If you fail or are inconclusive on polygraph to get SCI, does that mean you are also banned from all non-polygraph SCI jobs too? (2024)

FAQs

If you fail or are inconclusive on polygraph to get SCI, does that mean you are also banned from all non-polygraph SCI jobs too? ›

To the best of my knowledge, there is no government-wide rule prohibiting those who fail or have an inconclusive outcome on a polygraph in connection with a TS/SCI clearance from holding a TS/SCI clearance in a position that does not require a polygraph. However, a failed polygraph can be highly prejudicial.

At the risk of oversimplification, critics, who often don't understand polygraph testing, classify inconclusive test results as errors. In a real life setting an inconclusive result simply means the examiner is unable to render a definite diagnosis of truth or deception.

The vast majority of both Secret and Top Secret security cleared positions do not require a polygraph. A variety of Sensitive Compartment Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) positions require a successful polygraph, in addition to the completion of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).

Some private sector recruiters may require a polygraph as part of their hiring process, particularly in industries such as finance or defense contracting. Failing the test could result in your disqualification from the process, and could also lead to termination if you are already employed.

To preclude the possibility of falsely smearing those individuals' careers, all 930 are retested. This time 844 (90.7%) of them pass the test and 86 (9.3%) fail it.

However, the test is not 100% accurate, and honest people often fail the polygraph.

Falsification or minimization in your requested information. Arrests for anything other than minor traffic violations. Commission of a crime which has not been detected. Concealment of anything in your background that would affect your chances for this position.

Not loyal to the U.S. / foreign influence. Illegal drug use/involvement. Mental incompetency or psychological conditions. Dishonorable discharge from the military or revoked security clearance.

A top secret security clearance is a determination by the U.S. government that an individual can access highly sensitive information or data that affects national security. Obtaining a top secret clearance requires passing a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and can take 6 to 18 months.

Access to SCI will only be granted to individuals who have a need-to-know, have been granted a Top Secret clearance by Personnel Security (PerSec), and are approved by the Department of Commerce's Intelligence Community granting agency, and only upon completion of a separate Nondisclosure Agreement, the IC Form 4414.

What can throw off a polygraph test? ›

Drugs and medical conditions may affect a polygraph test, often leading to an inconclusive result. For this reason, drug tests and a screening questionnaire are commonly given before a lie detector test. Medications that affect heart rate and blood pressure can affect polygraph results.

Will I lose my TS/SCI clearance if I don't pass that poly? A security clearance cannot be revoked solely based on an unfavorable polygraph test outcome.

The sole reliance by the employer on unspecific polygraph results is insufficient to discharge the onus in terms of section 192 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 to prove that the dismissal was fair. To discharge this onus, the test of a balance of probabilities is used.

The American Polygraph Association, which sets standards for testing, says that polygraphs are "highly accurate," citing an accuracy rate above 90 percent when done properly. Critics, however, say the tests are correct only 70 percent of the time.

In general, most employers look for candidates who hold an active Department of Defense (DoD) collateral clearance or a blanket TS/SCI-cleared (Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information) and who have a counterintelligence (CI), full-scope polygraph (FSP), also known as expanded scope screening (ESS).

Lie detector testing is generally around 87.5% accurate and there are instances where the outcome is inconclusive or where human error occurs (as in every human endeavour) or where technological failure happens.

When a polygraph test is judged inconclusive, this is no reflection on the examinee. Rather, such a judgment means that the test has failed to show whether the examinee was truthful or untruthful. Nevertheless, employers will sometime refuse to hire a job applicant because of an inconclusive polygraph test result.

No Deception Indicated / No Significant Response

The examinee was found to be truthful. NDI / NSR is the finding that the examinee has NO significant involuntary physiological reactions throughout the charts, reactions which may indicate a deception in one or more of the pertinent questions asked.

Probable Cause

3d 216 (Tex. App. 2000) (Failed polygraph cannot, by itself, constitute probable cause for arrest.)