What to Expect on the Day of Your Polygraph (Lie Detector) Test: A Comprehensive Guide
In this blog, we will discuss what to expect on the day of your polygraph test (also commonly referred to as a lie detector test), share some preparation tips, outline the three phases of a polygraph, and explain how a professional and experienced examiner administers it.
Nearly everyone who takes a polygraph test, whether it's their first time out of personal choice to resolve an issue or because they've been asked to do so by law enforcement for an alleged criminal matter or a pre-employment requirement, experiences anxiety and stress. If someone claims otherwise, saying they were never nervous or stressed during their polygraph examination, they're not being truthful. With over 22 years of experience as a licensed, advanced board-certified expert polygraph examiner, I've taken numerous employment-related polygraph tests, and each time, I've experienced nervousness. This feeling is normal, even for those seasoned individuals who have taken a polygraph test before.
FAQ: Is there anything I can do to practice for my polygraph test?
First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that there's no way to practice for your polygraph test beforehand. Unlike studying for a traditional exam with set questions or assignments, a polygraph test depends entirely on the issue at hand that needs resolution, be it personal or related to a criminal matter. These issues can range widely, from pre-employment testing and infidelity concerns to allegations of abuse (physical or sexual), theft, fraud, drug use, pornography addiction, or drug addiction, among others.
Before your scheduled polygraph test, you will have either called to arrange the testing yourself, or the administering agency will have scheduled it with your prior approval. Since you are already well aware of the issue for which you'll be taking the exam, the only unknown aspect will be the specific questions asked during the test. Therefore, there's nothing to practice for.
Preparation Tips for Your Polygraph Test
While there's no way to practice for your polygraph test, it's important to prepare effectively beforehand. Here are some preparation tips:
Eat a good meal the night before.
Do not use any illegal narcotics before your scheduled exam.
Refrain from using marijuana (whether for legal or medicinal purposes) for at least 8 hours before your scheduled exam.
Do not consume any alcoholic beverages for at least 8 hours before your scheduled exam.
Important Note: Using marijuana or alcohol before your scheduled exam won't affect your test results but will result in you being sent home, wasting both your time and the examiner's time. Experienced polygraph examiners will not test individuals who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Ensure you get a good night's sleep. There is no specific requirement for the amount of sleep you need before your polygraph test; you know how much rest your body needs to function well.
Eat something before your scheduled exam, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or a snack, as the testing process can take up to 3 hours or more depending on the issue being tested.
Take your prescribed medication(s) as directed and be ready to inform your examiner about them.
Bring a valid photo ID with you when you arrive.
Dress appropriately and professionally as requested by the agency or advised by the examiner; avoid dressing as if you're going to the beach or just rolled out of bed in your pajamas.
Arrive on time for your scheduled exam; arriving late may result in you being turned away and missing your opportunity to resolve the issue or be hired.
Lastly, maintain a positive and respectful attitude during the testing process.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Polygraph Test
Upon your arrival at the scheduled exam, you will be greeted and escorted by the examiner to their office or designated area to begin the pre-test phase. The examiner should introduce themselves and present their credentials to you. You will also need to present your valid photo ID for identification purposes. Following this, you will be provided with several documents to fill out and sign.
Once all the necessary paperwork is completed, the examiner will go over the rules and procedures for your examination, explaining the purpose of your polygraph test if you are not already aware. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and you may be escorted to or shown the location of the restroom before the exam begins.
You will then be escorted to a new room called the polygraph testing room or polygraph suite. This is where you will be interviewed and given the actual polygraph test.
The Three Phases of a Polygraph Test
First Phase: Pre-Test Interview
During this phase, the examiner informs you about the issue(s) that need resolution, whether brought by you, someone you know, or the agency you are involved with. You will have the chance to explain your side and ask questions about why you are taking the test or why you are being accused of an allegation. This is also when the questions for the test are formulated based on the issues discussed.
Second Phase: Testing Phase
During this phase, the examiner thoroughly reviews the formulated questions with you to ensure your understanding and address any concerns about the examination process. You will undergo several lie detector or polygraph tests to assess your truthfulness or deception.
Third Phase: Post-Test Interview
After the testing portion has been completed, the charts are scored, and you receive the final results during this phase. The examiner may clarify any points with you, and a final report is prepared.
Understanding Polygraph Test Results and Avoiding Common Misconceptions
During the first phase (the pre-test interview), it's common and also very normal to experience nervousness or a range of emotions leading up to the test, such as anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness. Your well-trained experienced examiner will be able to observe the emotions that you display and should be able to relieve your anxiety or any emotions being displayed. It's essential to note that an examiner's experience is crucial; experienced examiners are experts at distinguishing between deception and emotions, ensuring that emotions do not affect the test results. The number one goal of any experienced examiner is for them to assist you in passing of your exam.
The duration of the test can vary depending on the issues involved, ranging up to 3 hours or longer. Rushing through the process is a red flag; experienced examiners take their time to resolve issues thoroughly, no matter how long the process may take. Remember, individuals telling the truth and seeking to clear themselves should have no trouble passing with a professional, experienced examiner.
When a person fails their polygraph test, it's due to one of two reasons:
They are outright lying to the questions asked of them and they are withholding vital information.
The examiner conducting the polygraph test was inexperienced and could not accurately determine whether the examinee was showing signs of deception or not.
Experienced examiners do not cause people to fail; individuals fail based on their own actions. Experience is crucial in this context, and inexperienced examiners should be avoided at all costs as they may make significant mistakes that could ultimately impact the outcome of your polygraph test results and have far-reaching consequences on your life moving forward.
FAQ: Will nervousness, anxiety, or my emotions cause me to fail my polygraph test?
The failure of a polygraph exam is never caused by the emotions displayed by the examinee, especially common emotions like nervousness or anxiety. An experienced examiner can accurately differentiate between genuine emotions and deceptive responses, ensuring that emotional reactions do not influence the polygraph results. If you are preparing for a polygraph test or considering taking one, there's no need to suppress your emotions or be concerned about anxiety, as they will not affect the results of your polygraph examination.
Those who are telling the truth and seeking to clear themselves should have no trouble passing with an experienced professional examiner. Don't delay taking a polygraph test due to rumors or horror stories that you hear or read online; do your research to find a well-qualified examiner and get your answers today.
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.
