About the Employment Polygraph

About the employment polygraph. Frequently asked questions and answers about polygraph testing for employment.

Some employers are permitted to use a polygraph test as part of their employment process, however there are a number of restrictions imposed on the use of polygraphs in the United States.

Find the  answers to commonly asked questions about pre employment polygraphs.

What is an employment polygraph test?

A
polygraph, sometimes referred to as a lie-detector test, refers to an
instrument that records changes in physiological processes such as
cardiovascular (heartbeat and blood pressure), respiratory and
perspiration patterns.

These changes are diagnosed to give an opinion as to the honesty or dishonesty of the test taker.

The theory is that when people are dishonest they get measurably
nervous and their heartbeat increases, their blood pressure goes up and
their breathing rhythms change.

A baseline for the individual's
physiological responses is established by asking questions to which the
answers are already known such as "Are you married?" Any deviation from the baseline readings are regarded as signs of increased nervousness.

Can employers make you take a polygraph?

The
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)of 1988 is a federal law that prohibits most private
employers and companies from using lie detector tests (polygraphs, voice
stress analyzer, deceptograph amongst others) for pre employment
screening.

The Act states that employers generally may not request
or require job applicants to take a lie detector test as a condition
for employment or discriminate against them for refusing to do so. They
are also prohibited from asking about previous polygraph tests. However
certain employers are not affected by this law.

• The EPPA does not cover federal, state and local governmental agencies such as police and fire departments
• The EPPA does not cover public agencies such as a school system or correctional institution

Subject to certain restrictions the EPPA does permit certain private employers to administer polygraph tests. These are:

• Companies
  who provide security services such as armored car personnel, the design
  of security systems (alarms) and the provision of security personnel
  (guards) in facilities that impact on the safety and health of any
  state.
• Companies that manufacture, distribute or dispense controlled substances including pharmaceuticals
  

What are the requirements for employers who use an employment polygraph?

Where
polygraph examinations are permitted they are subject to strict
standards with regard to how the test is conducted. The examiner must be
licensed and bonded.

It is suggested that a prospective employee should be given a written
notice explaining their rights and the limitations imposed such as
prohibited areas of questioning and restrictions on the use of the test
results.

Can an applicant or employee refuse an employment  polygraph test?

The employer needs your permission at the time or it should be a part of the employment contract that you both have signed.

A
prospective employee may refuse to undergo a polygraph, end the test at
any time or decline to take the test if he or she suffers from a
medical condition. However suspicion can arise if an employee or job
applicant refuses to consent to a polygraph without reasonable grounds.

What employment polygraph testing questions will I be asked? 

Generally polygraph test questions cover aspects such as driving and
insurance history, credit background, drug and alcohol use, employment
habits, falsification of information, any criminal activities and
associations.

According to the Act and the American Polygraph
Association the following areas should not be questioned during the
polygraph - religious, racial, sexual and political beliefs and
affiliations.

Who gets the results of the polygraph?

There are strict limits on the disclosure of information obtained during the polygraph examination. The results of the test alone cannot be disclosed to anyone but the employer and test taker without their permission or, on the basis of a court order, to a court, government agent, arbitrator or mediator.

What about other employment checks?

EMPLOYMENT CHECKS

Background Checks

EMPLOYMENT  CHECKS

Credit Checks

EMPLOYMENT CHECKS

Drug Testing

A large number of employers use drug testing as part of the hiring process. Find out more at Background Checks > Employment Polygraphs

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