The american polygraph association is a professional organization composed of polygraph examiners, researchers and others who share the goals of the association. The association promotes the universal values of justice, community safety and national security.

The association provides a peer review board to maintain professional standards, reviews the basic educational school curriculum with a school inspection activity and conducts internship programs. The association holds seminars, conferences, conventions and meetings for its members and others to assist the members in their professional pursuits.