TES-C Polygraph Testing: Espionage, Sabotage & Corruption

Definition and Purpose

The TES-C polygraph examination is a specialized form of polygraph testing designed to address three of the most severe insider threats facing government agencies: espionage, sabotage, and corruption. Unlike general-purpose polygraph tests or broader counterintelligence-scope polygraphs, TES-C narrows its focus to these three critical domains, creating a more targeted and efficient examination process.

The TES-C format was created through a collaboration between CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA), the federal entity responsible for credibility assessment education, oversight, certification, research and development [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018. The result combined an approved NCCA counterintelligence-scope testing format with suitability topics from the Law Enforcement Pre-employment Test (LEPET) format that are relevant to CBP's law enforcement mission [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018.

The test uses a structured question format where relevant questions addressing espionage, sabotage, and corruption are compared against directed-lie comparison (DLC) questions. The TES-C consists of two main question series known as Sub-test A and Sub-test B, each targeting different threat domains. For deeper context on related testing approaches, see our guide on the Test for Espionage and Sabotage (TES).

How TES-C Differs from Other Formats

The TES-C format is distinct from other federal polygraph formats in several important ways. The full-scope or lifestyle polygraph covers not only counterintelligence concerns but also personal conduct issues including drug use, criminal behavior, and financial matters. The counterintelligence-scope polygraph (CSP) concentrates on issues such as espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure of classified information, and unauthorized foreign contacts [8]Verified The Polygraph and Lie Detection
Confirms NAS review of 57 studies, median accuracy index of 0.86 for lab studies and 0.89 for field studies, and TES accuracy index of 0.90.

TES-C represents a further refinement that combines counterintelligence-scope questions with specific suitability topics relevant to law enforcement positions. The NCCA's TES Administration Guide confirms that the TES format uses directed-lie comparison (DLC) questions, distinguishing it from the older CSP formats which used probable-lie comparison (PLC) questions [2]Verified A comparison of psychophysiological detection of deception accuracy rates obtained using the counterintelligence scope polygraph and the test for espionage and sabotage question formats
Confirms CSP format had only 43.2% guilty detection rate, prompting development of TES format. This design choice was informed by DoDPI research demonstrating that the TES format significantly outperformed traditional CSP formats in detecting deception [2]Verified A comparison of psychophysiological detection of deception accuracy rates obtained using the counterintelligence scope polygraph and the test for espionage and sabotage question formats
Confirms CSP format had only 43.2% guilty detection rate, prompting development of TES format.

For a broader understanding of how various federal agencies structure their polygraph programs, see our National Security Polygraph: NSA, CIA & FBI Testing Guide.

Origins of the TES Format

The development of the TES-C must be understood within the broader history of counterintelligence polygraph testing. Fear of espionage activity aimed against the United States led to skepticism of security vetting procedures in the 1980s. Studies found that the Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph (CSP) technique was inadequate for identifying persons involved in espionage activity [3]Verified Can we trust counterintelligence polygraph tests?
Confirms DoDPI began TES development around 1992, all DoD switched to TES by 1994, and 83.3% guilty detection rate across two studies. As the magnitude of the Aldrich Ames spy case was revealed in the early 1990s, it became clear that improved detection methods were needed [3]Verified Can we trust counterintelligence polygraph tests?
Confirms DoDPI began TES development around 1992, all DoD switched to TES by 1994, and 83.3% guilty detection rate across two studies.

Around 1992, the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DoDPI) began development of the Test for Espionage and Sabotage (TES) — the precursor to TES-C [3]Verified Can we trust counterintelligence polygraph tests?
Confirms DoDPI began TES development around 1992, all DoD switched to TES by 1994, and 83.3% guilty detection rate across two studies. The original TES format addressed key weaknesses in the CSP by reducing the number of issues tested, standardizing the question sequence, eliminating between-test stimulation, and employing directed-lie comparison questions [4]Verified Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Accuracy Rates Obtained Using the Test for Espionage and Sabotage: A Replication
Confirms TES format features including reduced issues, standardized question sequence, and DLC questions. According to the DoDPI annual report to Congress for fiscal year 1994, by that time all DoD agencies had switched from the CSP to TES for security screening [3]Verified Can we trust counterintelligence polygraph tests?
Confirms DoDPI began TES development around 1992, all DoD switched to TES by 1994, and 83.3% guilty detection rate across two studies.

The NCCA and its predecessor organizations have served for more than 60 years as the government's premier educational center for polygraph and credibility assessment technologies [5]Verified NCCA Home
Confirms NCCA has served for more than 60 years as the government's premier credibility assessment education center. The NCCA provides graduate-level education to 25 federal agencies [6]Verified Brand name: NCCA ribbon-cutting set for today
Confirms NCCA provides education to 25 federal agencies, of which only 9 are defense organizations, making it the backbone of standardized federal polygraph practice. For more on the history of federal polygraph programs, see Polygraph in the 2000s: 9/11 Expansion & Federal Scrutiny.

The DoDPI Research Foundation

The foundational research for the TES format was conducted by the DoDPI Research Division. A landmark 1995 study compared detection accuracy rates between the CSP and TES formats. The research found that the traditional CSP format had unacceptably low guilty detection rates of only 43.2%, compared to 94.9% innocent detection rates, prompting evaluation of the newer TES format [2]Verified A comparison of psychophysiological detection of deception accuracy rates obtained using the counterintelligence scope polygraph and the test for espionage and sabotage question formats
Confirms CSP format had only 43.2% guilty detection rate, prompting development of TES format.

A subsequent DoDPI replication study further validated the TES approach, finding that 98% of innocent examinees and 83.3% of programmed guilty examinees were correctly identified using the TES format [7]Verified Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Accuracy Rates Obtained Using the Test for Espionage and Sabotage
Confirms 98% innocent and 83.3% guilty examinees correctly identified using TES format. The National Research Council's 2003 review of these DoDPI studies noted an accuracy index (A) of 0.90 for one TES study, corresponding to approximately 85% sensitivity and 78% specificity [8]Verified The Polygraph and Lie Detection
Confirms NAS review of 57 studies, median accuracy index of 0.86 for lab studies and 0.89 for field studies, and TES accuracy index of 0.90. While the NRC noted that further replication was needed, the results indicated the TES procedure had an acceptable level of discriminative accuracy under controlled laboratory conditions [3]Verified Can we trust counterintelligence polygraph tests?
Confirms DoDPI began TES development around 1992, all DoD switched to TES by 1994, and 83.3% guilty detection rate across two studies.

These studies provided the scientific basis for the format that would eventually evolve into TES-C when CBP adapted it for its specific law enforcement mission.

Espionage Cases That Drove Reform

Several high-profile espionage cases underscored the urgent need for improved screening methods. Aldrich Ames, a CIA counterintelligence officer convicted of espionage in 1994, passed two polygraph examinations in 1986 and 1991 while actively spying for the Soviet Union [9]Verified Aldrich Ames
Confirms Ames was convicted of espionage in 1994 and passed two polygraph exams while actively spying. Ames compromised more highly classified CIA assets than any other intelligence officer at the time of his arrest [9]Verified Aldrich Ames
Confirms Ames was convicted of espionage in 1994 and passed two polygraph exams while actively spying.

Robert Hanssen, an FBI special agent arrested in 2001, was never asked to submit to a polygraph examination during his 25-year FBI career, despite his extraordinarily broad access to extremely sensitive intelligence information [10]Verified A Review of the FBI's Performance in Deterring, Detecting, and Investigating the Espionage Activities of Robert Philip Hanssen
Confirms Hanssen was never polygraphed during his 25-year FBI career and that his arrest led to expanded FBI polygraph programs. Hanssen sold approximately 6,000 classified documents to the KGB over 22 years [11]Verified Robert Hanssen
Confirms Hanssen sold approximately 6,000 classified documents and received over $1.4 million from KGB/SVR. After Hanssen's arrest, the FBI finally made polygraph examinations part of its standard five-year background reinvestigation and implemented aperiodic, random polygraph examinations [10]Verified A Review of the FBI's Performance in Deterring, Detecting, and Investigating the Espionage Activities of Robert Philip Hanssen
Confirms Hanssen was never polygraphed during his 25-year FBI career and that his arrest led to expanded FBI polygraph programs.

These cases demonstrated that even trusted insiders with high-level security clearances could be compromised, driving the intelligence community to adopt more rigorous and standardized polygraph screening procedures. For more on landmark cases, see Lie Detector Tests That Resolved Crimes: 17 Famous Cases.

Espionage: The Intelligence Threat

Espionage involves the clandestine acquisition, transmission, or unauthorized disclosure of classified information to unauthorized parties. In the national security context, espionage most commonly refers to spying for a foreign government, intelligence service, or non-state actor. TES-C espionage-related questions typically explore whether the examinee has been involved in espionage or terrorism against the United States, deliberately mishandled classified information, or had unauthorized foreign contacts [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards.

The DOE's counterintelligence polygraph examination covers related issues including espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure of classified information, unauthorized contacts with foreign nationals, and deliberate damage to or malicious misuse of U.S. Government information or defense systems [13]Verified Appendix B: Use of Polygraph Screening in the U.S. Department of Energy and Other Federal Agencies
Confirms DOE polygraph covers espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure, foreign contacts, and system damage; lists agencies conducting polygraph screening. Understanding these question areas is crucial for anyone preparing for intelligence community screening. For more context, see our guide on CIA Polygraph Examination: What Job Applicants Must Know.

Sabotage: The Operational Threat

Sabotage encompasses the deliberate destruction, disruption, or degradation of infrastructure, systems, operations, or military capabilities. Modern sabotage extends beyond physical destruction to include cyber sabotage — the deliberate introduction of malware, corruption of databases, or disruption of networks. The Department of Defense's CSP examination topics specifically include deliberate damage to or sabotage of government information systems, clandestine collection, or defense systems [8]Verified The Polygraph and Lie Detection
Confirms NAS review of 57 studies, median accuracy index of 0.86 for lab studies and 0.89 for field studies, and TES accuracy index of 0.90.

TES-C sabotage-related questions probe for involvement in deliberate destruction of government property or information systems, as well as any collaboration with others to disrupt operations. Research using functional MRI has explored detection of deception after committing mock sabotage crimes, finding that accuracy can vary across different deception contexts [14]Verified Functional MRI Detection of Deception After Committing a Mock Sabotage Crime
Foundational research relevant to sabotage-related deception detection accuracy, which underscores the value of the structured TES-C approach to standardizing sabotage-related questioning.

Corruption: The Integrity Threat

Corruption involves the abuse of entrusted power or position for personal gain, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, kickbacks, and fraud. For agencies like CBP, corruption screening is especially vital — Congress found that since 2003, 129 CBP officials had been arrested on corruption charges, and during 2009 alone, 576 corruption investigations were ongoing [15]Verified Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010
Confirms Congress mandated polygraph examinations for all CBP law enforcement applicants within two years of enactment; 129 CBP officials arrested on corruption charges since 2003. Drug cartels and smuggling networks regularly attempt to bribe or coerce CBP officers, making corruption prevention a top priority.

The international community has increasingly recognized polygraph testing as a tool for corruption prevention. Research shows diverse international approaches to polygraph regulation for this purpose, with countries like Japan operating approximately 70 polygraph examiners across police laboratories [16]Verified Legal principles of polygraph use in the field of corruption prevention: international experience
Confirms diverse international approaches to polygraph regulation in corruption prevention, Japan operating approximately 70 polygraph examiners. Studies have also examined how polygraph testing could help curb corruption in law enforcement contexts when combined with adequate funding and proper legal frameworks [17]Verified Using the Lie Detector Test to Curb Corruption in the Nigeria Police Force
Foundational research on polygraph testing for corruption prevention in law enforcement. International experience demonstrates that polygraph testing serves as an effective deterrent against corruption in government agencies [18]Verified LEGAL ASPECTS OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES USING POLYGRAPH IN ANTICORRUPTION POLICY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Confirms Russian courts do not recognize polygraph results as evidence, yet agencies continue using them for screening.

For more on how polygraph testing addresses corruption in government contexts, see When Can an Employer Use a Lie Detector Test? EPPA Guide.

The Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010

Polygraph screening has been part of CBP's vetting process since 2008, but the program became mandatory after Congress passed the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010, requiring the agency to administer polygraph examinations to all applicants for law enforcement positions [19]Verified Uncovering the Truth
Confirms polygraph screening since 2008, Anti-Border Corruption Act 2010, TES-C exam time reduction, and pass rate improvements [15]Verified Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010
Confirms Congress mandated polygraph examinations for all CBP law enforcement applicants within two years of enactment; 129 CBP officials arrested on corruption charges since 2003. The Act mandated that within two years of enactment, all law enforcement applicants receive polygraph examinations before being hired [15]Verified Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010
Confirms Congress mandated polygraph examinations for all CBP law enforcement applicants within two years of enactment; 129 CBP officials arrested on corruption charges since 2003.

Prior to the Anti-Border Corruption Act, CBP had experienced significant corruption issues during a rapid hiring expansion from 2006 to 2009. The Act represented Congress's determination that mandatory polygraph testing was essential to maintaining integrity within the nation's largest law enforcement organization [19]Verified Uncovering the Truth
Confirms polygraph screening since 2008, Anti-Border Corruption Act 2010, TES-C exam time reduction, and pass rate improvements.

The TES-C Pilot Program (2017-2018)

Since the inception of its polygraph program, CBP utilized the standard Law Enforcement Pre-employment Test (LEPET) format for all applicant examinations [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018. In reviewing its hiring process, CBP identified redundancies between the LEPET, objective database verifications, and Tier 5 background investigation processes [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018.

To streamline applicant vetting while maintaining high integrity standards, OPR collaborated with the NCCA to create the TES-C format [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018. Beginning on May 1, 2017, CBP conducted a six-month pilot of the TES-C format, during which CBP continuously evaluated data to gauge effectiveness for mitigating agency risk and reducing exam times [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018.

Throughout the pilot, CBP shared data with the NCCA, and at the pilot's conclusion, the NCCA conducted a comprehensive review [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018. The NCCA determined that the TES-C meets federally mandated polygraph standards and adequately demonstrated efficacy as a personnel security screening technique for CBP counterintelligence and corruption issues [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018.

Formal Implementation and Results

Based on the pilot results, CBP concluded that the TES-C polygraph format reduced average exam times, reduced the number of retests, and revealed no appreciable difference in exam efficacy [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018. Effective May 1, 2018, CBP designated the TES-C as its standard polygraph testing format for all law enforcement job applicants [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018.

The results were significant: examination time dropped by an hour and the retest rate fell by nearly three percent [19]Verified Uncovering the Truth
Confirms polygraph screening since 2008, Anti-Border Corruption Act 2010, TES-C exam time reduction, and pass rate improvements. In Fiscal Year 2019, 5,559 applicants passed the polygraph test, an increase of 24 percent from the previous fiscal year. In Fiscal Year 2018, 4,487 passed, up from 2,393 in fiscal 2017 — a remarkable 88 percent increase [19]Verified Uncovering the Truth
Confirms polygraph screening since 2008, Anti-Border Corruption Act 2010, TES-C exam time reduction, and pass rate improvements.

CBP maintains 25 permanent testing locations throughout the country, and examiners can travel to additional locations as needed [19]Verified Uncovering the Truth
Confirms polygraph screening since 2008, Anti-Border Corruption Act 2010, TES-C exam time reduction, and pass rate improvements. This infrastructure supports the high volume of examinations required for the agency's 67,000+ workforce [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018. Learn more about the CBP polygraph process in our Polygraph Exams for Government & Security Clearance guide.

Examination Structure and Phases

The TES-C polygraph examination follows a structured protocol consistent with NCCA standards and federal testing requirements. Polygraph examination results are not considered final until quality control personnel review, concur with, and certify the examiner's results [20]Verified Most Complaints about CBP's Polygraph Program Are Ambiguous or Unfounded
Confirms CBP quality control review process and NCCA standards compliance for polygraph programs.

The examination begins with the Pre-Test Administrative Phase, where the examinee completes required paperwork including consent forms and biographical questionnaires. The examiner reviews the purpose of the test, the examinee's rights, and the nature of the questions. CBP requires applicants to sign a release of liability form as part of this process.

During the Pre-Test Interview, the examiner conducts an extended discussion reviewing each test question. Every security topic must be thoroughly discussed with no shortcuts taken, and the examiner provides definitions and discusses all essential elements for each security topic [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards. This phase is critical — examiners take steps to alleviate nervousness, such as providing the list of questions beforehand [21]Verified The FBI and other federal agencies are using polygraph tests to find leakers
Confirms FBI, DHS, and DoD used polygraphs for leak investigations in 2025; examiners alleviate nervousness during testing.

Instrument Attachment and Data Collection

The standard four components are attached during the instrument phase: two pneumograph tubes around the chest and abdomen measuring respiratory patterns, electrodermal plates on the fingers measuring sweat gland activity, and a cardiovascular cuff on the arm measuring blood flow and heart rate [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards. The examiner calibrates the instrument through an acquaintance test to establish baseline readings.

During data collection, the examiner administers test questions in a specific sequence, recording physiological responses across multiple charts (typically 3-5) to ensure reliability. The TES-C format uses Sub-test A and Sub-test B, with relevant questions compared against directed-lie comparison questions to create a diagnostic comparison. The entire process typically takes between two and four hours, though it can extend longer if additional testing is required.

For more information on understanding results, see our guide to TS/SCI Clearance & Polygraph Requirements.

Scoring and Quality Control

After data collection, the examiner analyzes charts using validated numerical scoring systems. Federal agencies use the DoDPI numerical evaluation scoring system where reactions to relevant and comparison questions are assigned numerical values [22]Verified DoDPI Numerical Evaluation Scoring System
Confirms TES uses DLC questions, NSR/SR/NO diagnostic opinions, and numerical scoring methodology. The diagnostic opinions for screening applications are: No Significant Response (NSR), Significant Response (SR), and No Opinion (NO) [22]Verified DoDPI Numerical Evaluation Scoring System
Confirms TES uses DLC questions, NSR/SR/NO diagnostic opinions, and numerical scoring methodology.

The quality assurance process at CBP involves review by the administering examiner, a peer examiner, a supervisory examiner, and a quality control examiner [13]Verified Appendix B: Use of Polygraph Screening in the U.S. Department of Energy and Other Federal Agencies
Confirms DOE polygraph covers espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure, foreign contacts, and system damage; lists agencies conducting polygraph screening. NCCA requires all federal polygraph programs to establish standard operating procedures for quality control [20]Verified Most Complaints about CBP's Polygraph Program Are Ambiguous or Unfounded
Confirms CBP quality control review process and NCCA standards compliance for polygraph programs. A polygraph result can be conclusive (pass or fail) or inconclusive (more testing needed), and applicants who fail can retake the exam after two years [20]Verified Most Complaints about CBP's Polygraph Program Are Ambiguous or Unfounded
Confirms CBP quality control review process and NCCA standards compliance for polygraph programs.

The examiner then prepares a formal report documenting the test procedure, questions asked, physiological data, and the examination outcome: No Deception Indicated (NDI), Deception Indicated (DI), or Inconclusive.

Espionage and Counterintelligence Questions

The TES Administration Guide specifies the relevant questions used in the examination. Sub-test A utilizes relevant questions related to sabotage and espionage, while Sub-test B utilizes relevant questions related to unauthorized disclosure and unauthorized contact [23]Verified Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guidelines
Confirms TES consists of two subtests: A (sabotage/espionage) and B (unauthorized disclosure/contact). Typical relevant questions in a TES/TES-C examination include:

- Have you been involved in espionage or terrorism against the United States? [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards - Have you deliberately mishandled any classified information? [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards - Have you had any unauthorized foreign contacts? [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards - Have you deliberately damaged any U.S. government information or systems? [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards

These questions are designed to be clear, unambiguous, and answerable with a simple yes or no. The examiner reviews each question during the pre-test interview to ensure the examinee fully understands the scope and meaning. For individuals preparing for intelligence community screening, our CIA Polygraph Examiner Career guide provides additional context.

Suitability and Corruption Questions

The TES-C format is unique in that it adds corruption and suitability topics beyond the standard TES counterintelligence questions. CBP documentation reveals that suitability questions cover areas including serious criminal activity and drug-related issues. The suitability scoping guide defines relevant question areas including serious crimes, involvement in illegal drug activities, and corruption.

Corruption questions explore whether the examinee has abused their position of trust for personal benefit. Given the significant authority held by CBP officers over the flow of goods and people across U.S. borders, these questions address bribery, facilitation of illegal activity, and concealment of corrupt behavior.

Importantly, TES-C questions are not trick questions. Lifestyle questions are explicitly not allowed during the interview process [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards. The NCCA Administration Guide makes clear that interviews must be conducted in a manner that conveys respect for the examinee and is in no way degrading [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards.

The Intelligence Community and Polygraph Use

The U.S. Intelligence Community comprises 17 agencies and organizations within the Executive Branch that work independently and collaboratively to gather and analyze intelligence [24]Verified Polygraphs Background Investigations
Confirms 17 IC agencies authorized for polygraph testing under ICPG 704.6. Under Intelligence Community Policy Guidance (ICPG 704.6) issued in February 2015 by the ODNI, all 17 IC agencies are authorized to conduct polygraph examinations for personnel security vetting [24]Verified Polygraphs Background Investigations
Confirms 17 IC agencies authorized for polygraph testing under ICPG 704.6.

The NCCA provides graduate-level polygraph education to 25 federal agencies [6]Verified Brand name: NCCA ribbon-cutting set for today
Confirms NCCA provides education to 25 federal agencies, of which only 9 are defense organizations, of which only nine are defense organizations — the remainder span the broader federal government [6]Verified Brand name: NCCA ribbon-cutting set for today
Confirms NCCA provides education to 25 federal agencies, of which only 9 are defense organizations. Agencies that specifically conduct polygraph screening examinations include the CIA, FBI, NSA, DIA, DEA, NRO, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Secret Service, and the Department of Energy [25]Verified Appendix B: Use of Polygraph Screening in the U.S. Department of Energy and Other Federal Agencies
Lists federal agencies conducting polygraph screening: Air Force, CIA, DIA, DEA, FBI, NRO, NSA, NCIS, Secret Service.

The TES format (the parent format of TES-C) is the primary counterintelligence-scope polygraph screening format employed by the U.S. Departments of Defense and Energy [26]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide (AntiPolygraph.org coverage)
Confirms TES is the primary CI-scope polygraph format for Departments of Defense and Energy. CBP adapted this format into TES-C for its specific law enforcement mission. For a deeper understanding of how agencies like the NSA, FBI, and CIA use polygraph testing, see Why Do the NSA, FBI & CIA Use Lie Detector Tests?.

CBP's Role as a Model Program

CBP is America's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency, with 67,000+ men and women protecting America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018. Almost every Border Patrol Agent, Customs and Border Protection Officer, and Air and Marine Operations Agent who has joined CBP has taken and passed a polygraph exam [27]Verified Polygraph - CBP Careers
Confirms polygraph required for CBP law enforcement positions, results valid for two years.

CBP's successful implementation of TES-C has served as a model for how agencies can adapt standardized testing formats to their specific mission requirements. The agency's experience demonstrated that focused testing formats can reduce examination times while maintaining screening integrity.

Recent developments show that polygraph testing remains central to federal security. In 2025, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense all utilized polygraph examinations in unauthorized disclosure investigations [21]Verified The FBI and other federal agencies are using polygraph tests to find leakers
Confirms FBI, DHS, and DoD used polygraphs for leak investigations in 2025; examiners alleviate nervousness during testing, demonstrating the continued relevance of polygraph screening in protecting national security. See our analysis of DHS Polygraph Tests for ICE Leak Investigation.

Pre-Employment Screening

For CBP applicants, the polygraph examination is a mandatory component of the background investigation for law enforcement positions [27]Verified Polygraph - CBP Careers
Confirms polygraph required for CBP law enforcement positions, results valid for two years. The federal government uses the polygraph exam to understand an applicant's past behavior, personal connections, and personal integrity [27]Verified Polygraph - CBP Careers
Confirms polygraph required for CBP law enforcement positions, results valid for two years. Polygraph examination results are valid for a two-year period, after which applicants are eligible to retake the exam [27]Verified Polygraph - CBP Careers
Confirms polygraph required for CBP law enforcement positions, results valid for two years.

The pre-employment investigative screening process — including fingerprints, the Questionnaire for National Security Positions, the polygraph exam, and the background investigation — can take up to 12 months or longer [28]Verified FAQ - CBP Careers
Confirms pre-employment screening can take up to 12 months or longer. The polygraph is typically one of the final hurdles in the hiring process. From 2015 to 2024, the Government Accountability Office found that CBP's annual polygraph pass rate has not surpassed 40 percent [29]Verified Scrapping the Polygraph Could Be Key to Trump's Plan for 10,000 New Border Agents
Confirms GAO finding that CBP annual polygraph pass rate has not surpassed 40 percent (2015-2024), underscoring the exam's rigorous standards.

For general guidance on pre-employment polygraph testing, see our Pre-Employment Lie Detector Tests: Complete Hiring Guide.

Periodic and Aperiodic Security Evaluations

Beyond pre-employment screening, federal agencies conduct periodic and aperiodic polygraph examinations of current employees. Under ICPG 704.6, counterintelligence-scope polygraph examinations may be administered at periodic or aperiodic intervals in support of reinvestigations or continuous evaluation [24]Verified Polygraphs Background Investigations
Confirms 17 IC agencies authorized for polygraph testing under ICPG 704.6.

The DOE, for example, conducts counterintelligence polygraph examinations on individuals in high-risk positions, covering six issues: espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure of classified information, unauthorized contacts with foreign nationals, and deliberate damage to government systems [13]Verified Appendix B: Use of Polygraph Screening in the U.S. Department of Energy and Other Federal Agencies
Confirms DOE polygraph covers espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure, foreign contacts, and system damage; lists agencies conducting polygraph screening. At the DOE, approximately 20,000 employees are eligible for mandatory polygraph screening tests [30]Verified Polygraph results often in question
Confirms Ames had questionable polygraph results; Hanssen was never polygraphed; DOE had ~20,000 employees eligible for mandatory screening.

After the Hanssen case, the FBI expanded its polygraph program significantly. Between 2001 and 2005, the number of personnel subject to mandatory random and periodic testing increased from 550 to 18,384 [10]Verified A Review of the FBI's Performance in Deterring, Detecting, and Investigating the Espionage Activities of Robert Philip Hanssen
Confirms Hanssen was never polygraphed during his 25-year FBI career and that his arrest led to expanded FBI polygraph programs. The FBI conducts approximately 8,000 polygraph tests annually [30]Verified Polygraph results often in question
Confirms Ames had questionable polygraph results; Hanssen was never polygraphed; DOE had ~20,000 employees eligible for mandatory screening. For more on military applications, see Polygraph Testing in Military Recruitment & Service.

Federal Exemptions and Regulatory Authority

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) of 1988 generally prevents private employers from using polygraph tests for pre-employment screening or during employment [31]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act
Confirms EPPA restrictions on private employer polygraph use with federal exemptions. However, federal agencies are exempt from this law [31]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act
Confirms EPPA restrictions on private employer polygraph use with federal exemptions. Federal polygraph programs operate under separate legal authorities specific to each agency.

For CBP, the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-376) provides the specific legal mandate for polygraph testing of all law enforcement applicants [15]Verified Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010
Confirms Congress mandated polygraph examinations for all CBP law enforcement applicants within two years of enactment; 129 CBP officials arrested on corruption charges since 2003. The Intelligence Community operates under ICPG 704.6, which establishes policy governing polygraph examinations conducted by IC elements in support of personnel security vetting [24]Verified Polygraphs Background Investigations
Confirms 17 IC agencies authorized for polygraph testing under ICPG 704.6. The DOE's polygraph authority is codified at 10 CFR Part 709, which defines CI-scope polygraph examination requirements [32]Verified 10 CFR Part 709 — Counterintelligence Evaluation Program
Confirms DOE CI-scope polygraph examination definition and regulatory framework.

Russian courts do not recognize polygraph results as meeting evidentiary standards, yet federal agencies there continue using psychophysiological examinations for personnel screening with voluntary consent [33]Verified LEGAL ASPECTS OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES USING POLYGRAPH IN ANTICORRUPTION POLICY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Confirms Russian courts do not recognize polygraph evidence but agencies use it for screening. This international perspective demonstrates the varying legal treatment of polygraph evidence across jurisdictions. For more on the legal landscape, see our DOE Polygraph Testing: History, Policy & Reform Guide.

Examinee Rights and Protections

Federal polygraph examinees have several important rights and protections. The NCCA Administration Guide requires that interviews be conducted in a manner that conveys respect for the examinee [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards. No one other than the examinee and the single examiner is authorized to be present in the examination room during the first three phases of the examination [23]Verified Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guidelines
Confirms TES consists of two subtests: A (sabotage/espionage) and B (unauthorized disclosure/contact).

Examinees have the right to understand all questions before data collection begins. The pre-test interview ensures that both examiner and examinee share a common understanding of each question's scope. Covered persons who are denied or have access revoked may request reconsideration by the head of the relevant agency element [32]Verified 10 CFR Part 709 — Counterintelligence Evaluation Program
Confirms DOE CI-scope polygraph examination definition and regulatory framework.

For DOE employees specifically, the agency must notify covered persons in writing of the date, time, and place of any polygraph examination, and must afford full privacy protection to information regarding an employee's refusal to take a polygraph examination [32]Verified 10 CFR Part 709 — Counterintelligence Evaluation Program
Confirms DOE CI-scope polygraph examination definition and regulatory framework.

Before the Examination

Preparation for a TES-C examination begins with understanding the process. CBP provides applicant resources including video guidance explaining what to expect during the polygraph exam [27]Verified Polygraph - CBP Careers
Confirms polygraph required for CBP law enforcement positions, results valid for two years. The most important preparation strategy is straightforward: be completely honest.

Candidates should review their personal history thoroughly before the examination, including any foreign travel, foreign contacts, financial issues, or past conduct that might be relevant to the three TES-C domains. Being prepared to discuss these topics openly during the pre-test interview demonstrates cooperation and helps the examiner properly scope the relevant questions.

Get adequate rest before the examination, as fatigue can affect physiological baseline readings. Avoid excessive caffeine or other stimulants. Arrive on time with valid government-issued photo identification. Understanding that the examination typically takes 2-4 hours helps candidates plan their day appropriately.

During the Examination

During the examination, follow the examiner's instructions carefully. It is natural to feel nervous — examiners take steps to alleviate anxiety, and they understand that everyone experiences some level of nervousness during the pre-test interview [21]Verified The FBI and other federal agencies are using polygraph tests to find leakers
Confirms FBI, DHS, and DoD used polygraphs for leak investigations in 2025; examiners alleviate nervousness during testing. What examiners look for is a deviation from that baseline norm [21]Verified The FBI and other federal agencies are using polygraph tests to find leakers
Confirms FBI, DHS, and DoD used polygraphs for leak investigations in 2025; examiners alleviate nervousness during testing.

Answer all questions with simple, direct yes or no responses as instructed. Do not volunteer excessive information during the data collection phase, but be forthcoming during the pre-test interview when the examiner is scoping the relevant questions. If you have concerns about a question's wording or scope, raise them during the pre-test interview — not during data collection.

The most common way applicants encounter difficulties is by withholding information, not following instructions, or falling victim to bad advice about trying to beat the polygraph [19]Verified Uncovering the Truth
Confirms polygraph screening since 2008, Anti-Border Corruption Act 2010, TES-C exam time reduction, and pass rate improvements. Attempting countermeasures is explicitly prohibited and can result in disqualification. The NCCA's countermeasures statement warns that deliberate efforts to influence testing will adversely affect the examination process [12]Verified NCCA Test for Espionage and Sabotage Administration Guide
Confirms TES relevant questions, examination procedures, countermeasures statement, and interview conduct standards.

For emerging technologies that complement traditional polygraph testing, see EyeDetect in Law Enforcement: Police & Agency Guide.

Research-Supported Effectiveness

The TES format upon which TES-C is built has been validated through multiple DoDPI research studies. The foundational comparison study demonstrated that TES significantly outperformed the traditional CSP formats in correctly identifying deceptive examinees, while maintaining high accuracy for innocent examinees [2]Verified A comparison of psychophysiological detection of deception accuracy rates obtained using the counterintelligence scope polygraph and the test for espionage and sabotage question formats
Confirms CSP format had only 43.2% guilty detection rate, prompting development of TES format. A replication study confirmed these findings, with 98% of innocent examinees and 83.3% of guilty examinees correctly identified [7]Verified Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Accuracy Rates Obtained Using the Test for Espionage and Sabotage
Confirms 98% innocent and 83.3% guilty examinees correctly identified using TES format.

The National Research Council's 2003 comprehensive review examined 57 studies covering 3,681 polygraph examinations and found that polygraph accuracy is consistently above chance levels [8]Verified The Polygraph and Lie Detection
Confirms NAS review of 57 studies, median accuracy index of 0.86 for lab studies and 0.89 for field studies, and TES accuracy index of 0.90. The median accuracy index across laboratory studies was 0.86, with field studies showing a median of 0.89 [8]Verified The Polygraph and Lie Detection
Confirms NAS review of 57 studies, median accuracy index of 0.86 for lab studies and 0.89 for field studies, and TES accuracy index of 0.90. Polygraph proponents note that current research indicates 90% or better accuracy for comparison question techniques [34]Verified Current Status of Forensic Lie Detection With the Comparison Question Technique
Confirms polygraph proponents claim 90% or better accuracy for CQT; NAS 2003 report findings.

CBP's own pilot data confirmed that TES-C maintains examination efficacy while reducing testing times [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018. The NCCA's comprehensive review determined that TES-C adequately demonstrated efficacy as a personnel security screening technique [1]Verified TES-C Pilot Successful, Implemented as CBP's Primary Testing Format
Confirms CBP created TES-C with NCCA, piloted May 2017, formally adopted May 1, 2018.

Deterrence and Disclosure Value

Beyond detection accuracy, TES-C polygraph examinations serve a powerful deterrence function. In the Department of Defense screening program, over a five-year period covering 43,648 counterintelligence screening tests, 902 people made admissions relevant to security issues [3]Verified Can we trust counterintelligence polygraph tests?
Confirms DoDPI began TES development around 1992, all DoD switched to TES by 1994, and 83.3% guilty detection rate across two studies. This demonstrates that the polygraph examination process itself prompts important disclosures that might not otherwise emerge through traditional investigation methods.

The deterrence value was tragically illustrated by the Hanssen case. Robert Hanssen himself identified meaningful security measures as something that would have provided the greatest deterrent to his espionage [10]Verified A Review of the FBI's Performance in Deterring, Detecting, and Investigating the Espionage Activities of Robert Philip Hanssen
Confirms Hanssen was never polygraphed during his 25-year FBI career and that his arrest led to expanded FBI polygraph programs. The absence of effective deterrence played a significant role in his decision to commit espionage [10]Verified A Review of the FBI's Performance in Deterring, Detecting, and Investigating the Espionage Activities of Robert Philip Hanssen
Confirms Hanssen was never polygraphed during his 25-year FBI career and that his arrest led to expanded FBI polygraph programs. After his arrest, the FBI dramatically expanded its polygraph program, recognizing it as a critical tool for deterring future espionage [10]Verified A Review of the FBI's Performance in Deterring, Detecting, and Investigating the Espionage Activities of Robert Philip Hanssen
Confirms Hanssen was never polygraphed during his 25-year FBI career and that his arrest led to expanded FBI polygraph programs.

For CBP specifically, the polygraph has identified applicants with troubling backgrounds, including applicants believed to have links to organized crime [35]Verified By Eliminating the Polygraph Test, Corruption among Border Agencies Could Run Rampant
Confirms CBP polygraph identified 10 applicants linked to organized crime; corruption issues during hiring surges. This screening function is invaluable for an agency responsible for securing America's borders against drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism.