Would you ever take a Lie Detector Test?

In Star Trek's hypothetical era, lying was impossible when seated at this futuristic "lie detector"...



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LadyEmeraude said:

Polygraph Test Costs and Trends in 2026​

In 2026, private polygraph tests in the U.S. typically cost between $500 and $1,200 for a standard single-issue exam, with a national average around $800 Lie Detector Test. However, prices can vary widely depending on the type of test, examiner qualifications, and location.

Typical 2026 cost ranges Lie Detector Test+1:

  • Pre-employment screening: $350–$500
  • Relationship/infidelity tests: $500–$1,500
  • Comprehensive multi-issue exams: $1,500–$2,500+
  • Basic screening: as low as $200
  • Complex or multi-faceted cases: can exceed $2,000
Location impact: Metropolitan areas (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Miami) often charge 25% more than rural areas, with city tests reaching $1,500–$2,500 Lie Detector Test.

Factors influencing price:

  • Test type and complexity: More questions, multiple issues, or detailed timelines increase cost.
  • Examiner credentials: American Polygraph Association (APA) certification is a key indicator of quality; examiners under $300 may lack proper training Lie Detector Test.
  • State licensing: About 25 states require examiner licensing, which can affect both cost and exam quality Lie Detector Test.
  • Case preparation: Customized question formulation and consultation time add to the fee.
Finding a qualified examiner:

  • Use the APA member directory (polygraph.org) to search by location legalclarity.org.
  • Attorney referrals can be reliable, especially for legal matters.
  • Government agencies conduct polygraph tests for criminal investigations, security clearances, and pre-employment screening, but these are not available to the public legalclarity.org.
Key takeaway: For most private clients in 2026, budget $500–$1,200 for a standard exam, but expect higher costs for complex or multi-issue tests, and always verify the examiner’s credentials and licensing before booking.
Click to expand...

Would I ever take one? Depends entirely on the context. I mean, you don't take them just for fun.

Would I take one as part of the pre-employment process? Barring a job that required a high level of security clearance, no. As for criminal investigation, you need one of those to get a green card in the US, and I had no issue with them checking. This was back on late 80's by the way.
 
If I had to in order to prove my innocence in some kind of crime then yes. But there's no way I'd be willing to take one as a screening for a job. Unless I had no other choice.

As for the other reasons no.
 
VaughanJB said:
Would I ever take one? Depends entirely on the context. I mean, you don't take them just for fun.

Would I take one as part of the pre-employment process? Barring a job that required a high level of security clearance, no. As for criminal investigation, you need one of those to get a green card in the US, and I had no issue with them checking. This was back on late 80's by the way.
Click to expand...

As an aside - I don't know if people know this but..... when applying to come and work in the US, it was required to have both a criminal check (which included places lived and worked over a 9 year period) but it also included a health exam from a doctor.
 
I had to take several, in high school, when I worked for a Big Boy restaurant. They were worried not only about theft but also about the female staff dating the managers. How silly! I actually laughed at that particular question ("Have you ever dated a member of the male management?"), and the test administrator asked "Are they that bad?" because apparently a lot of people laughed at it. It was just such a ridiculous issue, I thought.

They're not admissible in court, as others have noted, so I never worried too much. Plus I had no reason to lie.
 
VaughanJB said:
As an aside - I don't know if people know this but..... when applying to come and work in the US, it was required to have both a criminal check (which included places lived and worked over a 9 year period) but it also included a health exam from a doctor.
Click to expand...
I've been researching digital nomad visas, and some countries—I'm drawing a blank on which ones—still require this.
 
LadyEmeraude said:

Polygraph Test Costs and Trends in 2026​

In 2026, private polygraph tests in the U.S. typically cost between $500 and $1,200 for a standard single-issue exam, with a national average around $800 Lie Detector Test. However, prices can vary widely depending on the type of test, examiner qualifications, and location.

Typical 2026 cost ranges Lie Detector Test+1:

  • Pre-employment screening: $350–$500
  • Relationship/infidelity tests: $500–$1,500
  • Comprehensive multi-issue exams: $1,500–$2,500+
  • Basic screening: as low as $200
  • Complex or multi-faceted cases: can exceed $2,000
Location impact: Metropolitan areas (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Miami) often charge 25% more than rural areas, with city tests reaching $1,500–$2,500 Lie Detector Test.

Factors influencing price:

  • Test type and complexity: More questions, multiple issues, or detailed timelines increase cost.
  • Examiner credentials: American Polygraph Association (APA) certification is a key indicator of quality; examiners under $300 may lack proper training Lie Detector Test.
  • State licensing: About 25 states require examiner licensing, which can affect both cost and exam quality Lie Detector Test.
  • Case preparation: Customized question formulation and consultation time add to the fee.
Finding a qualified examiner:

  • Use the APA member directory (polygraph.org) to search by location legalclarity.org.
  • Attorney referrals can be reliable, especially for legal matters.
  • Government agencies conduct polygraph tests for criminal investigations, security clearances, and pre-employment screening, but these are not available to the public legalclarity.org.
Key takeaway: For most private clients in 2026, budget $500–$1,200 for a standard exam, but expect higher costs for complex or multi-issue tests, and always verify the examiner’s credentials and licensing before booking.
Click to expand...
No never! They would need to hogtie me to the chair and I would refuse to answer any questions!
Why so blatant about it you ask?

When I was twelve another person (who will remain unnamed) were scheduled to have a lie detector test to see if I had been abused.
A Detective came in, slapped me across the face, and said I was a lying little sl*t, that the other person took the test and passed with flying colors. That the state was not going to waste $ giving me a test.
Obviously they did end up spending $ on me beacuse I spent 6 months in juvenile detention.

I have made my peace with all that now, I am ok.
🌹
 
Coconut said:
No never! They would need to hogtie me to the chair and I would refuse to answer any questions!
Why so blatant about it you ask?

When I was twelve another person (who will remain unnamed) were scheduled to have a lie detector test to see if I had been abused.
A Detective came in, slapped me across the face, and said I was a lying little sl*t, that the other person took the test and passed with flying colors. That the state was not going to waste $ giving me a test.
Obviously they did end up spending $ on me beacuse I spent 6 months in juvenile detention.

I have made my peace with all that now, I am ok.
🌹
Click to expand...
OMG, that is just plain horrible!!! 😡🤬
 
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