TS SCI w/Poly (4 tries) Clearance Question

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

I’ve been lurking here awhile while processing for a position for a Maryland agency. I’ve gone through the entire process, SF-86 submitted spring of ‘19, background check completed in July. I’ve smoked weed about 6ish times over the 10 years, most recently, once in Amsterdam in 2016. Also used a friend’s Adderall a couple times in college. Shoplifted once in high school. Used to download music. But I disclosed all this up front on all forms.

I haven’t been able to pass the poly to save my life. Failed both parts on my first 2 attempts. Passed the CI portion on my 3rd attempt, but still couldn’t pass the background portion on my 4th try last week. I can’t imagine I’ll get another shot. So my question is, has anyone gotten through without passing both sections? Or does anyone know anyone who has? I just want to know if I should finally give up hope at this point. Thanks in advance for any info and/or speculation.

2

What does “both sections” mean? I had a poly with FBI for a TS which I passed, even though right after it concluded the person conducting it said :I’m picking up something… but I’m going to recommend you anyway. But I was never told that this is the end of so and so section, now the next section begins…

3

It is a hard one. It looks like you did disclose everything. But final decision is up to them.
If this is one I think it is. It will be a tough sell. I had everything they wanted and they still deny my application after 2 years of waste time and taxpayers’ dollars.

4

As soon as examiner signed off positively on your exam you good to go.

5

“Both sections” refers to the counter intelligence portion and the background portion. They may not always be broken up. Questions for two may be interlaced.