VCATC Program Catalog

Techniques & Methods Covered

VCATC trains students in all major validated credibility assessment protocols recognized by the APA, including zone comparison techniques (Federal Zone, Utah ZCT, Backster ZCT), the Integrated Zone Comparison Technique, the Polygraph Verification Technique, Positive Control, Peak of Tension, Concealed Information Test, and the AFMGQT. Chart analysis is taught using multiple validated numerical scoring systems — including the Horizontal Scoring System and algorithm-based scoring — for both manual and computerized evaluation. Interviewing instruction covers the Forensic Assessment Interview Technique (FAINT), behavioral symptom analysis, and the Integrated Interrogation Technique. Students graduate with operational proficiency across all major techniques applicable to law enforcement, government, and private sector examination contexts.

5.1 Written Examinations

The program administers a minimum of three written examinations throughout the course, in addition to a comprehensive final examination covering all learning objectives in the core curriculum (APA 3.3.3.4.1). The APA's approved online examination may be used to satisfy the final examination requirement (APA 3.4.1.1.2.1.1). The minimum passing score for each required written examination is 75%. Students receive feedback after each examination. A student who fails a required written examination may be given one additional opportunity to retake it; failure on the second attempt is referred to the Program Director and may result in academic probation or dismissal.

5.2 Review of Polygraph Products

Faculty conducts a formative review of each student's polygraph data products (charts, annotations, and reports) from mock examinations throughout the course to ensure minimum standards of data quality are being met (APA 3.4.1.1.2.2). Students receive written or verbal feedback on each reviewed product.

5.3 Practical Examinations

Students must satisfactorily complete all required practical exercises, including a minimum of three complete supervised mock examinations. The student-to-monitor ratio shall not exceed 3:1, and at least one faculty member must remain accessible to all students and instructional assistants at all times (APA 3.3.3.3.1.15.1.1).

5.4 Graduation Requirements

To receive a Certificate of Completion, a student must:

• Pass all required written examinations with a minimum score of 75%.
• Pass the comprehensive final examination (minimum 75%).
• Satisfactorily complete the minimum required supervised mock examinations.
• Satisfy the attendance requirement (minimum 90% of program hours).
• Complete all assigned coursework to instructor satisfaction.
• Complete the graduate exit questionnaire (APA 3.4.1.1.2.3).
• Maintain professional conduct throughout the program.

5.5 Grading Scale

A grade of D places the student on academic probation. A grade of F on any required examination triggers mandatory retake procedures (see Section 10.4).

6.1 Comprehensive Final Examination

A final examination covers, at a minimum, all learning objectives in the core curriculum required by APA 3.3.3.3 (APA 3.4.1.1.2.1). The APA's approved online examination may be used to satisfy this requirement (APA 3.4.1.1.2.1.1).

6.2 Review of Student Polygraph Products

Faculty reviews all polygraph data products produced by students during the program to ensure minimum quality standards are met (APA 3.4.1.1.2.2).

6.3 Graduate Exit Questionnaire

All students complete a structured exit questionnaire upon graduation (APA 3.4.1.1.2.3). Results are reviewed by the Program Director and faculty after each cohort, and curriculum or practices are updated where warranted.

6.4 Post-Graduation Survey (12-Month)

Approximately 12 months after graduation, VCATC provides all graduates with a post-graduation survey assessing their ability to find employment in the field (for those not already employed as examiners upon program entry), perceived strengths and weaknesses of the program, and overall quality of instruction (APA 3.14.1). Where relevant, the survey also captures job retention rates and licensure or certification examination pass rates (APA 3.14.1.1). The survey may be administered electronically (APA 3.14.1.2). Faculty review the data and, where deemed appropriate, update or amend the curriculum or practices to improve educational quality (APA 3.14.1.3).

6.5 APA EAC Annual Evaluation & Course Reports

The Program Director or designee submits the APA annual evaluation form to the EAC within three months after the end of each calendar year, along with a report of any complaints received and actions taken (APA 3.15.2). Course reports are submitted to the EAC no later than 30 days prior to the start of each cohort, within two weeks of the start date, and within two weeks of course completion (APA 3.15.1.1). Any substantive changes to the program's mission, faculty, content, length, or facilities are reported to the EAC no later than 30 days from the effective date of the change (APA 3.16.2).

8.1 Program Director

The program has one faculty member designated as its Program Director, who is responsible for ensuring all APA EAC accreditation standards are met and serves as the chief contact between the program and the EAC (APA 3.5.1.1). The Program Director must possess all qualifications required under 3.6.1.4 “All Other Topics of Instruction” (APA 3.5.1.2). Any change in Program Director must be reported to the EAC with a transition plan from the outgoing director and a notice from the incoming director (APA 3.16.1.2.1).

Program Director: Gonzalo Gomes

8.2 Faculty Minimum Qualifications

Each faculty member must possess the education and experience required for his or her specific subject(s) of instruction (APA 3.6.1). All required academic degrees must be earned degrees awarded by an institution accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA, or verified as equivalent by a NACES member evaluator (APA 3.7.1.1):

A bona fide representative of a polygraph instrument manufacturer may, at the Program Director's discretion, provide limited product-specific training without being considered a faculty member for records purposes (APA 3.6.1.4.5).

8.3 Instructional Assistants

Staff providing instructional assistance must, at a minimum (APA 3.8.2.1):

• Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Have at least two (2) years of experience in applied polygraph field work.
• Have completed at least 200 polygraph examinations.
• Complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years in polygraph-related coursework.

Instructional assistants may proctor written examinations and monitor mock examinations, but may NOT provide direct classroom instruction without a qualified faculty member physically present in the classroom (APA 3.8.2.2.1). Instructional assistants are clearly distinguished from faculty in all program materials (APA 3.8.2.2.2).

8.4 Guest Lecturers

The Program Director may utilize a guest lecturer to teach up to 24 of the 74 elective hours on topics relevant to the program's mission, goals, and objectives (APA 3.6.1.4.6.1). Guest lecturers must possess, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree and a curriculum vitae demonstrating qualification to present the materials (APA 3.6.1.4.6.2). Guest lecturers are neither faculty members nor instructional assistants for records retention purposes.

8.5 Faculty & Staff Directory

VCATC maintains on file the curriculum vitae, academic credentials, and continuing education records for all faculty and instructional staff. All credentials are available for review upon request by the APA EAC. The program currently employs qualified instructors for each required subject area, all of whom meet or exceed the minimum qualifications set forth in §8.2 above. Degree equivalencies for internationally-earned credentials are verified through NACES-member evaluation services.

9.1 Classroom

All classrooms meet the following APA minimum standards (3.9.1.1.1.1 & 3.9.1.1.1.2.1):

• Minimum instructor space of 50 sq. ft.; minimum 20-32 sq. ft. per student depending on seating configuration.
• Individual desk for each student; podium or instructor desk; polygraph instrument; video projection; projection screen; whiteboard or chalkboard.
• Adequate and regulated heating and cooling, adequate lighting, and adequate sight and sound separation from other activities in the facility.

9.2 Laboratory / Examination Rooms

Each examination room meets the following APA minimum standards (3.9.1.1.1.2.2):

• Minimum of 24 sq. ft. per person; no more than three persons per room simultaneously.
• One polygraph instrument per room; capability for instructional staff to monitor activities.
• Adequate and regulated heating and cooling, adequate lighting, and adequate sight and sound separation from other areas.

9.3 Library Resources

The program maintains a library (physical and/or electronic) accessible to all enrolled students, containing at a minimum the following resources required by APA 3.9.1.1.2:

• Reading materials reflecting the hypotheses that explain psychophysiological responses relevant to polygraph science.
• APA Polygraph & Forensic Credibility Assessment journal for the current year plus the five preceding years.
• Research articles and/or journals containing published research documenting validity, reliability, and procedural data pertinent to the polygraph profession.
• Reference and resource materials pertaining to applied psychology, physiology, psychophysiology, and the law as they relate to polygraph.
• Polygraph texts and publications recognized within the profession as historic or contemporary contributions.

9.4 Teaching Aids & Supplies

Sufficient teaching aids and supplies are available at the facility to effectively present all instructional materials and support students' supplementary learning activities (APA 3.9.1.1.3). Course materials, handouts, and laboratory equipment access are included in tuition (see Section 13).

9.5 Polygraph Instrumentation & Software

The program maintains a full complement of professional-grade polygraph instrumentation for classroom demonstration and student laboratory use, including industry-standard computerized digital polygraph systems and representative legacy analog instruments for historical and comparative instruction. All instrumentation is maintained in proper calibration and working order. Students receive hands-on training with the same equipment found in professional field environments.

VCATC is an authorized distributor for leading polygraph instrument and software manufacturers. Students and graduates who purchase new instrumentation through the program prior to graduation are eligible for preferred student pricing. Graduates and their agencies retain this discount on instrumentation ordered through VCATC when invoices are paid within fourteen days of delivery. Instrumentation orders typically require six to eight weeks; students planning to purchase are encouraged to place orders before the start of class so that equipment arrives during the course, enabling faculty to configure software, update question templates, and provide individualized hands-on orientation to the student's specific system.

10.1 Attendance

All students must attend a minimum of 90% of the total program hours. When a student has missed more than 10% of program hours (whether excused or unexcused), training is immediately interrupted pending Program Director review. Students may not receive credit for more than 9 clock hours per calendar day (excluding normal breaks) or more than 6 days in any calendar week (APA 3.3.1.1.1.1).

10.2 Absences

An excused absence is one due to illness, death in the immediate family, or other unavoidable circumstance. The school must be notified within 24 hours, and documentary evidence must be provided where applicable. An absence not meeting these criteria is recorded as unexcused. Three or more unexcused absences in any calendar month may result in immediate dismissal.

10.3 Tardiness

Any student not physically present at the scheduled start of a period is considered tardy, and the exact number of minutes is recorded. Patterns of excessive tardiness (more than three occurrences in any five-day period) are grounds for dismissal.

10.4 Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade of 75% (C). Students falling below this threshold are placed on academic probation for 14 days. If unsatisfactory progress continues, training is interrupted and all relevant parties are notified. A student who fails a required examination may receive one additional opportunity to retake it; failure on the second attempt may result in dismissal.

10.5 Professional Conduct

Students are expected to maintain conduct consistent with professional standards throughout the program. Acts of moral turpitude, dishonesty, cheating, harassment, intimidation of peers or faculty, destruction of equipment, or criminal conduct during the program are grounds for immediate dismissal without refund. Business casual attire is required for all class sessions.

10.6 Dismissal

A student may be dismissed for: (a) failure to maintain the minimum 75% average after exhausting probationary status; (b) attendance deficiency; (c) conduct violations as described in 10.5; or (d) material misrepresentation on the enrollment application. The school reserves the right to discontinue enrollment when a student's study or conduct is, for any reason, unsatisfactory.

10.7 Leave of Absence

A leave of absence may be granted only for personal reasons that temporarily prevent a student from continuing. A written request must be made in advance. Time away without prior written request is considered an unexcused absence. Under extenuating circumstances approved through the APA waiver process, a student may complete missed portions within 12 months of the initial start date (APA 3.3.1.1.2.1).

10.8 Re-admission

Students dismissed for academic reasons may apply for re-admission to a subsequent cohort. Each case is reviewed individually by the Program Director. A written explanation of circumstances and corrective actions taken is required. Re-admission is not guaranteed. Students dismissed for conduct violations are not eligible for re-admission.

11.1 Permanently Retained Student Records

The date of the student's entrance into and completion of the program is retained permanently in each student's file (APA 3.10.1.1.1.1).

11.2 Retained Until Next Scheduled Site Evaluation (minimum)

The following are retained at a minimum until completion of the next regularly scheduled APA site evaluation (APA 3.10.1.1.1.2):

• All daily attendance logs, course content records, and instructional staff records.
• All written examinations completed by the student.
• A minimum of three completed polygraph examinations conducted by the student.
• All graduate surveys.

11.3 Faculty, Director, and Program Records

Director, faculty, guest lecturer, and instructional assistant records — including education transcripts, earned degrees, curriculum vitae, and continuing education records — are retained for a minimum of the duration of their service or until the next scheduled site evaluation, whichever is longer (APA 3.10.1.2.1). Program records, including all catalog versions, APA evaluation forms, complaint documentation, and all other EAC-related correspondence, are retained until at least the next scheduled site evaluation (APA 3.10.1.3.1.1).

11.4 Privacy

Student records are maintained in a confidential manner. Access is limited to authorized program personnel, the student, and entities legally entitled to such access. VCATC handles all personal data in accordance with applicable privacy laws. A copy of the Privacy Policy is available at vcatc.org/privacy-policy.

13.3 Instrumentation

VCATC is an authorized distributor of professional polygraph instrumentation and software. Students are eligible for preferred pricing on new instrumentation purchased through the program. Graduates and their agencies receive the student discount on any new instrumentation ordered through VCATC when invoices are paid within fourteen days of delivery. See Section 9.5 for details on the equipment used during the course.

13.4 Travel & Lodging

Tuition does not include travel, lodging, or meals. Upon request, VCATC will provide enrolled students with information on nearby lodging options. For complete travel and accommodation information, visit vcatc.org/travel-lodging.

Step 1 — Informal Resolution

The student is encouraged to speak directly with the relevant faculty member or staff person to seek resolution. Many issues can be resolved informally at this level.

Step 2 — Formal Written Complaint to Program Director

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, the student submits a written complaint to the Program Director describing the nature of the issue, the date(s) it occurred, the persons involved, and the desired resolution. The Program Director will acknowledge receipt within 5 business days and provide a written response within 30 days.

Step 3 — Escalation

If the complaint is not resolved to the student's satisfaction, it may be escalated to:

• The applicable state polygraph licensing authority or regulatory board in the jurisdiction where the school operates.
• The American Polygraph Association Education and Accreditation Committee (APA EAC) for matters related to accreditation standards compliance.

16.1 Licensure & Certification Disclosure

This program is designed to provide the foundational education and training required for professional credibility assessment practice. Graduation from VCATC does not in itself guarantee eligibility for state or local licensure, third-party certification, or professional association membership. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction and organization; additional experience, examination, background checks, or other criteria may apply. Each student is responsible for independently verifying their eligibility with the relevant licensing authority, certification body, or professional association prior to enrollment.

16.2 APA Membership Disclaimer Required Language

16.3 Accreditation Status Disclosure

VCATC is accredited by the American Polygraph Association Education and Accreditation Committee (APA EAC). This catalog and all program advertising accurately represent the program's current accreditation status. In the event that accreditation lapses or is not renewed, VCATC will immediately update all representations and will not advertise or imply APA accreditation (APA 3.12.1.4).

16.4 Employment Disclaimer

VCATC does not guarantee employment upon graduation. Graduates are responsible for pursuing their own professional opportunities within the applicable regulatory and jurisdictional framework applicable to their intended place of practice.

16.5 Post-Graduation Survey Disclosure

Approximately 12 months after graduation, VCATC will contact all graduates with a post-graduation survey. Completion of this survey supports the program's quality improvement obligations under APA accreditation standards and helps future students by documenting employment outcomes and educational quality. The survey may be administered electronically (APA 3.14.1.2).