Preparing for Polygraph


Preparing for a polygraph examination is simple and can help ease the process significantly. The polygraph examination can last anywhere from 1½ to 3 hours. With that in mind, we have provided some suggestions to make the process as simple as possible.

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  • Pre-employment applicants make sure your packets are filled out completely and accurately.
  • Sex offenders make sure you have your sex history with you.
  • In the event of an incidence offence, we need information regarding what the incidence was.
  • In the event of a fidelity test it is best if both parties are present during the polygraph examination in order to properly understand the issues for the testing process.
  • Any pertinent information regarding the situation such as lawyer provided case documents and court decrees need to be provided to the polygraph examiner.
  • Get a good night's sleep.
  • Limit caffeine intake.
  • Know your medications so that you may provide them to the polygraph examiner prior to examination.

Pre-Employment Applicants



All applicants for a public safety position that are scheduled to have an polygraph examination need to complete the polygraph packet (available for download below) as accurately as possible. While past discretions may or may not be grounds for disqualification, failing the polygraph examination will definitely disqualify you from the process. Also, if you have a psychological evaluation with John Lehman, Ph.D. & Associates make sure that the information you provide in your polygraph packet matches the information you provide in your background questionnaire for your psychological evaluation. These two offices, Dalhousie Polygraph Services and John Lehman, Ph.D. & Associates, work together to guarantee their clients (the police and fire departments, not the applicants) a thorough evaluation and examination. This means they will be sharing information regarding all applicants with each other and with the departments. This is why honesty and accuracy are necessary. The polygraph packet is available for download below in Microsoft Word and PDF formats.