Federal Air Marshal Polygraph: Process, Preparation and Outcomes
Recent Federal Air Marshal recruitment requires a favorable pre-employment law-enforcement polygraph result.
TSA identifies the examination as part of its law-enforcement hiring process and states that it is administered through the TSA National Polygraph Program within TSA Investigations.
The polygraph does not independently decide whether an applicant receives a final offer or Top Secret eligibility. It is one source of information considered with security forms, background investigation, admissions, records and the rest of the hiring process.
This page explains the public process. It does not provide techniques for manipulating or defeating a polygraph examination.
Polygraph at a Glance
| Topic | Current general information |
|---|---|
| Program | TSA National Polygraph Program |
| Examiner | Federally trained and certified examiner |
| Recent FAM requirement | Favorable pre-employment law-enforcement polygraph result |
| Typical duration | TSA public material states approximately three to six hours on average |
| Consent | Written consent and rights acknowledgement are required |
| Question review | Questions are reviewed with the applicant before testing |
| Nervousness | Expected and considered by the examiner |
| Medication | Continue regular medication unless a qualified clinician directs otherwise |
| Food | Do not skip normal meals unless official medical instructions say otherwise |
| Countermeasures | Must not be attempted |
| Final hiring decision | Not made by the examiner alone |
Where the Polygraph Fits
The FAM selection process can include:
- application and qualification review;
- Federal Air Marshal Assessment Battery;
- Field Office Assessment;
- medical evaluation;
- drug and alcohol screening;
- polygraph examination;
- background investigation and Top Secret adjudication;
- final selection;
- entry on duty; and
- resident training.
The exact order can vary. Completing one stage does not guarantee invitation to the next.
Consent and the Meaning of “Voluntary”
TSA’s public information describes the examination as voluntary because the applicant must consent before testing.
That does not mean the stage is optional for a position requiring it. Refusing consent, declining to participate or terminating the examination can prevent completion of the hiring process.
Before signing, applicants receive information about rights, procedures and the scope of the examination. Ask the examiner to clarify anything you do not understand before testing begins.
Before the Appointment
Follow the scheduling notice exactly.
Confirm:
- date and local time;
- address and building-entry procedure;
- identification required;
- parking or transportation instructions;
- prohibited items;
- medication or medical-device questions;
- food and drink instructions;
- expected duration;
- accommodation contact; and
- rescheduling policy.
Allow enough time for a multi-hour appointment. Do not schedule a flight, work shift or important obligation immediately afterward.
Review Your Forms for Accuracy
Before the appointment, review the information you previously submitted, including when applicable:
- SF-86 or electronic security questionnaire;
- OF-306;
- application answers;
- employment history;
- addresses;
- foreign travel and contacts;
- criminal or civil matters;
- drug history;
- military records;
- financial information; and
- prior security investigations.
The goal is not to memorize a script. It is to identify errors or omissions and correct them through an authorized channel.
Continuing a known false statement creates a more serious integrity problem than promptly reporting an honest mistake.
What Happens During the Examination
A general TSA polygraph appointment can include:
- identity and administrative processing;
- explanation of rights and consent;
- discussion of medical or procedural concerns;
- a detailed pre-test interview;
- review and clarification of every test question;
- placement of noninvasive recording sensors;
- collection of test charts;
- discussion of any responses requiring clarification; and
- completion or follow-up instructions.
The exact sequence and number of charts are controlled by the examiner and program.
Question Areas
TSA’s public applicant material identifies broad areas such as counterintelligence and fitness, character and conduct.
Counterintelligence subjects can include:
- espionage;
- terrorism;
- intentional compromise of classified information;
- deliberate damage to government information systems; and
- undisclosed prohibited contact with a foreign power or representative.
Fitness, character and conduct subjects can include:
- serious criminal involvement;
- illegal-drug activity;
- deliberate falsification of security forms; and
- other matters relevant to trustworthiness and law-enforcement suitability.
The examiner reviews the actual questions before data collection. Applicants should answer the question asked rather than volunteering unrelated detail or silently redefining terms.
Nervousness Is Not the Same as Deception
Normal anxiety is expected.
Applicants can be nervous because of:
- unfamiliar equipment;
- the importance of the job;
- fear of misunderstanding a question;
- concern about an old event;
- lack of sleep; or
- uncertainty about the process.
TSA states that nervousness is considered by the examiner. Trying to eliminate every sign of stress is unnecessary and can make the appointment harder.
The useful response is to listen, ask for clarification and answer candidly.
Medication, Food and Health
TSA’s public information advises candidates to:
- follow a normal routine;
- get adequate sleep;
- take regular medication; and
- avoid skipping meals.
Do not stop a prescription, change dosage, fast or use an unfamiliar substance because of advice from an unofficial website.
When a medical condition or disability can affect participation, raise it through the official scheduling or accommodation process. A qualified healthcare professional—not an online discussion—should advise on medication changes.
Countermeasures Must Not Be Used
Do not attempt to manipulate the examination through:
- altered breathing patterns;
- deliberate pain;
- muscle contraction;
- hidden objects or substances;
- intentional sleep deprivation;
- mental arithmetic designed to create reactions;
- medication misuse; or
- instructions sold or shared online.
Attempted countermeasures can create separate concerns about candor, judgment and suitability. They can also lead to additional questioning, review or discontinuation of the process.
The safest preparation is accurate paperwork, normal health routines, attention to each question and truthful answers.
Clarify Questions Before Testing
The pre-test review exists so that the applicant understands the wording.
Ask when:
- a term is unclear;
- the time period is uncertain;
- two incidents seem similar;
- a disclosed event may fit the question;
- you do not understand what conduct is included; or
- your prior form used different wording.
Do not guess silently and then answer a different question in your head.
Admissions and Corrections
An applicant can remember or disclose information during the pre-test interview.
Relevant information can be evaluated in the broader background and suitability process. Privacy protections do not mean admissions are ignored.
When correcting an omission:
- be direct;
- distinguish mistake from intentional concealment;
- provide the best available date and facts;
- do not minimize or exaggerate;
- identify where the earlier information was submitted; and
- follow instructions for written correction when required.
No general website can predict the hiring outcome of a particular disclosure.
Privacy and Information Handling
TSA states that information discussed during the polygraph process is protected under applicable privacy rules.
Access can still be provided to authorized personnel involved in:
- the polygraph program;
- background investigation;
- security adjudication;
- suitability review;
- law-enforcement referral when required; or
- hiring decisions.
Applicants should not interpret confidentiality as immunity from consequences for relevant conduct or false statements.
Possible Outcomes
The examiner may complete the appointment and submit the result for program review.
Possible next steps can include:
- no further polygraph appointment;
- request for clarification;
- quality-control review;
- additional examination;
- discontinuation;
- an unfavorable result; or
- continuation of the wider hiring process.
The examiner generally does not issue the complete hiring or clearance decision at the appointment.
Polygraph Versus Background Investigation
The two processes overlap but are not identical.
Polygraph
Focuses on defined question areas, the applicant’s answers and recorded physiological responses during an examination.
Background investigation
Uses forms, records, interviews, references, databases and other investigative methods to evaluate identity, history, conduct, reliability and national-security eligibility.
A favorable polygraph does not guarantee favorable background adjudication. A background record also does not automatically replace the required polygraph stage.
Read the TSA background-check guide, SF-86 guide and security-clearance guide.
Rescheduling and Missed Appointments
Use the contact in the appointment notice when illness, emergency, travel disruption or another serious issue prevents attendance.
Do not simply fail to appear. Rescheduling availability can be limited, and the agency can treat noncompliance with instructions as withdrawal or failure to complete the process.
Provide truthful information and supporting documentation when requested.
Common Mistakes
Candidates often:
- follow online countermeasure advice;
- stop prescribed medication;
- skip meals;
- arrive without enough time;
- conceal a known application error;
- memorize artificial answers;
- answer before understanding the question;
- assume nervousness equals failure;
- provide unrelated stories instead of answering directly;
- argue using unofficial claims about polygraph science;
- miss the appointment without contacting TSA; or
- resign before final adjudication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Federal Air Marshal applicants take a polygraph?
Recent public FAM recruitment requires a favorable pre-employment law-enforcement polygraph result.
Who administers it?
TSA identifies the National Polygraph Program within TSA Investigations.
How long does the appointment take?
TSA public material states that an average examination can last approximately three to six hours.
Are questions reviewed beforehand?
Yes. Applicants have an opportunity to discuss and clarify the questions before testing.
Is the polygraph voluntary?
Consent is voluntary, but an applicant must complete required hiring stages to remain under consideration.
Will ordinary nervousness cause failure?
TSA states that nervousness is expected and considered.
Should I stop medication or skip meals?
No. Follow normal medical instructions and TSA’s appointment guidance.
Can I use techniques from the internet?
Do not attempt countermeasures.
Does passing guarantee Top Secret eligibility?
No. Background investigation and adjudication remain separate decisions.
Will the examiner tell me whether I am hired?
The examiner does not make the complete hiring decision.
Federal Air Marshal preparation
Read the Federal Air Marshal career guide, FAB study guide and law-enforcement careers hub. For additional practice, see the JobTestPrep FAM review and the Federal Air Marshal preparation package.