Diagnostic Examinations

Diagnostic examinations are conducted in relation to a specific event, allegation, or incident where questions remain unanswered and decision-makers require additional information to assist in determining the facts.

These examinations are commonly used in support of criminal investigations, workplace incidents, internal inquiries, civil disputes, and other situations where an identifiable event has occurred and the involvement, knowledge, or actions of one or more individuals are in question.

Unlike screening examinations, which are designed to evaluate broader patterns of behavior or suitability for a particular role, diagnostic examinations focus on a clearly defined issue. The examination is structured around specific questions relating directly to the matter under investigation, allowing the examiner to assess responses within a narrowly defined context.

Examples may include allegations involving theft, fraud, misconduct, unauthorized disclosure of information, workplace violations, property crimes, or other event-specific matters where credibility assessment may assist the investigative process.

A diagnostic examination is not intended to replace traditional investigative methods. Rather, it serves as an additional investigative tool that may assist decision-makers by providing information that can be evaluated alongside witness statements, documentary evidence, physical evidence, and other investigative findings.

Prior to testing, a detailed pre-examination interview is conducted to establish the facts of the matter, clarify the scope of the examination, and ensure that all relevant issues are clearly understood. Particular attention is given to defining the event under investigation and developing examination questions that are specific, relevant, and unambiguous.

The effectiveness of a diagnostic examination depends largely upon the quality of the information available and the ability to clearly define the issue being investigated. For this reason, examinations are generally most effective when there is a specific allegation, event, or concern that can be clearly articulated and examined through a structured testing process.

Diagnostic examinations may be conducted for private individuals, attorneys, businesses, organizations, and public-sector entities requiring professional credibility assessment in support of investigative or decision-making activities.

Where appropriate, examinations may be administered in connection with local, national, or international matters, provided the circumstances of the case permit the development of a properly structured examination.