What does failure mean for me?

[Castor]

I recently failed a FBI polygraph exam. My question is will this prevent me from attaining other jobs within the intelligence community? Am I, essentially, black listed for life or is their hope?

[BBernie]

I wouldn't worry about it.  Ensure that any future government jobs you apply for in the intel community list your experience.  In other words, DON'T try to hide it.  The FBI turned me down AFTER I passed a poly because of derogatory info they uncovered in my background investigation.  A polygraph isn't that important in the grand scheme of things.   

[Castor]

Thanks.

I am being processed by another agency and have already had to list that I took the poly. I am sure pass or fail will come up. Essentially, I don't want to waste my time filling out lengthy apps. if they will cut me as soon as they learn of the failure.

An interesting sidenote: A friend being processed by DSS said they do not do polys and he is getting a TS clearance.