I just had a second interview with a defense contractor.  They would like me to get a Secret clearance.  I have held a TS/SCI with polygraph in the past (yes, I "passed" with the first agency with no problems).

However, three years ago when I tried to move over to the FBI, I was "inconclusive" on two exams.  From a FOIA request, I found the first examiner believed I was using countermeasures, and then the second believed I wasn't a "suitable" polygraph candidate (no doubt because I was shell-shocked from the controversial first test).

So, I was denied employment with the FBI on "suitability" grounds.  However, I do have a letter from the FBI stating I was not denied a security clearance.

So here's my question -- this contractor is willing to have me start without having the secret clearance and then get it while I am working there.  But will my horrible FBI experience come back to bite to me and will I be denied a secret clearance based on what happened with the FBI?  My worry is that I would then lose my job with this contractor and be out on the street cold

It's serious stuff to me, because I would have to leave my current position in the private sector.  This seems both like a good opportunity and a tremendous risk, not knowing how this will affect my eligibility for a Secret clearance.

And to my two FBI polygraphers -- I would like to say thanks for leaving a question mark over my head for the rest of my career after the three cumulative hours you spent with your "wizardry".

Thanks.  I guess I just got reminded why I left the whole system after my FBI experience.  The really crappy part is all of my relevant experience up to that point required a clearance, so I from time to time get these opportunities.

I am by no means the absolute best and brightest, but I wonder how many intelligent, capable people the system (government and contractors that require clearances) lose because of polygraphs.

Last question -- do you think elapsed time might make a difference.  It's been three years.  Not too long.  But say in 15 years -- I assume my FBI file will follow me into eternity, but would an adjudicator take into account that whatever happened was a long time ago?