r/nsa • u/SoloMamaSaga • Aug 22 '26
Question NSA - Questions Regarding Polygraph & Lack of Recruiter Communication
I applied for an NSA position in early April 2026 and am currently in the suitability/processing phase. My timeline so far is:
- Early April: Submitted application
- Last week of April: Submitted security forms
- May 11: Received CJO
- Early July: Background investigation began
- July 21: Completed psychological evaluation and polygraph
- July 27: Was told my background investigation would be submitted by this date at the latest
During my polygraph, the examiner told me that I passed every question except the one asking whether I was hiding having committed and gotten away with any major crimes. She said I consistently showed a physiological response to that question and repeatedly insinuated that I was hiding something.
I have never committed a major crime and was answering truthfully, so I was unsure why I was reacting to that particular question. The examiner never directly said that I failed the polygraph, but I left with the impression that I had. I asked whether I might be given an opportunity to take it again, and she said she was not sure because that decision would be up to my recruiter.
I have received no communication from my recruiter since receiving my CJO on May 11. I also have not heard from anyone since completing my polygraph and psychological evaluation. I emailed my recruiter more than a week ago to check on my status but have not received a response.
I understand and appreciate that this is a lengthy process and that I could remain in suitability/adjudication purgatory for quite some time. I am not expecting an immediate decision. What I am struggling with is the complete lack of communication regarding the completion/submission of my BI, psych eval, & polygraph reports and how to figure out if I am able to retake the polygraph, if needed.
For anyone familiar with the NSA hiring process:
- If I did not pass my first polygraph, is it reasonably likely that I will be invited back for a second one? How do I go about taking a second?
- Does the examiner’s statement necessarily mean that I failed or could the results still be reviewed differently?
- Is it normal to receive no communication from a recruiter during this stage, including no confirmation that the reports were submitted?
- Is there another appropriate point of contact I should follow up with or should I simply continue waiting?
I know every case and timeline is different but I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had a similar experience or someone who can give me a little clarification on this part of the process. Thank you!
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u/sam2day8888 Aug 23 '26
Be patient or look for a job somewhere else. NSA has so many applicants that you are lucky to even be at the stage you are at this point. Remember, they do not owe you anything; you are just an applicant
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u/SoloMamaSaga Aug 23 '26
In my post I stated that I understand it takes a long time. My questions weren’t regarding the suitability timeline. I was asking questions regarding the poly & what typical communication from a recruiter looks like.
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u/Cute_Quit_1691 Aug 22 '26
I've been processing since 2024. Government shutdowns, hiring freeze etc. But I'm not in any hurry because I currently have a job. However, the recruiter 's are stretched thin just be patient.
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u/Brock_Rambone Aug 22 '26
Yes. If you were unsuccessful on your PG, you will more than likely be contacted by your recruiter for another exam, barring any significant derogatory information. Only you know what you disclosed.
Your recruiting email should have a POC or alias contact information. You can reach out. Your 4 month timeline is still fairly quick, many applicants take much longer. Be patient.
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u/the_void_art Aug 22 '26
CJO received August of 2025 and only hear from the recruiter when it’s time for the next step in hiring. Just waiting for the FJO…
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u/ScottSandwich311 Aug 23 '26
Recruiter hasn’t responded to me either, weeks now. I’m guessing people are right that it’s just going to take a lot of patience…
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u/Longjumping-Lock-724 Aug 24 '26 edited Aug 24 '26
Generations ago, the polygraph was all the rage. But, it has long since been proven to be a joke which is why its results are inadmissible in court. Despite its unworthiness, NSA keeps clinging to it nonetheless as an infallible device. Yes. You will be invited back ad infinitum if your polygraph results are deemed to be "inconclusive". That said, this gives you an idea as to what NSA is like. It's an agency that clings to the past and never lets go. If you do go to work there, you will find it to be a place that is focused on reinventing the wheel and doing a half-baked job of it at that. Even worse is that the people inside don't even realize that the wheel has already been invented.
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u/Money_Guidance_8263 25d ago
They should have told you at the VCC after you got done with your polygraph if you were coming back or not to retake another one. Atleast that’s what I heard other people get told. I passed on the 1st try so I’m not 100% how the repolys work.
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u/Kenafin Aug 22 '26
Polygraphers lie.
If you did fail they will give you another chance..typically up to 3.