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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct a polygraph examination 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252162  Conduct a polygraph examination 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Polygraphy 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard is intended for learners who administer polygraph tests and are required to follow a polygraph test process to ensure the reliability of the process and the validity of the test.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Demonstrating knowledge and application of a polygraph process.
  • Interviewing a subject.
  • Developing questions for a specific polygraph test format.
  • Administering a polygraph test.
  • Providing feedback. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at Level 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this Unit Standard is the use of the polygraph to detect deception:
  • Polygraph examination refers to the complete polygraph process.
  • Test refers to the administration of specific questionnaires as part of the polygraph process. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge and application of a polygraph examination process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of a polygraph examination process is applied to ensure validity and reliability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The facts of a case are analysed to identify the critical elements and inform the examination process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The examination venue and equipment is prepared to limit distractions and ensure a professional test environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Interview a subject. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A pre-examination interview is conducted to gather and record background information from the examinee or subject, determine suitability for testing, explain the function of the polygraph and obtain consent. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A post-examination interview is conducted to reflect on the polygraph examination process and debrief the subject. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A forensic interview is conduced to confront an individual with a result and attempt to obtain an admission or confession, where applicable. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Develop questions for a polygraph format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The case facts and additional information obtained during the pr-examination interview are used to develop questions relevant to the issue. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Questions include, but are not limited to examination, comparative, symptomatic, overall truth, relevant and irrelevant.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Questions are applied to a selected test format and adapted for a specific examinee with due regard for aspects of diversity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspects of diversity include, but are not limited to age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, culture, race, class, religion, faith and language.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A common understanding of the specific meaning of each question is negotiated to ensure the reliability and validity of the examination. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Administer a polygraph test. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Clear and comprehensive instructions are given to explain how the subject should behave during the test. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specific test procedure is followed exactly and all events on the polygram that are not related to physical activity are noted to aid the interpretation of the chart. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An audio video is used in polygraph testing and an indication is given of the advantages and disadvantages for quality control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An acquaintance or demonstration test is administered as part of the validation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Neutral verbal stimulation is used to focus the attention of the subject and an indication is given of the implications and consequences if questions are changed during a test. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Provide feedback. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A polygram is analysed and an opinion is expressed relating to truthfulness in a specific case. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Verbal feedback is provided to the subject. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Verbal and written feedback is provided to the client. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a candidate against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or ETQA where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA or ETQA where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses show that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made in expressing an opinion on the result of a polygraph examination. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community in conducting a polygraph examination. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage him/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively in administering a polygraph examination. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information in obtaining background information from a subject and using the information to develop questions for a test. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematics and language skills in providing feedback to a subject and the client. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the health of others in using a polygraph instrument to conduct a test. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation in understanding the relationship between physiological events and other activities recorded on a polygram. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
  • The learner is able to reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively in conducting a post examination interview.
  • The learner is able to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in conducting a polygraph examination with due regard for issues of diversity. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59258   National Certificate: Polygraphy  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.