PDD Program
The Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) Program is an academically challenging 520-hour comprehensive series of courses that prepares the student to begin a polygraph career in law enforcement or counterintelligence. This graduate-level program consists of courses in psychology, physiology, and research methods, as well as polygraph history, theory, and methodology. Realistic scenario-based practical exercises are conducted throughout the program to provide the students with hands on instruction in polygraph techniques and instrumentation.
The PDD Program is taught at the graduate level. It is designed to prepare students from Federal, state, local law enforcement, intelligence and counterintelligence agencies in PDD. The intent of the curriculum is to:
- Provide a challenging and supportive academic environment where students may mature professionally and intellectually.
- Offer a curriculum of graduate-level rigor to prepare students in the relationships between the complexities associated with the strategic and operational principles in PDD and adjunct methods of credibility assessment.
To this end, the curriculum provides instruction in the psychology of deception, physiology of deception, research methods, history, theory, and methodology of PDD. Realistic scenario-based practical exercises are conducted throughout the course.
Graduates of this program are qualified to enter their respective agency internship program for certification to conduct PDD examinations and evaluations in law enforcement, intelligence, and counterintelligence.
The NCCA placement rate as defined by the Accrediting Counsel of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) is 100%.*
* NCCA students are already employees of federal, state, or local government agencies prior to matriculation to the PDD Program.
NCCA courses are available to federal personnel. These courses are also offered to state and local law enforcement personnel on a space available and cost reimbursable basis. Individuals not meeting these criteria should visit the American Polygraph Association (APA) home page. The APA homepage has information regarding private schools.
Course Listing
| Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 501 | PHYSIOLOGY OF PDD | 4 credits |
| PSY 501 | PSYCHOLOGY OF PDD | 3 credits |
| PDD 501 | INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES | 4 credits |
| PDD 502 | PDD ANALYSIS I | 2 credits |
| PDD 503 | PDD ANALYSIS II | 2 credits |
| PDD 504 | PDD METHODS I | 2 credits |
| PDD 505 | PDD METHODS II | 2 credits |
| PDD 506 | PDD LABORATORY | 4 credits |
| PDD 507 | FIELD FAMILIARIZATION LAB | 1 credit |
| LAW 501 | LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS OF PDD | 1 credit |
| RES 501 | RESEARCH THEORIES AND ISSUES IN PDD | 1 credit |
| PDD 600 | PDD | 3 credits |
| For course descriptions, see PDD Courses. | ||
Program Registration
For questions concerning registration for the Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Program, please call the Registrar at (803) 751-9124 or DSN 734-9124, or email at registrar@ncca.mil. Written inquiries are to be addressed as follows:
Chief, National Center for Credibility Assessment
ATTN: Registrar's Office
7540 Pickens Avenue
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6804
Housing
It is the individual’s responsibility to make arrangements for lodging while attending classes at the National Center. However, the Registrar will coordinate with the lodging personnel at Fort Jackson to make on post lodging accommodations based on the availability of the rooms at the time of registration. PLEASE NOTE: on-post lodging is not always available.
All students/personnel/visitors with lodging on Fort Jackson are to report to the Welcome Center, Building 4394 on Strom Thurmond Boulevard (right inside of Gate 2) upon arrival at Fort Jackson. This is the only place they can pick up a key no matter where they stay (exception: VIP cottages). The welcome center is operational 24/7.
For information on local hotels, see Local Lodging.
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