Do Polygraphs Transfer?

Some positions, particularly in the Intellience Community (IC), require polygraphs.

There are two types: the Counter Intelligence Polgragraph (CI) and a Full Scope (FS) which consists of a CI and a "Lifestyle" poly.

The former is "easier" in the sense they assess whether you're an actual spy or something.

The latter is much more intrusive and tries to see whether your lifestyle in general is risky enough that giving you highly classified information is a bad idea.

Generally, if you get a polygraph at one agency and want to transfer over to another position that requires it, then it's usually fine.

However, polygraph records, like clearances, are sometimes kept in different systems. If you get one at an IC agency and are transferring to a non-IC position that requires one, they might not be able to see if in the main security clearance system (DISS) which could cause delays.

I have a friend who has a CI poly, is trying to transfer another job that requires a FS poly, but the new agency can't see the CI poly and won't bother making the effort to get the info. This means she would have to start from scratch.

Ahhhh...government bureaucracy at work.

As a 1099 security clearances can be tricky, particularly when going from one agency to another.

To mitigate the risk, make sure you don't quit your current gig until you have a firm start date at another.

In addtion, it might be helpful to find a different gig just in case the clearance stuff doesn't work out, assuming you're looking to move.

The worst thing you can do is to just assume everything will go fine.

Hope for the best but plan for the worst.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.