Course Policies

Clear expectations help students succeed. This page summarizes common policies; your enrollment packet will include the most current details.

Admission requirements

Requirements vary by program. All applicants must meet the minimum criteria for their selected track before enrollment is confirmed.

All programs

  • Provide government-issued identification
  • No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history
  • Verified good professional standing (professional references required)
  • Agreement to professional conduct and confidentiality expectations
  • Eligibility to practice credibility assessment in the intended jurisdiction, where applicable

Basic Polygraph Course & Professional Certification

  • High school diploma or equivalent (minimum educational requirement)
  • No prior polygraph training required

Professional Update (Continuing Education)

Prerequisite required Students must have completed the Basic Polygraph Course or the Professional Certification program, or hold a verifiable equivalent professional credential. Enrollment will be denied without verification of prerequisite completion.

PCSOT-Focused Training

  • Completion of basic polygraph training or equivalent credential
  • Professional context relevant to post-conviction supervision (recommended)

Tuition & refund policy

Course fees are due before the program begins unless alternate payment arrangements are confirmed in writing. Your enrollment is not secured until payment or agreed arrangements are in place. Tuition includes all course materials, equipment use, and instructor consultation during the program.

ProgramDurationTuition
Basic Polygraph Course8 WeeksContact Admissions
Professional Certification12 WeeksContact Admissions
Professional Update3 DaysContact Admissions
PCSOT-Focused Training40 HoursContact Admissions
Online CoursesSelf-pacedPer course (see catalog)

Refund schedule

Program completed (% of hours)Refund
Cancellation before program startFull refund minus administrative fee (up to 10%)
Less than 25% completed25% refund
25% to 50% completed10% refund
More than 50% completedNo refund
No-show without prior noticeNo refund

Students who cancel and re-enroll within 12 months of their original start date may be eligible to have the cancellation fee credited toward their future enrollment. Contact admissions for details.

Attendance & participation

These programs are practice-heavy. Attendance at all scheduled sessions is expected. Students who miss sessions may be required to complete make-up work, and excessive absences may result in inability to meet graduation requirements.

Academic progress & graduation

Students in the Basic Polygraph Course and Professional Certification program must pass a minimum of three written examinations, including a comprehensive final. The minimum passing score is 75% on each required examination.

  • Minimum 75% on each required written examination
  • Satisfactory completion of all required practical examinations
  • Completion of the required minimum number of supervised mock examinations
  • All assignments completed to instructor satisfaction

A student who fails an examination may be given one additional opportunity to pass it. If the student fails on the second attempt, they may be subject to dismissal from the program.

Suspension & dismissal

Students are expected to maintain professional conduct throughout the program. Acts of moral turpitude, harassment, threats, dishonesty, cheating, or willful violation of professional standards may result in suspension or dismissal without refund. Examples include but are not limited to: criminal conduct during the program, falsification of application materials, intimidation of peers or instructors, and destruction of equipment.

Re-admission

Students who are unable to complete the program may apply for re-admission to a subsequent cohort on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the Program Director. A written request explaining the circumstances and any corrective actions taken is required. Re-admission is not guaranteed.

Complaint procedures

Applicants or enrolled students who have a complaint regarding the training program should submit their concern in writing to the Program Director. To allow adequate time for review, written complaints should be submitted no later than 30 days from the date of the incident. Contact us to obtain the mailing address or submit via our contact form.

Licensing & certification disclaimer

Graduation from any VCATC program does not in itself guarantee eligibility for a professional association membership, state or local licensure, or third-party certification. Each student is responsible for independently verifying their eligibility with the relevant organization, licensing board, or jurisdiction prior to enrollment. Requirements vary significantly by location and entity.