The major accrediting organization in the United States is the American Polygraph Association (APA). The APA sets standards for polygraph schools and certifies polygraph examiners. In states that license polygraph examiners, APA certification is usually one of the requirements for licensing. There are also polygraph examiner trade associations, such as the American Association of Police Polygraphists, that advocate on behalf of their members. Polygraph examiners working for government agencies are generally exempt from state licensing requirements.
Indiana is one of the states that require licensure of polygraph examiners. The Indiana Annotated Code requires that polygraph examiners successfully complete coursework at an accredited polygraph school or provide proof of "satisfactory completion of at least 100 criminal cases or at least 200 non-criminal case examinations" (240 IAC 7-1-3).
Generally, polygraph school curriculum includes a variety of classes covering topics such as interviewing skills, ethics, psychology, physiology, legal issues, and chart analysis.
Generally, an applicant for polygraph school must have an associate's degree or bachelor's degree. Certification of completion of a law enforcement polygraph school is often required in order to work as a polygraph examiner for a government agency. Certification can be denied to a person who has been convicted of a felony.
Polygraph training requires the use of a variety of instruments. Even when polygraph schools provide equipment during attendance, students are encouraged to obtain or have access to their own polygraph equipment in order to study while at home. Schools should be equipped with lab rooms, reference materials and computerized and analog polygraph instruments. Students are required to master the use of polygraph equipment through observing actual testing and hands-on training in order to graduate.
The polygraph school for government employees in Texas currently charges flat tuition of $5,000 as of February 1, 2011. Tuition covers the cost of all books, fees, use of equipment, meals and housing for students during attendance at the school. Students must provide their own laptop computers. The course lasts 10 weeks. Government agencies may sponsor an applicant and provide tuition reimbursement to students. Tuition costs vary among polygraph schools located elsewhere.