CIA past Polygraphs question

[tina]

When you apply for CIA they ask about past polygraphs. anybody know if I say I had one before and failed will they reject my application? 

[George W. Maschke]

Tina,

I have not seen any formal policy guidelines on this topic, but to the best of my knowledge and understanding:

1. If the previous failed polygraph was with the CIA, they will reject your application;

2. If the previous failed polygraph was with another federal agency, they may (or may not) reject your application;

3. Your having failed a previous polygraph, regardless of the agency that conducted it, will tend to bias the polygraph operator against you and increase the likelihood that (s)he will arbitrarily accuse you of lying and/or using polygraph countermeasures.

My advice is not to seek employment with any federal agency that has a pre-employment polygraph screening requirement. I previously limited this recommendation to the FBI, but similar considerations apply to all federal agencies.

Note the warning of retired CIA polygraph John F. Sullivan, who advises that "...an honest subject has no better chance than a dishonest subject of getting through the process."

See also the recent statement of a former CIA analyst, who concludes:

...I urge my children to steer clear of any job that requires a polygraph. That rules out entire professions: National Security, Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and Pharmacy. It's a shame. My career as an intelligence analyst was exciting, deeply rewarding, and just plain fun. I contributed to the safety of my country, which is a constant source of pride. But I no longer recommend my profession to others. The polygraph has become a deal breaker.

[get-real-already]

No person administering any legitimate forensic and/or psychometric test would ever ask for the outcome(s) of previous such tests, as it could only serve to create bias.

Yet we see this all the time with polygraphy. They ask if you have ever taken a polygraph. If you say next, you can be guaranteed that the next question will be "did you pass?"

Thus, polygraphy is not a standardized test. It is unstandardizable interrogatory interview.

Related note, F-the-CIA. No idea why you would want to work there anyway.