THE
BRITISH
INTERNATIONAL
POLYGRAPH
ASSOCIATION
BIPA is a professional body uniting qualified polygraph examiners in the UK and internationally. We exist to promote high scientific standards, ethical conduct, and public confidence in polygraph examinations.
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APA-aligned ethics & standards – BIPA adopts the American Polygraph Association (APA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, adapted where necessary to UK law and international best practice.
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Qualified examiners – Members meet training, competency, and ongoing education requirements.
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Public resources – Clear guidance on what polygraph testing is and isn’t, so people can make informed decisions.
Our Mission
ETHICS FIRST:
We enforce APA-aligned standards and accountability.
SCIENCE LED:
We promote scientifically validated polygraph methods.
PUBLIC TRUST:
We protect the public with clear guidance and transparency.
PRO STANDARDS:
We develop examiners through training and CPD.
About Us
Who We Are
The British International Polygraph Association (BIPA) is an independent, member-led professional association dedicated to the integrity, accuracy, and ethical delivery of polygraph services.
We Aim
To safeguard the public and advance the profession by setting clear standards, supporting education and research, and ensuring ethical practice by every member.
Our Standards & Ethics
BIPA adopts and requires compliance with the American Polygraph Association (APA) Standards of Practice and APA Code of Ethics, applying them within UK and relevant international legal frameworks. Members must commit to:
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Competent, transparent, client-centred practice
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Use of validated techniques and protocols
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Respect for dignity, privacy, and informed consent
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Ongoing professional development and peer accountability
Public Guidance & Support
PHelping individuals, families, and organisations understand when and how polygraph testing may be appropriate, ensuring informed and responsible use.
Examiners
Professional Requirements
BIPA examiners must demonstrate:
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Accredited foundational training from recognised polygraph schools (APA-recognised)
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Competence in validated techniques and ethical interviewing
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Continual Professional Development (CPD) and periodic renewal
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Adherence to the APA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as adopted by BIPA
Directory & Verification
Use our directory to verify membership and find qualified examiners by location and specialty.
Pathway to Membership
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Eligibility & training verification
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Application & references
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Agreement to the BIPA/APA ethics & standards
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Approval & ongoing CPD compliance
Membership
Why Join the BIPA?
Membership provides examiners with:
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Recognition as part of a professional body in the UK
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Access to training, seminars, and peer support
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A voice in advancing the profession locally and internationally Membership Categories
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Full Member - Accredited UK examiner meeting BIPA/APA standards
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Associate Member – International or non-practising examiners
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Affiliate Member – Supporters, academics, or professionals in related fields
Join Us
Please complete the contact form with your details and experience. We will review your application and get in touch if further information is needed. As a nonprofit organisation, we do not charge a membership fee. Acceptance is based solely on meeting our requirements and standards.
Polygraph Testing
What is a Polygraph?
A polygraph (literally “many writings”) is a scientific instrument that simultaneously records physiological activity while a person answers carefully structured questions. Standard channels include respiration (thoracic and abdominal), electrodermal activity (sweat‑gland activity), and cardiovascular activity (blood pressure/volume and pulse). Some systems also record movement and peripheral blood volume to ensure data quality. Voice‑stress analysis is not polygraph and is not supported as a valid substitute.
How a Professional Examination Works
Pre‑Test Interview. The examiner verifies identity, explains the process and instrumentation, reviews rights and consent, confirms suitability, and develops/clarifies all test questions together with the examinee. There are no surprise questions.
Data Collection (In‑Test). Questions are presented using validated formats with standardized pacing and multiple charts/series. Sensors record physiology continuously; an acquaintance/practice test is normally administered to ensure understanding and signal quality.
Analysis. Recorded data are evaluated using validated scoring models and decision rules (manual and/or computerized) that quantify response differences to calculate a categorical result with stated uncertainty. When appropriate, the examinee may be asked to address specific responses before a result is final.
Result & Reporting. Findings are documented in a written report and released only to authorized recipients identified on the signed consent/release or as required by law. Where required, audio or audio‑video recordings and all data are retained for quality control.
Possible Outcomes (Standard APA Terminology)
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Deception Indicated (DI) or No Deception Indicated (NDI) for diagnostic/evidentiary testing.
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Significant Response (SR) or No Significant Response (NSR) for screening contexts.
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Inconclusive (INC) or No Opinion (NO) when data or external factors do not support a definitive decision.
Validated Techniques & Decision Standards
APA Standards of Practice require evidence‑based techniques with published procedures and test‑data‑analysis models. Minimum research benchmarks include multiple empirical studies and limits on inconclusive rates. As a guide (excluding inconclusive results, which must not exceed 20%):
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Evidentiary techniques: unweighted average accuracy ≥ 90% across at least two published, original and replicated studies.
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Paired‑testing techniques: unweighted average accuracy ≥ 86% across at least two published, original and replicated studies.
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Investigative techniques: unweighted average accuracy ≥ 80% across at least two published, original and replicated studies.
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Screening techniques: must demonstrate accuracy significantly greater than chance and should be used within a successive‑hurdles process (i.e., additional validated testing to resolve concerns).
Instrumentation & Sensors
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Two respiratory transducers (chest and abdomen)
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Electrodermal (finger plates or adhesive electrodes)
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Cardiovascular (blood‑pressure cuff or equivalent)
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Activity/motion sensors and finger plethysmograph may be added to enhance data quality
Applications
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Specific‑issue (diagnostic) testing for investigations (e.g., theft/fraud, incident clarification)
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Relationship and family matters
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Workplace/internal inquiries (within applicable law)
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Monitoring in sensitive programs such as post‑conviction testing (where permitted)
Quality Assurance & Ethics
APA model policies and Standards of Practice emphasise:
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Use of validated techniques and standardized chart markings.
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In‑person conduct of all phases (pre‑test, in‑test, post‑test); electronic substitutes are not permitted.
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Acquaintance test for diagnostic/evidentiary, paired‑testing, and initial screening/investigative exams.
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Minimum session length of 90 minutes and no more than five examinations per day by a single examiner.
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Informed consent, clear test purpose, and pre‑review of every question (no surprises).
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Secure retention of reports, data, and recordings for defined periods; release only to authorized recipients.
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Ongoing continuing education and accurate representation of credentials/licensure.
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Availability of independent quality control review when required.
Science & Validity (High‑Level Summary)
A large APA meta‑analysis of validated field techniques reported:
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Single‑issue (diagnostic) tests: average ≈ ~89%; typical study range ≈ 83%–95%), with ~11% inconclusive.
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Multiple‑issue tests: average ≈ ~85%; typical study range ≈ 77%–93%), with ~13% inconclusive.
Limitations & Suitability
Polygraph is a probabilistic, not infallible, decision‑support test. Suitability screening (medical, psychological, and situational factors) is important. Errors (false positives/negatives) are possible, and inconclusive decisions are not counted as errors. Examiners avoid prohibited/intrusive questions unrelated to the stated purpose (e.g., religion, political affiliation, lawful union activity, and lawful sexual preferences) and follow all applicable laws (employment restrictions may apply in some jurisdictions).
Legal & Admissibility
Admissibility and use vary by jurisdiction and context. In all cases, polygraph results are decision‑support information and should be weighed alongside other evidence. Clients should seek legal advice where court use is contemplated.
Privacy & Results Handling
Results are released only to the examinee and parties specifically authorised in writing. Case files, including recordings, charts, and reports are safeguarded and retained for a defined period consistent with standards, policy, and local law.
Professional Affiliations & Network
The British International Polygraph Association (BIPA) upholds ethical and scientific best practices in line with internationally recognised standards. We adopt and follow the American Polygraph Association (APA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, while applying them within the UK and international context.
BIPA also recognises reputable training centres and assessment bodies that share a commitment to advancing polygraph science and examiner professionalism. Our network ensures members remain connected to global research, education, and professional development opportunities.
Contact Form
This form is for all enquiries, complaints, and membership requests. Please provide your details and message. Submissions will be reviewed, and you will be contacted if further information is required or once a decision has been made.