My 1st poly failed due to an unacceptable reason. Can I have a second chance of poly?

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

I had my first polygraph at the NSA yesterday and failed, but the reason given is unacceptable and confusing to me.
The officer asked me three times if I had any serious criminal records or history of drug use. I responded ‘NO’ without any hesitation because I truly have no criminal records (not even a speeding ticket) and have never used drugs in my entire life.
However, the officer claimed that I was physiologically trying to affect the results when asked about drug use and urged me to confess anything I hadn’t disclosed in my SF-86 to move forward smoothly.
I was confused by this, as I genuinely have nothing to hide. I just focused on answering the polygraph questions, trying to keep my breathing normal and avoiding unnecessary thoughts or fears.
Even though I repeatedly, firmly, and politely told the officer I had nothing to hide regarding drug use and was following his instructions to the best of my ability, he continued to claim that I was intentionally trying to manipulate the test results.
As a result, the polygraph test did not proceed to the CI questions and was stopped.

The officer instructed me to be honest and follow instructions in the next polygraph test and to immediately report to my recruiter and security officer if I plan any foreign travel.

I am feeling embarrassed and frustrated by this outcome, especially since I failed the polygraph for a reason I cannot accept, and I have no other way to prove my honesty and innocence.

What should I expect next? Will I simply be denied, or is there a chance for me to retake the polygraph?"

2

Don’t sweat it. I had a very similar experience on the first test with the same agency. I ended up taking 3 tests, and was “successful” on the last one.

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3

It is common for NSA applicants to be treated to three (or sometimes even more) polygraph séances, during which they’ll repeatedly be accused of withholding information and then badgered for admissions. The claim that you were intentionally trying to manipulate the test results was also likely a bluff.

The thing about polygraphy to understand is that it’s junk science. It’s an attempt to convince applicants that the government has the ability to read their minds. It doesn’t.

The same goes for accusations of polygraph countermeasure use. No polygrapher has ever demonstrated any ability to detect sophisticated polygraph countermeasures (the kinds of things that anyone who understands polygraph methodology would actually employ).

So long as you don’t make any disqualifying admission, you are likely to be invited back for a “re-test.”

4

Normal, use the search option for poly on this site and you will see dozens of folks with the same experience, myself included.

5

Thanks for the positive comments, very helpful in calming my mind. I will update the status of the next poly once I’m invited and have done the test.

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6

Went through this same exact accusation. Still got invited back. Just keep sticking to the truth and don’t deviate no matter what they say, no matter how crazy it is. You got this.