failing poly

[gustav]

what happens if you fail a polygraph?  it goes on record, right? how does it affect future employement prospects?

any thoughts appreciated.

[George W. Maschke]

Gustav,

Yes, if you fail a pre-employment polygraph examination with an intelligence agency, a record will be kept. It can only negatively affect one's future employment prospects. For example, if one applies for employment with second government agency that also requires polygraph screening, one will be asked about any prior polygraph examinations, and admitting that one has previously "failed" with another agency is highly prejudicial.

[ExPro]

How long are the records maintained?

[nunyun]

I would think at least 15 years as that is what an 1811 opm application goes back to, although with today's day and age it very well could be longer........