A polygraph test, commonly known as a lie detector test, is used to assess the truthfulness of an individual’s responses through physiological measurements. Many people who take a polygraph test wonder: How long does it take to get polygraph results? The answer varies depending on the purpose of the test, the examiner’s analysis, and the organization requesting the test.
This comprehensive guide will explore the polygraph process, the factors that influence the timing of results, and how different scenarios affect the turnaround time.
Understanding the Polygraph Test Process
A polygraph test measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity while the examinee answers a series of questions. These responses are recorded and analyzed to determine whether there are signs of deception.
Polygraph tests are commonly used in:
- Law enforcement and criminal investigations
- Employment screenings (e.g., government agencies, law enforcement, and private security)
- Legal cases (e.g., court-admissible evidence, probation compliance)
- Personal matters (e.g., infidelity or disputes)
Understanding the steps involved in a polygraph test can help you estimate how long it takes to receive results.
Step-by-Step Timeline for Getting Polygraph Results
Step 1: Scheduling the Polygraph Test (1-4 Weeks)
Before taking a polygraph, an appointment must be scheduled. The availability of the examiner and the purpose of the test will impact the scheduling timeline.
- Government and law enforcement tests: These may require extensive background checks before scheduling, leading to a waiting period of 2-4 weeks.
- Private polygraph tests: These can often be scheduled within a few days to a week, depending on examiner availability.
⏳ Estimated time: 1-4 weeks, depending on examiner scheduling and background checks.
Step 2: Conducting the Polygraph Examination (1-3 Hours)
On the day of the polygraph test, the examinee undergoes a structured procedure that includes:
- Pre-Test Interview (30-60 Minutes)
- The examiner explains the test process and discusses any relevant medical or psychological conditions.
- Questions are reviewed to ensure clarity and reduce nervousness.
- Polygraph Examination (30-90 Minutes)
- The examinee is connected to the polygraph machine.
- A baseline is established by asking neutral questions.
- The examiner presents relevant and comparison questions to detect deception.
- Post-Test Discussion (15-30 Minutes)
- The examiner may provide initial observations but does not usually give official results immediately.
⏳ Estimated time: 1-3 hours for the complete test process.
Step 3: Initial Analysis of Polygraph Results (Immediate to 24 Hours)
After the test, the examiner reviews the recorded physiological responses and compares them to the baseline responses.
- Some private polygraph examiners may provide an immediate verbal indication of results.
- For legal or employment-related tests, the examiner may require additional time to analyze the data thoroughly.
⏳ Estimated time: Immediate to 24 hours for an initial analysis.
Step 4: Quality Control and Report Preparation (1-7 Days)
Once the examiner completes the initial analysis, the results must go through a quality control process. This step is essential, particularly for legal and government-related polygraph tests.
- Private Tests: Results can be prepared and sent within 1-3 days.
- Employment or Government Tests: A second examiner may review the findings, extending the timeline to 5-7 days.
- Law Enforcement or Criminal Cases: The examiner may need additional time to verify findings, sometimes taking up to 1-2 weeks.
⏳ Estimated time: 1-7 days, depending on the type of test.
Step 5: Final Decision or Action Based on Results (Varies by Case)
Once the report is finalized, the results are forwarded to the requesting party. How long it takes to receive them depends on who ordered the test.
- Private Polygraph Tests: Results are usually provided directly to the individual within 1-3 days.
- Employment Screening: Results are reviewed by HR departments and can take 1-2 weeks to be processed.
- Law Enforcement Investigations: Investigators may take additional time to integrate the polygraph results into the overall case, which can take several weeks to months.
- Legal Cases: If used as evidence, results may take weeks to months to be presented in court.
⏳ Estimated time: 1 day to several weeks, depending on the requesting entity.
Factors Affecting Polygraph Result Timelines
1. Purpose of the Polygraph Test
The type of polygraph test plays a major role in determining how quickly results are available. Private tests are typically the fastest, while government-related tests require additional review and quality control.
2. Examiner’s Workload and Processing Speed
Polygraph examiners often handle multiple cases simultaneously. If the examiner has a high workload, it could delay the processing of your results.
3. Quality Control Reviews
Many agencies require a second examiner to review the results for accuracy. This process, while necessary for reliability, can extend the timeline.
4. Complexity of the Test and Re-Testing Needs
If test results are inconclusive, the examiner may recommend a retest, adding time to the process.
5. Legal or Employer Processing Time
Even after the examiner submits the results, the organization requesting the test may take additional time to review and interpret the findings before releasing them.
How to Speed Up the Process
- Choose a Private Examiner if Possible: If you’re taking a personal test, private examiners can often provide faster results.
- Ensure Proper Preparation: Being well-rested and honest during the test can reduce the chances of inconclusive results.
- Follow Up With the Requesting Party: If the results are for employment or legal purposes, checking in with the relevant department may help expedite the process.
How Long Does It Take to Get Polygraph Results?
The timeline for receiving polygraph results depends on several factors, including the test’s purpose, examiner review process, and the requesting entity’s processing time.
- Private polygraph tests: 1-3 days.
- Employment screening: 1-2 weeks.
- Law enforcement investigations: Several weeks to months.
- Legal cases: Weeks to months.
In most cases, results can be available within a few days to a week, but government and legal cases often take longer due to additional review and quality control measures. By understanding the process and potential delays, you can better manage expectations when waiting for your polygraph results.
