What could possibly take 1.5 to 2.5 hours during the FBI pre-employment test?  I'm scheduled to take it early next week.  I know they cover marijuana, drugs, counterintelligence, and major crimes (murder, rape, arson, burglary).  What else do they cover that would take up to 2 hours?

Also, I'm so nervous over this test that I can't sleep at night?  Any good ideas on how to calm down and go in clear?  I have nothing to hide, but feel a pit in my stomach everytime I think of it.  Would I likely fail just from being too nervous?

Dear Anonymous21,

My experience was three hours in the first, two in the second, and three hours in the third with the FBI.

I have posted my experiences and two were professional and one was not.

I had to complete the process because I was already in a sensitive position in law enforcement in the 
Federal government and I did not want the polygraph "not being within acceptable parameters" on my record.

Is the risk and roll of the dice worth it?  I leave that up to you.  As for me, I do not think that I would have applied if I had known how they have complete faith and belief in the polygraph results without any common sense approach or obligation to follow through with "hard evidence" of their accusations. If judged not acceptable, you will have no right to a background investigation which might vindicate you.  They will not allow any videotaping or recording of the process should you question the conduct of the operator or deny statements they said you made.  You will be guilty until proven innocent and this goes against what the Constitution is based on.  You have to "appeal" and the power is all in their hands. Appeals are time consuming and very few "not acceptables" are overturned.

They have more applicants than openings and can afford to lose many qualified people without affecting the system.

From someone who has been there.

Regards.