1 00:00:01,835 --> 00:00:02,869 Since 2010, 2 00:00:02,869 --> 00:00:08,742 almost every Border Patrol Agent, CBP Officer, and AMO Agent who’s joined CBP 3 00:00:08,742 --> 00:00:11,478 has taken and passed polygraph exam. 4 00:00:12,078 --> 00:00:13,713 A lot of them were nervous about it. 5 00:00:13,813 --> 00:00:15,048 But they passed. 6 00:00:15,048 --> 00:00:16,416 And you can, too. 7 00:00:16,850 --> 00:00:22,455 Timelines can vary, but, generally a few weeks after you complete your e-QIP and a pre-screening interview, 8 00:00:22,455 --> 00:00:28,495 an examiner will contact you to schedule your polygraph at a time and CBP exam center that’s convenient for you. 9 00:00:28,995 --> 00:00:33,466 There are a lot of myths and misinformation about what the polygraph is and why we do it. 10 00:00:33,700 --> 00:00:35,802 So let’s set the record straight. 11 00:00:36,102 --> 00:00:43,109 In the polygraph exam, a CBP examiner will use simple biometric sensors to record your body’s physiological responses 12 00:00:43,109 --> 00:00:49,315 as they ask you a series of questions about your past behavior, personal connections, and personal integrity. 13 00:00:49,649 --> 00:00:50,550 That's it! 14 00:00:50,850 --> 00:00:55,455 If you’re truthful on your e-QIP, during your Pre-Screening Interview, and with your examiner, 15 00:00:55,455 --> 00:00:57,891 the polygraph will be a smooth process. 16 00:00:58,291 --> 00:01:00,627 The total time is usually four hours, 17 00:01:00,627 --> 00:01:07,600 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. 18 00:01:07,801 --> 00:01:11,771 You’ll have the chance to discuss any additional information and potential issues, 19 00:01:11,771 --> 00:01:18,978 and the exam itself and recording of your biometrics will take place in a few 10 to 15 minute sessions during those four hours. 20 00:01:19,446 --> 00:01:25,752 After the exam, you’ll get your preliminary result and an opportunity to ask the examiner any remaining questions. 21 00:01:26,219 --> 00:01:32,092 Then, everything will be reviewed by a quality control board who’ll finalize your result within a few weeks. 22 00:01:32,725 --> 00:01:36,629 So, what should you do – and not do – to prepare? 23 00:01:37,330 --> 00:01:41,134 First, know that WE know that the polygraph makes people nervous! 24 00:01:41,501 --> 00:01:46,906 The examiner will walk you through everything before you get started, and we account for nervousness in the exam. 25 00:01:47,240 --> 00:01:49,342 Being nervous won’t make you fail. 26 00:01:49,642 --> 00:01:51,911 Our polygraph examiners are experienced, 27 00:01:51,911 --> 00:01:54,080 federally certified and overseen, 28 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:58,218 and work hard to provide each applicant with a fair and accurate exam. 29 00:01:58,451 --> 00:02:01,121 Otherwise, preparing for your polygraph is simple. 30 00:02:01,121 --> 00:02:02,455 Get a good night’s sleep, 31 00:02:02,455 --> 00:02:03,590 eat breakfast, 32 00:02:03,590 --> 00:02:06,092 take prescribed medications as you normally would 33 00:02:06,092 --> 00:02:09,362 and bring some snacks and water if you’ll want them during breaks. 34 00:02:09,762 --> 00:02:12,031 Wear comfortable, business-casual clothing, 35 00:02:12,031 --> 00:02:13,500 arrive on time, 36 00:02:13,500 --> 00:02:16,569 and set aside the whole day to ensure there’s ample time. 37 00:02:16,870 --> 00:02:20,874 If anything’s changed between the time you completed your e-QIP and your exam 38 00:02:20,874 --> 00:02:24,611 or, if you want to clarify or correct anything you submitted on your e-QIP 39 00:02:24,611 --> 00:02:25,945 let your examiner know. 40 00:02:26,513 --> 00:02:30,884 Clarifying or revealing new information during your poly won’t make you fail 41 00:02:30,884 --> 00:02:34,521 but being deceptive or withholding information will. 42 00:02:35,054 --> 00:02:36,222 Last but not least, 43 00:02:36,222 --> 00:02:39,559 cooperate with your examiner and follow all their instructions. 44 00:02:39,893 --> 00:02:44,197 They’re there to help you understand the test, how it’ll be conducted, and what we’re looking for. 45 00:02:44,197 --> 00:02:46,566 They’re there to help you succeed. 46 00:02:47,033 --> 00:02:48,835 Don’t hold any information back 47 00:02:48,835 --> 00:02:52,972 or follow outside advice on how to “beat the test”. 48 00:02:53,406 --> 00:02:57,277 After the exam, your examiner will provide you with your preliminary results, 49 00:02:57,277 --> 00:03:01,648 which will be reviewed and validated by a quality control board within a few weeks. 50 00:03:01,981 --> 00:03:08,521 If you are unsuccessful, your examiner will allow you the opportunity to discuss your result and why you weren’t successful. 51 00:03:08,988 --> 00:03:16,396 If your results are inconclusive, you’ll be asked to return at a later date to re-answer certain questions and achieve conclusive results. 52 00:03:16,863 --> 00:03:23,169 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. 53 00:03:23,803 --> 00:03:28,775 The most important things to remember are to not conceal or omit anything on your e-QIP, 54 00:03:28,775 --> 00:03:31,177 answer truthfully during the exam, 55 00:03:31,177 --> 00:03:33,246 and cooperate with your examiner. 56 00:03:33,613 --> 00:03:36,816 We’re not looking for perfect people who have never made a mistake! 57 00:03:37,383 --> 00:03:40,820 But we are looking for people with honesty and integrity. 58 00:03:40,820 --> 00:03:42,889 And the polygraph is part of how we do that. 59 00:03:43,523 --> 00:03:48,928 For more information about the polygraph, visit our website at www.cbp.gov/poly 60 00:03:49,495 --> 00:03:54,467 If you haven’t already, join our Talent Network to learn more about positions at CBP, 61 00:03:54,467 --> 00:04:00,773 or head to cbp.gov/careers/apply-now to start your application. 62 00:04:00,940 --> 00:04:03,943 CBPApplicantContactCenter@CBP.DHS.gov (855) 500-3722