If you are going to be in the process of getting a TS/SCI clearance, what is the process order for the background investigation and polygraph? Does one happen before the other, or does the order change all the time?

How long after a background investigation begins would the polygraph take place? If the BI happens first, when should you expect to hear something back about it?

Thanks,
Randy

Randy,

It is my understanding that, as a general rule, federal agencies that require polygraph screening for the granting of a TS/SCI clearance conduct the polygraph either before the background investigation begins, or early in the process. The rationale for this is that because 1) the polygraph examination is considerably less expensive than sending background investigators to the field to conduct interviews and 2) the applicant won't get the security clearance if (s)he does not pass the polygraph, it is more cost effective to conduct the polygraph first.

FutureNSAReject wrote on Feb 4^th, 2005 at 4:18am:
Did results of your background investigation become a topic of conversation during your polygraph?

Randy