Polygraph Examiner

A polygraph examiner is any person who purports to be able to detect deception or verify truth of statements through instrumentation or by means of a mechanical device. The device used to test or question individuals for the purpose of detecting deception or verifying truth of statements must record visually, permanently, and simultaneously a person's cardiovascular pattern, respiratory or breathing pattern, electro dermal or galvanic skin response pattern as a minimum. The use of devices not meeting the above requirements is prohibited by law.

It is unlawful for any person, including a city, county, or state employee, to administer polygraph examinations or represent to be a polygraph examiner without holding a valid polygraph examiner license issued by the Commission. It is unlawful for any person, other than a law enforcement officer acting in accordance with TCA § 62-27-103(c), to operate any instrument or device to detect deception or verify the truth of statements that does not meet the minimum instrumentation requirements set forth in TCA § 62-27-103(a), or to use any title or make any representation tending to indicate that such person is qualified to detect deception or verify truth of statements through the use of such instrument or device.

Polygraph Examiner License Requirements

• Be at least twenty-one years of age
• A citizen of the United States
• Of good moral character
• Free of conviction of any felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
• Meet education and experience requirements.

Education and Experience Requirements

Graduation from a school of polygraph approved by the American Polygraph Association or the Commission and one of the following:

• Baccalaureate degree from accredited college or university (OR)
• Two years of college AND immediately preceding application submission have been actively engaged in one of the following: Five years criminal (OR) Counterintelligence
  (OR) Private investigative work

All applicants must satisfactorily complete an internship of at least 6 months or, in lieu of the completion of the internship, provide satisfactory evidence the applicant is currently actively engaged in the polygraph examinations business in another state for at least 5 consecutive years.

Any applicant applying in lieu of the internship shall also submit evidence of a current business license, tax records and a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from either former clients or government agency officials.