How much does a polygraph test cost?

Asked by: Eddie Huel Sr.  |  Last update: September 23, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (42 votes)

Trained polygraph examiners administer lie detector tests for a fee. The typical cost is between $200 and $2,000. The specific cost usually increases with the length of the test.

How accurate is the lie detector test?

Despite claims that polygraph tests are between 80% and 90% accurate by advocates, the National Research Council has found no evidence of effectiveness.

Can you get a free lie detector test?

Yes, you can. But if you want one for free, you must be under suspicion for some felony crime that you want to prove your are innocent. Remember, a lie detector test cannot be used in court to prove guilt or innocence.

What is the price of a polygraph test?

In India, the cost of a lie detector test can range from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the agency conducting the test and the nature of the case.

How much would it cost to do a lie detector test?

Single Person Test: £495 All-Inclusive - Available UK Wide at a Controlled Office Near Your Location (Excluding Scotland). Truth at a Discount — Only £450 for Single Lie Detector Tests in Birmingham, Northampton, Coventry, Nottingham, Evesham, London.

Price, cost, value of lie detector test, exam, polygraph test. How much does a polygraph test cost?

42 related questions found

Is a lie detector test 100% right?

There have been several reviews of polygraph accuracy. They suggest that polygraphs are accurate between 80% and 90% of the time. This means polygraphs are far from foolproof, but better than the average person's ability to spot lies, which research suggests they can do around 55% of the time.

How much does getting a lie detector test cost?

The typical cost is between $200 and $2,000. Our California criminal defense attorneys will discuss the following in this article: 1. When is a private polygraph a good defense strategy?

Can a polygraph test be wrong?

Polygraph tests have been used for decades in a variety of settings. Despite popular belief, however, polygraph results are unreliable and untrustworthy at best. Studies have shown that the accuracy of these tests is highly dependent on the operator's skill and can vary significantly from person to person.

Who can beat a polygraph test?

Conversely, liars can beat the test by covertly augmenting their physiological reactions to the "control" questions. This can be done, for example, by doing mental arithmetic, thinking exciting thoughts, altering one's breathing pattern, or simply biting the side of the tongue.

Is it illegal to have a polygraph test?

In California, the general rule is that polygraph test results are not admissible as evidence in criminal trials. The only exception to this rule is if the prosecution and the defense agree to admit the evidence (test results) to be shown to the judge or jury.

Can you do a lie detector test on your phone?

VerifEye is a mobile app for iOS or Android phones that quickly and accurately validates truth by measuring involuntary eye behavior.

Can you pass a lie detector test even if your lying?

In essence, it is within the realms of possibility to pass a lie detector test when you are lying but it's very unlikely – the best advice is not to rely on so called strategies and techniques you have learned from the internet or a helpful mate but to just not take the test if you intend to lie.

Can I do my own lie detector test?

Essentially, a home lie detector test is too basic an instrument to provide an accurate result for lie detection. It is unable to accommodate individuality and only provides one element of lie detection when this is actually a very developed and evolved scientific and technical process.

Can a truthful person fail a polygraph?

However, as we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the polygraph test is controversial. It's not 100% accurate. And honest people fail all the time. Preparation, therefore, is your first line of defense.

Can being nervous make you fail a lie detector test?

Can Nervousness Influence the Outcome of Your Polygraph Test? So, yes, nervousness can affect the outcome of your polygraph test. You're creating the same physiological response guilty people have when they lie.

What questions do they ask in a polygraph test?

Common Polygraph Questions
  • Personal history.
  • Negative information from other agencies (such as previously failing a polygraph)
  • Employment background.
  • Criminal behavior.
  • Financial information.
  • Illegal drug use.
  • Alcohol use.
  • Illegal or deviant sexual behavior.

What disqualifies you on a polygraph?

Typical disqualifiers include admitting to past criminal behavior, ongoing illegal drug use, or any actions that indicate a lack of moral integrity. For instance, confessing to tampering with evidence or accepting bribes are clear disqualifiers.

Can a compulsive liar pass a polygraph test?

Compulsive liars also can't hide their body language, and if the examiner reviews the recorded footage of the session later, they'll spot the changes in body language. So, compulsive liars probably won't pass a lie detector test if they try to lie their way out of it.

What can throw off a polygraph test?

Medications that affect heart rate and blood pressure can affect polygraph results. These include antihypertensives and anti-anxiety medications and also a host of illegal drugs, including heroin, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

What is the cost of polygraph machine?

The prices of polygraph machines depend on their size, brand and model. However, the price of the basic analog model ranges between Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.

Can a guilty person pass a polygraph test?

Today's advanced polygraph machines and well-trained examiners make it challenging for anyone to be deceptive during the polygraph exam. If you're guilty of something, the chances are the polygraph will catch you out if you choose to lie about it.

How much does a full scope polygraph cost?

Full-Scope Exam

A lengthy 2+ hour multi-topic polygraph test often costs between $500 and $1,000.

How much do polygraphers make?

Most polygraph examiner salaries range between $51,000 in the 25th percentile to $131,500 in the 75th percentile. The top earners in the 90th percentile of the US polygraph examiner industry receive salaries of $148,500 annually. So, the average pay for polygraph examiners can vary by as much as $80,500.

Is there anything more accurate than a lie detector test?

fMRI Scans Better Than A Polygraph In Lie Detection. fMRI scans revealed activation of decision-making areas of the brain. Experts examining fMRI scans were 24 percent more likely to spot a lie. This is compared with the results of professional polygraph examiners.