Polygraph examiner
Also known as: lie detector examiner, polygraph instructor, lie detector operator, polygraph technician, signals analyst, polygraph operator
About this occupation
Polygraph examiners prepare individuals for polygraph testing, conduct the polygraph exam and interpret the results. They pay close attention to detail and use a range of instruments to monitor respiratory, sweat and cardiovascular responses to questions addressed during the process. Polygraph examiners write reports on the basis of the results and can provide courtroom testimony.
Essential skills and knowledge
- observe confidentiality
- manage tests
- show confidence
- maintain professional administration
- write work-related reports
- use technology for forensics
- observe human behaviour
- conduct research interview
- document interviews
- analyse legal evidence
- report analysis results
- forensic intelligence
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Coroners (O*NET 13-1041.06). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
- Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.
- Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
- Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
- Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.
- Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Speaking, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Coordination, Writing
US median pay: US$80,730 a year (2025), 417,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.6)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.2)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyVery important (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.9)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.5)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Police Identification and Records Officers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Medical Records Specialists
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Physicians, Pathologists
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Medical Assistants
- Compliance Officers
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.