A failed polygraph can indeed be damaging to one's employment prospects elsewhere. Suethem is right, you should appeal the result in writing. I suggest that you do this whether or not the agency involved has a formal polygraph appeal process.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, it was pre-employment. He kept trying to get me to admit something, which is difficult to do if you haven't done anything!  I'm now concerned that I am unemployable by any gov't agency- once I say I've failed a poly, they'll cross me off their list of candidates.

Have any of you bought the "sting the polygraph" booklet? Does it offer any advice different than on this site?

Suethem,
Here you go, from the APA Code of Ethics.

"3.6.1 Conditions under which testing occurs shall be free from distractions that would interfere with the ability of the examinee to appropriately focus on the issues being addressed.  The examination site should be relatively free from outside noise and distraction."

Flunked,

Is this in regards to a pre-employment polygraph?

IF SO....

Find out if you can appeal and then do it.  Read the information on this and other sites to help you and try again.

Polygraphs are supposed to be given in an environment without distractions- noisy pipes.  I would write that in your appeal.  I believe that noise in the room (or from the outside) is an American Polygraph Association violation- maybe someone else can validate this.

Also never take the polygraphers word.  He may have told you you 'failed' and then you will get a different story when you contact personnel.  Thats what happened to me twice!!  - They want you to withdraw your application without trying an appeal.   It's another in their bag of tricks!!

Dont give up!!  There are many agencies that need people-not all use the polygraph!!!