What to Look for in a Polygraph Examiner to Avoid Inaccurate Lie Detector Results

Important Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only. It is based on over two decades of experience in polygraph science, including the review of thousands of charts and reports across a wide range of cases—from criminal defense and probation to workplace liability and marital disputes. For legal or clinical advice, please consult a licensed professional in your area.

What’s the Real Difference Between Polygraph Examiners?

Not all polygraph examiners are the same. Even though most go through similar schooling and certification processes, the quality of their work, ongoing training, and professional ethics can vary drastically.

As a polygraph examiner, I’ve reviewed charts, case files, and test results from examiners across the country. I’ve also re-tested clients who left other examiners feeling confused, misled, or frustrated—unsure whether the results were accurate or whether the process had been conducted properly in the first place.

This blog post is here to help you avoid that situation—and to explain why there are inconsistencies between polygraph examiners, what causes them, and how to find a qualified professional examiner who can actually help you get the answers you need.

Polygraph Test, Lie Detector Test, or Polygraph Exam: What’s the Difference?

Before we continue, let’s clear up one common confusion: The terms polygraph test, lie detector test, and polygraph exam all mean the same thing.

“Lie detector” is a more familiar term from early years, while “polygraph” is the professional language used today. Throughout this blog, you’ll see these terms used interchangeably—they refer to the exact same testing process.

What Sets Polygraph Examiners Apart? Training, Ethics, and Commitment

It’s true that all examiners start with accredited training, often through federal, law enforcement, or APA-approved private schools. But graduation is just the beginning. What sets one examiner apart from another comes down to two things: their commitment to continuous education and their motivation for doing this work.

Some examiners treat polygraph testing as just another bullet point on their résumés. They may have completed their initial training, earned certification, and started taking clients, but that’s where their growth stops.

Others take this profession seriously. They invest in continued training, challenge themselves to improve, and prioritize their clients’ outcomes by staying up to date on evolving best practices.

Here’s what I’ve seen over the years:

• Some examiners avoid continued education altogether—even when it’s free. They claim they’re too busy with work or personal commitments, or they feel additional training is unnecessary. As a result, they continue using outdated techniques they learned 10, 20, or even 30 years ago.

• Some believe being certified once is enough. They don’t review new research, attend conferences, or engage with evolving industry standards. This leads to poor question formulation, inconsistent scoring, and results that often fall apart under legal or professional scrutiny.

• Others attend ongoing training regularly and with purpose. These are the professionals who stay sharp, updated, and connected with fellow examiners across the country. They hear how others are approaching challenging cases, learn new interview techniques, and confirm that their own practices still meet current legal and scientific standards.

I’ve personally attended consistent polygraph training for over two decades. I’ve never left a session without learning something new—whether it’s a refined scoring method, a shift in legal precedent, or a confirmation that my techniques remain court-admissible and ethically sound. Continued education isn’t a formality—it’s a responsibility to the people who trust us during the most important moments of their lives.

Ongoing Training Isn’t Optional—It’s What Protects You, the Client

Let me be clear—not all inconsistencies made by a polygraph examiner are intentional or malicious. But just because an examiner didn’t mean to get it wrong doesn’t make the impact any less serious. When examiners fall behind on continuing education or professional development, it can lead to real harm, mistakes with consequences that affect real people. And unfortunately, it happens more often than most people realize.

Here are real examples from cases I’ve reviewed or retested:

• A failed exam that should have passed: The examinee was telling the truth, but the original examiner scored it incorrectly. Later, the person who made the accusation admitted they had fabricated the story.

• A passed exam that should have failed: The examinee was deceptive, but the examiner missed it and issued a passing result. Probation officers relied on that “pass” to assess risk, and that same individual went on to commit more crimes..

• An inconclusive result that broke up a relationship: The original examiner wasn’t able to provide a clear outcome of pass or fail, and instead gave an inconclusive result. That lack of clarity left the couple without answers and led to growing mistrust. When I re-tested the examinee using validated methods and properly formulated questions, they passed—but by then, the relationship had already unraveled due to the original inconclusive result from an inexperienced examiner.

• Examinees who admitted to lying and beating their original examiner: During re-testing, some clients have admitted to me that they lied on a previous exam with a different examiner, and passed, because that examiner didn’t ask the right questions or follow proper procedure.

• Attorneys, therapists, and probation officers reaching out after something felt off: These professionals had referred clients to other examiners, but later contacted me when the results didn’t add up. In many cases, I discovered poorly written questions, inconsistent scoring, or vague reports that wouldn’t stand up in court or clinical review.

These issues often stem from a lack of ongoing education. When examiners skip out on training, they continue using outdated methods that can cause serious harm, misleading clients, disrupting relationships, and undermining legal or therapeutic progress.

To be clear: not all examiners are unqualified or careless. Many are excellent at what they do. But I’ve also seen cases where outdated practices, poor technique, or inattention led to life-changing mistakes—and when that happens, it’s always the client who pays the price.

For a deeper look at how hiring the wrong examiner can seriously affect your case, and what happened when clients came to me after getting burned, I go into more detail in this related blog post about why researching your examiner before booking is so important.

When Credentials Aren’t Enough: The Ethical Gaps Associations Don’t Address

It’s important to understand that while many polygraph examiners are affiliated with professional organizations, such as the American Polygraph Association (APA) or state-level polygraph associations, membership alone does not guarantee ethical conduct or quality work.

Some examiners maintain these credentials despite serious misconduct. I’ve encountered cases involving examiners who made devastating errors that led to severe emotional distress for clients, including attempted suicide. Others have been publicly named in lawsuits involving sexual misconduct, racial discrimination, or professional negligence—yet continue to advertise themselves as “certified” or “licensed.”

Unfortunately, these associations often lack the authority or willingness to fully investigate or remove examiners who have violated ethical standards. This leaves the burden of due diligence on the client.

Before hiring an examiner, I strongly recommend doing your own background research:

• Search their full name online and look for any news articles, reviews, or legal filings.

• If they’ve worked on TV or media programs, investigate how their involvement was received and whether it caused more harm than help.

• Don’t be afraid to ask pointed questions. Ethical examiners will appreciate your caution and be transparent about their records.

Certification is a starting point—not the finish line. Real trust is earned through consistent professionalism, transparency, and a track record of doing right by clients.

The Right Examiner Can Protect Your Future—The Wrong One Can Destroy It

This isn’t just about taking a test—it’s about protecting your truth. Whether the issue is legal, professional, or deeply personal, the examiner you choose can make all the difference. That’s why it’s essential to do your research before hiring anyone. Take the time to ask the right questions, check credentials, and do your due diligence—because the outcome of your polygraph test results depends on it.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Ask when they last attended polygraph training. If they can’t answer clearly, or it’s been years—that’s a red flag.

• Confirm they’re a current member of the American Polygraph Association (APA) or a legitimate state polygraph association.

• Verify any credentials or training they mention. If they say they attended a state conference, look it up. If the association doesn’t exist, that’s a serious concern.

• Look for reviews and testimonials from attorneys, therapists, or past clients who can speak to their professionalism and accuracy.

• Don’t just go with the cheapest option. This isn’t the kind of decision where cutting costs is worth the risk. When the results can impact your future, your family, or your legal standing, experience matters.

Bottom line: You’re trusting this person with the truth—your truth. And that truth may directly impact your future, your freedom, or your family. Do your research. Ask questions. Get proof. Choose someone whose expertise you can trust with something this important.

When the Truth Matters Most, So Does the Person You Hire

Polygraph testing isn’t just about reading charts. It’s about protecting your reputation, your future, and sometimes even your freedom. Whether you're dealing with criminal accusations, custody disputes, or relationship challenges, the examiner you choose matters more than you think.

So don’t settle. Work with an examiner who is:

• Experienced

• Professionally certified

• Continuously trained

• Dedicated to conducting your exam with precision and care.

Most importantly, choose someone who understands the seriousness of your situation and has real experience testing for the specific issue you're facing.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Schedule Your Polygraph Test Today with a Nationally Trusted Expert Examiner

If you're ready to take a real, confidential polygraph exam with an experienced examiner who treats your case with the seriousness it deserves, contact Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service. We provide ethical, accurate, and results-driven testing for individuals facing high-stakes personal, legal, and family matters. In fact, there isn’t an issue we haven’t encountered. From infidelity and custody disputes to criminal defense, workplace investigations, and more, we’ve tested for it all. Visit our Services page for a full overview of the issues we’re experienced in handling.

Connect with Mr. David Goldberg, founder of Executive Protection Group and a Virginia State-Licensed, Advanced Board-Certified Polygraph Examiner. With over 30 years of combined experience in investigative work and polygraph science, Mr. Goldberg is trusted by clients across the country for his professionalism, compassion, and unmatched expertise.

Based in Virginia Beach, we proudly serve clients not only across Virginia but throughout the country. Mr. Goldberg is highly sought after by individuals and professionals nationwide and is available to travel for private, on-site polygraph examinations in all matters of importance.

At Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service, our mission is simple: to eliminate doubt, uncover the truth, and provide you with the clarity and confidence to move forward.

Take the first step toward truth, resolution, and freedom—with Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service.

To learn more about how we can support you, visit our website or call today to schedule your private, professional polygraph examination.