Mobile polygraph examiner business

Employers with internal concerns, law firms and private investigators who want extra information, and individuals in personal or family disputes.

A fixed fee per test session, often with extra for travel, report writing or tests in regional areas. Repeat work from law firms and investigators can build over time.

• Calm, neutral and professional manner
• Careful interviewing and listening
• Clear, accurate report writing
• Handling confidential information

• Licensing: rules differ by state and territory, so check whether investigation or security licensing applies to you
• Polygraph results are generally not accepted as reliable evidence in many settings, so be honest with clients about what the test can and cannot show
• Employment and privacy laws vary by state, and testing staff needs genuine, informed consent, so check the rules before offering employer screening
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and a clear consent form for every test
• Training and equipment are a big upfront cost for a small, niche market

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $25,000, depending on your training and equipment, which are a big upfront cost for a small, niche market. Insurance and any private room hire will add to this.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many tests you book and who your clients are. It is a small, niche market, so check local demand before investing in training.

Check whether investigation or security licensing applies to you, as rules differ by state and territory. Also check employment and privacy laws, informed consent and insurance. Be honest with clients that results are generally not accepted as reliable evidence in many settings.