How It Works

Understanding the polygraph examination process from start to finish. Transparent, professional, and conducted with your rights protected.

Complete Examination Timeline

A typical polygraph examination takes 2-3 hours from start to finish. The process is designed to be thorough, professional, and respectful of your rights.

📞
Step
1

Initial Consultation & Booking

Contact us to discuss your needs and schedule your appointment. We'll explain the process and answer any preliminary questions.

What Happens:

  • Discuss the purpose and type of examination needed
  • Schedule a convenient appointment time
  • Receive pre-examination instructions
  • Confirm consent and voluntary participation
🗣️
Step
2

Pre-Test Interview

Your examiner conducts a comprehensive pre-test interview to establish rapport, explain your rights, and prepare for the examination.

What Happens:

  • Review and sign consent documentation
  • Explanation of constitutional rights and POPIA compliance
  • Discussion of the specific issues to be examined
  • Medical and physical condition assessment
  • Answer any questions or concerns you may have
Step
3

Question Formulation & Review

All test questions are carefully formulated, reviewed with you, and agreed upon before testing begins. No surprise questions.

What Happens:

  • Development of clear, specific, relevant questions
  • Review each question with you in detail
  • Ensure you understand each question fully
  • Obtain your agreement on all questions
  • Practice and familiarization with questions
🔬
Step
4

Instrumentation & Setup

Professional polygraph equipment is attached to measure your physiological responses during the examination.

What Happens:

  • Attachment of pneumograph tubes (breathing)
  • Blood pressure cuff placement (cardiovascular)
  • Electrodermal sensors (skin conductance)
  • Explanation of how the equipment works
  • Comfort check and final preparations
📊
Step
5

Testing Phase

The actual polygraph examination is conducted using APA-approved testing techniques. Multiple question series may be administered.

What Happens:

  • You'll be asked to sit still and remain calm
  • Questions are asked in agreed-upon sequence
  • Multiple test series for reliability
  • Typically 60-90 minutes of testing time
  • Short breaks provided as needed
🔍
Step
6

Data Analysis

Your examiner analyzes the physiological data using scientifically validated scoring methods and professional judgment.

What Happens:

  • Computer-assisted data analysis
  • Examination of physiological response patterns
  • Application of APA-approved scoring algorithms
  • Quality control checks and verification
  • Determination of results (truthful/deceptive/inconclusive)
💬
Step
7

Post-Test Interview

Your examiner discusses the results with you immediately following analysis and addresses any final questions.

What Happens:

  • Explanation of examination results
  • Discussion of any significant physiological responses
  • Opportunity to provide additional information
  • Answer any remaining questions
  • Explanation of next steps and reporting
📄
Step
8

Professional Report

A comprehensive professional report is generated following APA and SAPFED standards and delivered to you or the requesting party.

What Happens:

  • Detailed written report of examination
  • Summary of methodology used
  • Results and examiner's professional opinion
  • Secure delivery within 24-48 hours
  • Available through customer portal or email

Your Rights During Examination

Voluntary Participation

You cannot be compelled to undergo testing without written consent. Participation must be voluntary under South African constitutional law.

Confidentiality

All examination details and results are kept strictly confidential in accordance with POPIA regulations and professional ethics.

Right to Discontinue

You have the right to stop the examination at any time for any reason. You are not obligated to complete the examination.

Know All Questions

You will know every question before testing begins. All questions are reviewed and agreed upon during the pre-test interview.

How to Prepare

Do:

  • Get a good night's sleep before your examination
  • Eat normally and stay hydrated
  • Take prescribed medications as normal
  • Arrive on time for your appointment
  • Bring any relevant documents
  • Be truthful in all your answers

Don't:

  • Consume alcohol for 24 hours before testing
  • Use recreational drugs before your examination
  • Eat a heavy meal immediately before testing
  • Research countermeasures or tricks
  • Be sleep-deprived or extremely fatigued
  • Hide medical conditions or medications

Ready to Schedule Your Examination?

Now that you understand the process, book your appointment or contact us with any questions.