It’s important to make sure your examiner is properly qualified; not everyone who offers polygraph services is fully certified. But don’t worry, verifying their credentials is simple, and we’ll walk you through how to do it!
There are two key things to look for:
- Registration with a professional body, such as SAPFED or SAPPA.
- Training through an APA-accredited program (that’s the American Polygraph Association).
These two credentials help ensure the examiner meets the industry’s minimum standards and follows best practices. Taking a moment to confirm this can give you peace of mind and help you get the most reliable results.
1. Know the Professional Bodies in South Africa
- SAPFED (Southern African Polygraph Federation): A self-regulating body that enforces ethical practices and continuous training.
- SAPPA (South African Professional Polygraph Practitioners Association): Promotes quality services and offers a “Find an Examiner” feature.
2. Use Member Directories
Before booking a polygraph test, it’s a good idea to confirm that the examiner is properly registered. This ensures they follow professional standards and ethical guidelines. You can easily verify this using the following steps:
- SAPFED Website: On their home page, you will see a section at the top titled “Find a Polygrapher”. You can then enter the examiner’s name/company to confirm if they are registered.
- SAPPA Website: Scroll down on their Home page to view the section titled: Find an Examiner, and then you can search for an examiner to see if they are registered.
3. Certification Matters
Polygraph examiners are required to complete training through an APA-accredited program and must stay current by completing continuing education each year. This ensures they stay up to date with the latest techniques and best practices in the field.
If you’re ever unsure about an examiner’s qualifications, it’s perfectly okay to ask for proof of their certification—most professionals are happy to share this with you!
Quick Tip:
Examiners who are registered with SAPFED or SAPPA automatically meet these standards. These organisations only accept members who have the proper training and credentials, so it’s a great way to confirm you’re working with a qualified professional.
4. Why Registration Matters: Quality Assurance & Ethics Oversight
Both SAPFED and SAPPA enforce strict standards that all registered Polygraph Examiners must follow. This is great news for anyone booking a test, as it ensures the examiner is held to a professional code of conduct and ethical guidelines. Even better, if you ever have concerns about how a test was conducted, you can contact the relevant body to request a Quality Assurance review. This added layer of accountability helps protect you and the integrity of the process
5. What to Ask When You Call
When speaking with a polygraph examiner, don’t hesitate to ask about their qualifications. Here are some helpful questions to guide the conversation:
- Are you currently registered with any professional or governing bodies?
- Which institution provided your polygraph training and certification?
- When was the last time you completed a professional development or continuing education course?
- How can I verify your credentials and registration status?
Conclusion
Verifying credentials isn’t just red tape; it’s a safeguard. Legitimate examiners welcome these questions. If they hesitate or can’t prove membership, move on.
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