Failed Full Scope Poly

I currently hold a security clearance, and based on my current role, I was allowed to start the position but needed a Full Scope (FS) polygraph to maintain it. During the polygraph process, I disclosed a one-time drug use from before I received my clearance, which I had not previously noted on my SF-86. When asked if this occurred while I held a clearance, I clarified that it did not. I was allowed to proceed with the polygraph, though additional questions were added as part of the test. After the usual procedure of leaving the room and returning, the examiner asked if I was withholding anything else, to which I answered no. Despite my response, I did not pass, and she informed me that I would need to retake the test. It’s been almost a week without any updates, but I’ve continued working as usual. Should I be concerned about my clearance status, or is it likely to be revoked?

Maybe. You admitted to not being truthful on your SF-86

There would have to be a pretty good reason as to why you failed to mention this on your SF-86. Were the timelines not matching (i.e. past 7 years but it was 8 years ago)? I also believe that the type of drug will indicate the severity which you did not mention what it was. But yes, I would be concerned about the potential to lose your clearance.

i explained to the polygrapher that it was a Cannabis edible one time use during covid well before i was cleared or even applied for the sponsorship. Currently, I’m evaluating whether to start exploring roles that do not require a clearance or to remain in my current position and see how things develop.

How long is well before? I am pretty sure that the SF-86 states within the last 7 years. Did you read this and intentionally exclude your drug use?

It would be up to you about other roles. If it is only because of this then I would just play it out, but just know there is a possibility that they could report this.

Yes. You should be concerned. They have softened on cannabis but less on being less than truthful. It seems like you didn’t come clean until pushed on the poly.

You can probably fight this, when the time comes, and retain your clearance. But, you will have to work hard at it.

A few things here.

First, if you really “failed” the polygraph, you would have not been told to come back for a second test. The government will not waste their time processing applicants who make admissions that are disqualifying. If you search this blog, you will find that there are dozens of others like you who had a similar situation.

My concern here is that the government may accuse you of lying to them due to your omission of drug use. However, you may able to explain your situation in which it does not appear that you are lying. For example, depending on how long ago it was, you could say that you forgot to mention it on your SF-86. You should also tell your current FSO ASAP so it appears that you made an honest mistake. If you report it promptly to your FSO, that can be mitigation to drug use and appear to not be lying.

I would disagree with the second part of your post. Telling the FSO now would look bad because they only chose to approach them AFTER the lie came out. I still think they should, but I think it is too late to make them not appear to be lying. I also don’t think they forgot, they just made the decision not to and now decided to disclose it out of fear it would be detected on the polygraph. Notice how they also have not responded about timeframe, just hat it was before they applied for their sponsorship.

Apologies for the delayed response, and thank you all for your valuable insights. To clarify, the one-time use occurred during the summer of 2020, amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, around August. I submitted my sponsorship application for a security position in 2021, and the associated investigations and CI polygraph were completed by December 2022.

We’re now entering the second week since my FS polygraph and admission, but I have yet to receive any communication via email or phone. In the meantime, I’m continuing to work as usual. It almost feels like I’m in limbo, but I’ve spoken with a few colleagues at my site, and they’ve mentioned that it’s common for them to revoke badges/clearances depending on the outcome of the FS polygraph.