WEBVTT

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Since 2010,

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almost every Border Patrol Agent, CBP Officer, and AMO Agent who’s joined CBP

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has taken and passed polygraph exam.

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A lot of them were nervous about it.

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But they passed.

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And you can, too.

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Timelines can vary, but, generally a few weeks after you complete your e-QIP and a pre-screening interview,

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an examiner will contact you to schedule your polygraph at a time and CBP exam center that’s convenient for you.

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There are a lot of myths and misinformation about what the polygraph is and why we do it.

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So let’s set the record straight.

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In the polygraph exam, a CBP examiner will use simple biometric sensors to record your body’s physiological responses

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as they ask you a series of questions about your past behavior, personal connections, and personal integrity.

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That's it!

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If you’re truthful on your e-QIP, during your Pre-Screening  Interview, and with your examiner,

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the polygraph will be a smooth process.

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The total time is usually four hours,

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but most of that will be the examiner explaining the process and discussing – before you start the exam – all the questions you’ll be asked.

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You’ll have the chance to discuss any additional information and potential issues,

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and the exam itself and recording of your biometrics will take place in a few 10 to 15 minute sessions during those four hours.

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After the exam, you’ll get your preliminary result and an opportunity to ask the examiner any remaining questions.

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Then, everything will be reviewed by a quality control board who’ll finalize your result within a few weeks.

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So, what should you do – and not do – to prepare?

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First, know that WE know that the polygraph makes people nervous!

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The examiner will walk you through everything before you get started, and we account for nervousness in the exam.

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Being nervous won’t make you fail.

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Our polygraph examiners are experienced,

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federally certified and overseen,

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and work hard to provide each applicant with a fair and accurate exam.

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Otherwise, preparing for your polygraph is simple.

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Get a good night’s sleep,

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eat breakfast,

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take prescribed medications as you normally would

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and bring some snacks and water if you’ll want them during breaks.

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Wear comfortable, business-casual clothing,

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arrive on time,

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and set aside the whole day to ensure there’s ample time.

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If anything’s changed between the time you completed your e-QIP and your exam

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or, if you want to clarify or correct anything you submitted on your e-QIP

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let your examiner know.

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Clarifying or revealing new information during your poly won’t make you fail

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but being deceptive or withholding information will.

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Last but not least,

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cooperate with your examiner and follow all their instructions.

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They’re there to help you understand the test, how it’ll be conducted, and what we’re looking for.

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They’re there to help you succeed.

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Don’t hold any information back

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or follow outside advice on how to “beat the test”.

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After the exam, your examiner will provide you with your preliminary results,

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which will be reviewed and validated by a quality control board within a few weeks.

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If you are unsuccessful, your examiner will allow you the opportunity to discuss your result and why you weren’t successful.

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If your results are inconclusive, you’ll be asked to return at a later date to re-answer certain questions and achieve conclusive results.

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If you pass, your examiner will let you know, and you’ll receive an email or phone call with your next steps in the coming weeks.

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The most important things to remember are to not conceal or omit anything on your e-QIP,

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answer truthfully during the exam,

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and cooperate with your examiner.

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We’re not looking for perfect people who have never made a mistake!

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But we are looking for people with honesty and integrity.

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And the polygraph is part of how we do that.

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For more information about the polygraph, visit our website at www.cbp.gov/poly

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If you haven’t already, join our Talent Network to learn more about positions at CBP,

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or head to cbp.gov/careers/apply-now to start your application.

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CBPApplicantContactCenter@CBP.DHS.gov
(855) 500-3722