What You Need to Know Before Taking a Polygraph Test (2024)

What You Need to Know Before Taking a Polygraph Test (1)

For most people, the only experience they have with polygraph testing is what they have seen on TV. That means that when they are finally faced with a need to take one themselves, they may be feeling incredibly nervous about the entire process. However, it is not as scary as it seems! They are not just about proving criminal activity; they are used in many different situations outside of a criminal investigation. In fact, many people routinely sit polygraph exams as part of their employment. As one of the premier agencies offeringPolygraph in Knoxville, TN, we are here to share a few things you need to know before taking a polygraph exam for whatever reason.

Stick to Your Everyday Routine

We have learned in our years of administering Polygraph exams that there are a lot of myths surrounding the process. For example, many people are afraid that something like caffeine or medication will impact their test accuracy. That is certainly not the case. If you are someone who likes a cup or three of coffee in the morning, go ahead and drink them on your exam day. It’s likely more harmful to skip them as you will put yourself on edge.

Similarly, if you take daily medications, please continue with that as directed by your doctor, although we do ask that you disclose pre-existing medical conditions. The exception would be if you are pregnant or are suffering a short-term illness like cold or flu. In those situations, we would ask that you reschedule your bookedpolygraph in Knoxville.

Don’t Overthink Your Answers

When you have apolygraph in Knoxville, you are primarily going to be answering yes or no questions. Try not to overthink the questions; answer truthfully. Some people think too hard about the question and start to doubt themselves. The test doesn’t pick up ‘maybe,’ so relax and stand firm on your answers. If you are honest, you shouldn’t need to deliberate on the answers. Before your exam, your polygraph examiner will already have spent time talking to you and discussing the test, so you should hopefully be relaxed and prepared.

Don’t Try to Beat the Polygraph

Many people come for their polygraph in Knoxville and attempt to control their breathing, slow their heart rate, and other tricks designed to beat the machine. Most of these people end up with a fail even though they were telling the truth! All of those tips and tricks out there on the internet for beating a polygraph simply do not work, and attempting them just messes up your readings. At Kendall Investigations, our examiners are both former FBI agents who worked in the polygraph division. Our founder Ken Shull is the only person in the world to hold a Master’s Degree in Polygraphy, and he was head of the entire FBI Polygraph department for many years. In short, we have the experience and the skill to spot a cheat a mile away.

Uncover the truth!

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Ken Shull served as a Special Agent with the FBI for almost 25 years and was head of the FBI Polygraph program until his retirement in 2001. At that time he set up the Kendall Investigations practice as a private investigator in Knoxville, TN offering Polygraph services, private investigations, and security guards. Ken is a member of the American Polygraph Association and The American Association of Police Polygraphists.

The Truth is Still the Truth Even if No One Believes it, A Lie is Still a Lie Even if Everyone Believes it.

What You Need to Know Before Taking a Polygraph Test (2)

What You Need to Know Before Taking a Polygraph Test (2024)

FAQs

What You Need to Know Before Taking a Polygraph Test? ›

Detected deception during the polygraph examination, or the use of “countermeasures” to defeat the polygraph examination, is an automatic disqualifier. Failing any part of the selection process, including the written examination, oral interview, and physical agility test, is an automatic disqualifier.

What will disqualify you from a polygraph test? ›

Detected deception during the polygraph examination, or the use of “countermeasures” to defeat the polygraph examination, is an automatic disqualifier. Failing any part of the selection process, including the written examination, oral interview, and physical agility test, is an automatic disqualifier.

Can you fail a polygraph if you are nervous? ›

Anxiety isn't an automatic disqualifier from passing a polygraph. While it may affect your results, anxiety and depression shouldn't keep you from pursuing positions that require passing a polygraph.

Can you fail a polygraph if you aren't lying? ›

Can an Innocent Fail the Test? As mentioned above, an innocent person can fail polygraph tests but may not be necessarily linked with lying. As polygraph results depend on physiological reactions and psychological behaviours, it is not the most accurate.

What percentage of people pass a polygraph? ›

That is, in 87 out of 100 cases, the polygraph can accurately determine if someone is lying or telling the truth. That sounds pretty impressive, but it is important to keep in mind that the polygraph is failing 13% of the time.

Can you pass a polygraph if you believe your lie? ›

Failing a polygraph is a lot more complicated than one might think. While someone might believe their lie to be true, they can still fail the test. This could be the result of the fear and anxiety that accompanies being asked tough questions or simply the stress of taking a high-pressure test.

Can a guilty person pass a polygraph test? ›

Guilty people in notorious cases have passed the test. They include Gary Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer and the Russian mole Aldrich Ames, who used so-called "countermeasures" to beat polygraphs twice in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Does caffeine affect a polygraph? ›

Stick to Your Everyday Routine

For example, many people are afraid that something like caffeine or medication will impact their test accuracy. That is certainly not the case. If you are someone who likes a cup or three of coffee in the morning, go ahead and drink them on your exam day.

Why did I fail the polygraph when I tell the truth? ›

The problem with polygraph tests

It's used to measure levels of fear and physical responses, not actual lies. These tests can fail because a person who is telling the truth could be anxious and a person who is lying might not be anxious at all. Dr.

Will a polygraph examiner tell you if you failed? ›

You will not be notified of your results on the spot, but they will be reviewed by another examiner and you will be contacted later with the results.

How long does it take to know if you passed a polygraph? ›

Most polygraph tests take between 1 and 2 hours, but the examinee is attached to the device for only 15 to 20 minutes. The results may take a while or do not spend a lot of time, so no one really can give a definitive answer to this question.

How many questions do polygraph examiners usually ask? ›

Typical polygraph exams have just over a dozen questions, three or four of which are relevant to the topic at hand. “Did you [do whatever]…” is an example of a relevant question. Three of these questions is ideal, four is the absolute maximum.

What is a good polygraph score? ›

Analogous to the Likert scale is the polygraphic 7-position scoring: –3 (strongly deceptive), -2 (deceptive), -1 (somewhat deceptive), 0 (neutral), +1 (somewhat truthful), +2 (truthful), and +3 (strongly truthful).

How to pass a polygraph test with anxiety? ›

Maintain your breathing pattern and keep in mind that the polygraph is not infallible, and that you are in control of your own physiological response. Daydream about something soothing, X Research source like cuddling under a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate on a cool night, or taking a relaxing shower or bath.

Can you fail a polygraph even if you tell the truth? ›

The problem with polygraph tests

It's used to measure levels of fear and physical responses, not actual lies. These tests can fail because a person who is telling the truth could be anxious and a person who is lying might not be anxious at all.

Is it easy to beat a polygraph? ›

Polygraph testing is easily gamed by countermeasures like controlling your breathing, anxiety, using pain, etc., and even by being nice to the person doing the testing (see Wikipedia, "Polygraph").

Should you be honest on polygraph? ›

Be honest. Answering questions honestly is the most important part of taking a pre-employment polygraph test. Remember that your polygraph results are private, so only you and your employer can access them. You should also understand that being honest about a past mistake won't always disqualify you from a job.

How many times can you take polygraph? ›

Taking The Exam

Afterwards, the actual polygraph examination will be conducted under the same conditions and depending on the type of exam given, may be repeated three times.

What do you wear to a polygraph? ›

What should I wear? Dress comfortably for private polygraph examinations, but please do not wear: tank tops, gym shorts, sweats, bathing suits, baggy shirts, bulky sweaters, or soiled clothes. All polygraph sensors will be donned on the outside of the clothes you wear.

How long does a failed polygraph stay on record? ›

Polygraph examination results are valid for a two-year period. Applicants are eligible to take the polygraph again after that time period.

How do you not fail a polygraph test? ›

Here are some tips to try:
  1. If you want to beat the test, your best bet is to stay upset, fearful and confused throughout the entire test. ...
  2. Take time before answering any question. ...
  3. Alter your breathing during control questions, but return to normal breathing before answering the next question.
Aug 10, 2019

Can a truthful and innocent person fail a polygraph test? ›

The results of a lie detector test are unreliable, and many innocent people have failed them. Even if you pass the test, this does not mean that you will not be charged with committing a crime. Not admissible.

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