.
Our mission at Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service is clear: to eliminate doubts and ensure you find the closure you deserve to move forward in your life. Specializing in comprehensive and confidential polygraph examinations, we serve clients in Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Suffolk, Hampton, and beyond. Led by Mr. David Goldberg, a Virginia State Licensed Advanced Board-Certified Polygraph Examiner and nationally recognized expert, our commitment is to deliver immediate, reliable, and accurate results.
To explore how we can assist you further, review our polygraph services or call Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service today to schedule your polygraph examination. Take the first step towards resolution and peace of mind with us.
