CPE Accreditation and Training 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What minimum score is generally required to pass the written examination for APA certification?
- 60%
- 70%
- 75% (Correct answer)
- 80%
Correct answer: 75%
Most polygraph certification examinations require a minimum passing score of 75% to demonstrate adequate knowledge of polygraph theory and practice.
Question 2: An accredited polygraph school must have its curriculum reviewed by the APA how often?
- Every year
- Every two years
- Every three years
- Every five years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Every five years
APA-accredited polygraph schools undergo a curriculum and standards review every five years to maintain their accreditation status.
Question 3: Which component is NOT typically included in an accredited polygraph training program?
- Psychophysiology of deception
- Chart scoring and analysis
- Criminal investigation interrogation tactics (Correct answer)
- Legal aspects of polygraph
Correct answer: Criminal investigation interrogation tactics
While polygraph training covers psychophysiology, chart analysis, and legal issues, general criminal interrogation tactics are not a core polygraph curriculum requirement.
Question 4: A state that requires polygraph examiners to be licensed but does not have its own accredited school must:
- Prohibit all polygraph examinations
- Accept graduation from any APA-accredited school (Correct answer)
- Only allow federal employees to conduct exams
- Require all examiners to be attorneys
Correct answer: Accept graduation from any APA-accredited school
States without their own accredited schools typically accept graduation from any APA-accredited polygraph school to satisfy their licensing requirements.
Question 5: What is the standard minimum duration for an APA-accredited basic polygraph training program?
- 2 weeks
- 6 weeks (Correct answer)
- 3 months
- 6 months
Correct answer: 6 weeks
APA-accredited basic polygraph training programs require a minimum of six weeks of intensive classroom instruction to cover required subject areas.
Question 6: Continuing education requirements for polygraph examiners most commonly focus on:
- New business development strategies
- Advances in polygraph techniques, law, and technology (Correct answer)
- General management skills
- Customer service protocols
Correct answer: Advances in polygraph techniques, law, and technology
CE requirements for polygraph examiners emphasize keeping current with evolving examination techniques, relevant case law, and polygraph instrument technology.
Question 7: Which entity has authority to revoke a state polygraph examiner's license for professional misconduct?
- American Polygraph Association only
- The employing agency
- The state polygraph licensing board (Correct answer)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
Correct answer: The state polygraph licensing board
State polygraph licensing boards have the legal authority to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, and revoke or suspend examiner licenses for professional misconduct.
CPE Accreditation and Training 3
What minimum score is generally required to pass the written examination for APA certification?