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CERTIFIED POLYGRAPH AGENCY
Polygraph FAQ
Polygraph Exam FAQ
Book online using our scheduling link and select an available time slot. Payment is required in full at the time of booking to reserve your appointment.
After payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a email confirmation with the appointment details.
If you have any questions before booking, you’re encouraged to contact us.
Polygraph questions must be written in a clear, specific format with definite, objective answers.
Questions are limited to “Yes/No” (or “True/False”) responses and must relate to past events or conduct, not opinions, feelings, or future intentions.
Questions should be written in plain language and avoid legal conclusions, vague terms, or “loaded” wording.
Better question examples (plain language):
• Instead of: “Did you murder that man?”
Use: “Did you shoot that man?” (fact-based, not a legal conclusion)
• Instead of: “Did you cheat on your wife?”
Use: “Since your marriage, have you had sexual contact with anyone other than your wife?” (defined, time-limited, objective)
Not permitted / not suitable:
• “and/or” questions or multiple issues in one question
• questions based on feelings or beliefs (“Do you love…”, “Do you feel…”)
• future intentions (“Will you ever…”)
• vague wording (“Have you been unfaithful?”, “Have you been honest?”) without clear definitions
We do not allow questions that:
• include “and/or” or combine multiple issues in one question
• are based on opinions, feelings, beliefs, or motivations
• ask about future intentions
• are vague, ambiguous, or lack clear definitions
Examples of acceptable formats:
• “Have you…?”
• “Did you…?”
• “Since (date), have you…?”
• “Are you guilty of…?” (only when the key terms are clearly defined and agreed upon in advance)
Most polygraph exams are designed around one primary topic (one issue) and typically include 1–4 relevant test questions — this is the most common range and allows the examiner to keep each question clear, objective, and narrowly focused.
In some advanced or specialized exams, testing may include up to 6 relevant questions, depending on the circumstances, the type of exam being conducted, and whether the issue can be structured in a way that maintains test quality.
Important details:
• One topic at a time: The more topics you try to cover, the less precise the questions become. The examiner may recommend narrowing the scope or scheduling a second exam for additional topics.
• Examiner approval is required: All questions must be approved by the examiner and may be revised after booking to ensure they are testable and consistent with established polygraph practices.
• Question format: Relevant questions must be Yes/No (or True/False) and must relate to past events or conduct. Questions based on opinions, feelings, beliefs, or future intentions are generally not suitable.
• Timing: Most appointments take 1–2 hours total (pre-test interview + question review + testing). The in-test portion typically takes less than 60 minutes.
Yes. We offer private relationship polygraph examinations for concerns such as infidelity, trust issues, and specific past events.
Exams are most effective when focused on clear, factual, past-occurrence questions with objective “Yes/No” answers.
All proposed questions must be approved by the examiner and may be revised to ensure they are suitable for testing.
Here are sample relationship polygraph questions written in the typical past-event, yes/no style (and narrow enough to be testable). You can post these as examples with a note that wording gets finalized in the pre-test.
Infidelity / physical contact
• “Since you became exclusive with ___, have you had sexual contact with anyone else?”
• “Since (date), have you kissed anyone else in a romantic or sexual way?”
• “Since (date), have you had sexual intercourse with anyone other than ___?”
Online / dating apps
• “Since (date), have you used any dating app to pursue romantic or sexual contact?”
• “Since (date), have you exchanged sexually explicit messages with anyone other than ___?”
• “Since (date), have you sent nude or semi-nude photos to anyone other than ___?”
Meetups / private meetings
• “Since (date), have you met alone with ___ in person without telling your partner?”
• “Since (date), have you gone to someone’s home or hotel room for romantic or sexual reasons?”
Money tied to cheating
• “Since (date), have you spent money on hotels, gifts, or trips for a romantic/sexual relationship you hid from ___?”
• “Since (date), have you paid for sexual services?”
Lying/omissions (use carefully, but common)
• “Since (date), have you lied to ___ about contact with another person for romantic or sexual reasons?”
• “Since (date), have you intentionally withheld information about a romantic or sexual relationship from ___?”
Important: These are examples only. All questions must be reviewed, defined, and approved by the examiner to ensure they’re clear, objective, and based on past conduct.
We require full payment upfront to reserve your appointment time and ensure our schedule is dedicated to clients who are ready to move forward.
In our experience, appointments made without payment are far more likely to be canceled last-minute or result in no-shows, which disrupts the schedule and prevents other clients from being seen.
We have also found that “hold a spot” bookings without full payment are sometimes made during disputes and then used as leverage, which has a high no-show rate.
Requiring full payment helps confirm the examinee is serious and prepared. In our experience, over 95% of fully prepaid appointments are kept and completed.
Please make sure the examinee is willing and prepared to take the exam before booking. Once an appointment is scheduled and payment is made, all sales are final and non-refundable.
Before testing, the examinee must sign a consent/waiver authorizing the examination and specifying who may receive the results.
By default, results (the written report) are released only to:
1. The examinee, and/or
2. Any additional person(s) the examinee specifically authorizes in writing on the signed consent/waiver.
The examinee may also choose to withhold release of results to anyone other than themselves.
When administered properly by a qualified examiner using established testing procedures, polygraph testing can be a useful tool for assessing truthfulness. However, a polygraph is not a crystal ball and is not infallible. Accuracy can be affected by many factors, including the examinee’s physical condition, medications, fatigue, emotional state, comprehension of the questions, and the quality of the testing process.
A polygraph is often called a “lie detector,” but it does not detect lies directly. It records physiological activity while the examinee answers carefully reviewed questions. The examiner then evaluates the recorded data for response patterns that may be consistent with truthfulness or deception. Typical recordings include respiration, electrodermal activity (sweat response), and cardiovascular activity.
A professionally conducted polygraph examination generally includes:
1. Pre-Test Interview: The examiner explains the process, reviews the issue, and goes over each proposed question in advance to ensure the examinee understands the exact wording and meaning. Questions may be revised for clarity and suitability.
2. In-Test Phase: The examinee is connected to the instrument and asked the reviewed questions in a structured format designed to collect interpretable data.
3. Data Analysis: The examiner evaluates the quality of the data and analyzes responses using established evaluation procedures and professional judgment before reaching a conclusion.
Accuracy: Accuracy varies depending on the technique used, test conditions, question quality, and the clarity of the recorded data.
The published research indicating that validated techniques, commonly fall in an overall decision-accuracy range of approximately 83%–90% (depending on the technique and conditions).
What can affect test quality and accuracy: Polygraph results can be influenced by factors such as unclear or poorly written questions, misunderstanding a question, lack of cooperation, fatigue, illness, medications, anxiety or emotional distress, movement during testing, and technical or data-quality issues.
Possible result classifications:
• No Deception Indicated (NDI)
• Deception Indicated (DI)
• Inconclusive (INC)
• No Opinion / Unable to Render an Opinion (medical/technical/other factors prevent a proper exam)
Results are typically sent via email by the end of the business day to the address provided at the time of booking. For late evening polygraph examinations, results may be provided the following day.
Results are delivered in the form of a written report.
Polygraph charts/data files, instrument recordings, scoring worksheets, numerical scoring sheets, office video surveillance, and examiner notes are examiner work product and are not provided or released to the examinee or any third party.
This records and disclosure policy is consistent with common professional practice and with the general data-handling and confidentiality principles reflected in published guidelines used in the polygraph profession (including those associated with the APA and other professional bodies).
Florida courts generally do not allow polygraph results to be used as courtroom evidence because the courts treat polygraph testing as an investigative/decision-making tool, not a substitute for the judge or jury.
In limited situations, results may be considered only if both parties agree in advance and the court allows it.
Bottom line: Most clients use a private polygraph to get clarity and answers for personal situations—not for court.
Yes—on a limited basis. Florida Lie Detection LLC may provide polygraph-themed content appearances (TV segments, YouTube videos, podcasts, and influencer collaborations) for entertainment and educational purposes. These segments are not legal advice and are not intended for court use.
All participants must be 18+, sign a consent/release, and agree to approved, suitable questions.
Scheduling is based on availability and may require a minimum booking fee and travel/production terms.
Contact us with your project details (date, location, format, and audience) to discuss options.
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