Is It Fair and Accurate?
A professional polygraph is a science-based examination of the veracity of the respondent’s answers. It is conducted by our professionally certified polygraph examiners who maintain their credentials and professional standards in accordance with both state and national polygraph organizations. West Coast Polygraph & Associates, Inc. maintain ongoing memberships in https://www.polygraph.org/, http://californiapolygraph.com/, https://www.nationalpolygraph.org/. Both certified polygraph examiners (CAPE) and certified PCSOT examiners (CAPE) are available to ensure the integrity of the results.

When and Where and How to prepare
Private polygraph examinations and on location corporate and government polygraph examinations can be arranged. Employee polygraph examinations are regulated by the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA 1988). EPPA has very strict requirements regarding polygraph testing of employees and prohibits pre-employment screening altogether. It would be advisable to consult with an attorney to avoid any legal ramifications before scheduling an appointment.

It is best to schedule an appointment on a day off or first thing in the morning when one is rested.

How To Prepare
A good night’s sleep and something to eat is the best way to prepare for a polygraph examination. Comfortable clothing is recommended, but not bulky or skimpy, since the sensors are placed over the clothing. Avoid any alcohol or illicit drugs at least 24 hours before the exam. However, you should continue to take any medications as usual, and not interrupt your normal routine.

WHAT TO BRING

What do I need to bring with me?
A drivers license or other government issued photo ID, along with a list of any medications. It is also advisable to inform the examiner if you have any illness or injury that you think might affect the test results.  Also, payment is expected at the time the test is taken, so you need to bring a means of payment, either cash, or a credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

WHAT TO EXPECT

How long will the appointment last?
Although clinical examinations can last longer, the appointment lasts between 1 ½ and 2 ½ hours. Most of the time will be spent discussing the issues covered in the examination. The actual polygraph examination is much shorter.

How many questions of concern can be tested?
The polygraph examination has been shown to be able to establish veracity in covering no more than three questions of concern. The most effective and accurate test is accomplished through concentrating on one questioned area.

What if I am thrown off by a surprise question?
All questions are reviewed before the test, so there are no surprise questions.

Can being nervous affect the results? By following the examiner’s directions and sitting still during the polygraph examination, the test can be completed successfully. You will need to sit still at five minute increments during the polygraph examination.

Will I feel any discomfort during the polygraph examination?
There is only a slight tightening of your arm from the blood pressure cuff that measures your cardiovascular activity.

Is it possible to lie and still pass a polygraph test?
The polygraph machine is designed to measure the physiological changes that occur when one lies, no matter how convincing the person can lie. The physiological changes that are measured are part of our automatic system, over which we have no control.

Who else is allowed to be there during the polygraph examination?
Adults over 18 years of age are allowed to accompany the person taking the polygraph during the consultation section of the appointment, but not during the polygraph examination itself.

When will I get the results?
The results are usually available at the end of the test, but sometimes will be available the next day.