There are two types of lie detector tests that you can buy—those conducted by a certified professional or those you can do all by yourself at home.
If you go for the one conducted by certified professionals, you will pay between $200 to $2,000. The price will depend on the length of the test. Tests that take longer require much more money.
- A two-hour, single-issue polygraph test will cost about $200 to$300. A good example is Holland Polygraph Services in western Washington State, which start testing at $400 and make you aware that the price may be higher by the end of the exam.
- Capitol Polygraph, located in Michigan, price their polygraph exams at $325-$500 depending on the number of tests, while Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina administer most tests at the price of $350-$600.
- Though not considered very reliable, Home lie detectors and voice lie detectors are cheap options, and you can purchase them for between $90 to $700.
- The American Polygraph Association conducted research whereby voice-stress tests only satisfied 65% of accuracy.
- Voice–stress exams, also known as De-FIB-ulator, go from as low as $89 to as high as $99.
- For an older or secondhand lie detector unit, you can buy them online like on eBay for just $700.
Thanks to The American Association of Police Polygraphists, we now have access to a searchable database of professionals who can offer lie detector testing. All their members are included in the list, and all you need to do is choose one.
Not so many people are aware of this, but a polygraph test is admissible in court. Your lie detector examiner will only need to provide an outline of cases he has dealt with before that involves polygraph admissibility.
Every issue of a polygraph test takes up to two hours with several sensors attached to the body. This exam begins with an interview, including pre-test control questions before the actual exam.
The professional issuing the test may start with false questions so that the lie detector can pick your body’s response to a lie. After the actual test, an analysis is shared with you.
Lie Detector Tests Cost Factors
Two significant factors affect the cost of a polygraph test. The location from which you will get it or the type of test you plan on taking. Most offices will ask for a deposit to book an appointment will be deducted from the final payment.
Here are the factors that affect the cost of a lie detector test.
Location
You may wonder how much does a lie detector test cost in America? Well, every state has different pricing. If you choose to take one in Michigan, it will be cheaper than one taken in North Carolina.
Another factor involves the location you want it done, from the lie detector test office, your home, or a location of your choosing. All these will vary depending on your administrator’s pricing.
The type of test
Every lie detector test is performed for a specific reason. This means that the test may take longer and may get more complicated than another. This will directly affect the price of the test.
The types of tests offered include business loss tests, pre-employment examinations, attorney pre-trial tests, military and law enforcement tests, personal, family conflict, and domestic and personal tests, among others.
Contractual polygraph test
Some firms and organizations need to conduct polygraph tests on their employees from time to time. Because of this, they may need a contract for regular polygraph testing. Unlike a single test, the price for contractual testing is set depending on the number of tests done over time.
More details
Lie detectors, also called polygraphs, are devices that measure and record a person’s physiological reactions, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and skin conductivity. The theory behind lie detection is that when a person is lying, they will experience an increase in anxiety which will result in physical changes that can be measured by the machine.
There are some issues with using lie detectors that should be taken into consideration. First of all, they are not always accurate. Studies have shown that people can sometimes beat the test by controlling their anxiety levels or by tricking the machine. Additionally, even if the test is accurate, it can only really detect if a person is nervous or anxious about something – it cannot determine if they are actually lying about it.
If you are considering using a lie detector, it is important to talk to an expert beforehand to make sure that it is the right decision for your particular situation.
Lie detectors can be expensive to use, and the cost can vary depending on the type of test and the location where it is administered. Generally, the cost ranges from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. In some cases, the cost may be covered by insurance.
Time considerations
Lie detector tests can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to complete. It is important to factor in the time needed for set-up, calibration, and testing when considering using a lie detector. Additionally, it may be necessary to schedule additional time for debriefing after the test is completed.
Privacy concerns
Some people may have privacy concerns about taking a lie detector test. Before taking the test, be sure to ask about how the results will be used and whether or not they will be shared with anyone else.
How to find a service or person to conduct the test
If you are interested in using a lie detector, the first step is to find a service or person to conduct the test. There are many companies that offer lie detector services, and you can usually find them online or in the phone book. It is important to choose a reputable company with experienced professionals who can help you make the best decision for your situation.
Before scheduling a test, be sure to ask the company about their experience and qualifications, as well as their fees and methods of payment. It is also important to ask about the privacy of the test results and whether or not they will be shared with anyone else.
Once you have scheduled a test, you will need to prepare for it. This usually involves abstaining from food and drink for at least four hours before the test, as well as avoid smoking or using any other type of tobacco product. You should also avoid anything that could make you nervous or anxious, such as caffeine.
When you arrive for the test, you will be asked to sign a release form that gives the company permission to conduct the test. You will then be asked to empty your pockets and remove any items that may interfere with the accuracy of the test, such as jewelry or watches.
You will be asked to sit in a chair and attach sensors to your fingers, chest, and legs. The sensors are connected to the lie detector machine, which will measure your physiological reactions while you are asked a series of questions.
After the test is complete, the results will be shared with you and any other interested parties. The results of the test are usually not admissible in court, but they can be used to help make decisions about employment, relationships, or other important matters.
Understanding pricing Lie detectors can be expensive to use, and the cost can vary depending on the type of test and the location where it is administered. Generally, the cost ranges from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. In some cases, the cost may be covered by insurance.
Can you do one online for free?
Yes, you can take a free online lie detector test. There are many websites that offer these tests, and most of them are relatively easy to use. Just be sure to choose a reputable website with experienced professionals who can help you make the best decision for your situation. But these aren’t as accurate as the ones given by qualified personnel.
What if you’re not sure which questions to ask?
If you are not sure which questions to ask, you may want to consider hiring a professional to administer the test. Professionals who administer lie detector tests are trained to ask the right questions and interpret the results. They can also provide guidance on how to use the results of the test in your situation. However, this service can be expensive, so be sure to ask about the cost before scheduling a test.
Given that lie detectors aren’t 100% accurate…
No matter how accurate lie detectors are, there is always the potential for error. Therefore, it is important to understand the limitations of the test before making any decisions based on the results. If you have any doubts about the accuracy of the results, you should consult with a professional to get a second opinion.
What about accuracy?
The accuracy of lie detector tests is often debated. While some experts believe that the tests are generally accurate, others believe that they are not foolproof and can produce false positives or negatives. In general, the accuracy of the test depends on a number of factors, including the experience of the person administering the test, the type of questions asked, and the physiological reactions of the person being tested.
When used correctly, lie detector tests can be a valuable tool for assessing honesty. However, it is important to understand their limitations and to use them in conjunction with other forms of evidence.
Conclusion
Always hire an examiner with over five years of licensed polygraph testing experience. A lot may go wrong when they are inexperienced, and you will have thrown your money down the drain.
The department of defense released its findings stating that most tests offered by a professional are 98% accurate.
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