1 Voluntary Consent
All polygraph examinations must be undertaken voluntarily. No individual may be forced, coerced, or pressured into taking an examination.
The examinee is attending voluntarily and has not been subjected to threats, intimidation, coercion, or undue pressure from any party.
The examinee understands the nature and purpose of the polygraph examination and has had the opportunity to ask questions.
Written informed consent will be obtained from the examinee before the examination begins.
2 Medical & Psychological Suitability
The presence of a condition does not automatically exclude an individual, but all relevant factors must be disclosed and reviewed before any examination is confirmed.
No undisclosed medical conditions that may affect physiological responses (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, pain-related).
No undisclosed psychological conditions (cognitive impairment, significant anxiety disorders, psychosis, or conditions affecting comprehension or cooperation).
Current medications disclosed — the examinee should take prescribed medication as normal unless advised otherwise by their medical professional.
No intoxication — the examinee must not be under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, or any substance likely to impair cooperation or physiological measurement.
Adequate rest and normal physical condition — excessive fatigue may compromise examination integrity.
3 Question Scope & Issue Clarity
In formal, valid credibility assessment, only one issue is addressed within a single examination to ensure accuracy.
A single, clearly defined issue has been identified for examination. Multiple issues cannot be mixed within the same test.
The relevant questions can be answered with yes or no and are capable of being understood clearly by the examinee.
Questions will be reviewed and agreed with the examinee before testing begins. Surprise questions are not used.
The purpose and intended use of the result have been discussed and are appropriate (investigative, therapeutic, legal strategy, etc.).
4 Testing Environment
A controlled testing environment is essential for examination reliability and integrity.
A suitable, neutral testing venue has been arranged or will be arranged by the Centre. Home or domestic settings are not usually appropriate.
Only the examiner and examinee will be present during the polygraph interview and examination (APA recommendation).
The environment can be controlled for noise, temperature, interruptions, and other factors that may affect physiological measurement.
5 Identification & Verification
The examinee can provide government-issued photo identification on arrival (passport, driving licence, or photo ID card).
6 Ethical & Safeguarding Considerations
The Centre operates within a suitability-led and ethics-led framework. Instructions may be declined where any of the following apply.
7 Limitations & Appropriate Use
The instructing party understands that polygraph results should not be treated as a standalone substitute for evidence, investigation, clinical judgement, legal advice, or safeguarding decision-making.
The instructing party understands that accuracy depends on the test format, question design, examinee suitability, testing conditions, and examiner training.
The evidential role of the polygraph result depends on the legal, regulatory, or tribunal context and has been considered by the instructing party.
8 Language & Communication
The examinee can communicate clearly in English, or a suitably qualified interpreter has been arranged.
The examinee is capable of understanding the questions and providing clear yes/no responses.
9 Pre-Engagement Confirmation
This checklist has been reviewed and, to the best of our knowledge, the proposed examinee meets the suitability criteria described above. We understand that the Centre reserves the right to decline or discontinue an examination at any stage if suitability concerns arise.