A polygraph test that comes back inconclusive puts you in a tricky spot. You’re stuck in limbo – not proven truthful, but not caught lying either . This happens when examiners can’t tell if you gave honest or dishonest answers . The American Polygraph Association claims their professional single-issue lie detector tests are 95% accurate , but many people applying for security clearance still get inconclusive results .
You might wonder what an inconclusive polygraph means for your career path. About 25% of police job candidates don’t make the cut based on information that comes up during their polygraph tests . But an inconclusive result doesn’t automatically disqualify you from the job you want . The machine actually collected valid data – there just wasn’t enough information to make a clear decision . This becomes really important to understand if you’re going through a pre-employment process, especially when you have to wait almost a year or longer for these hiring processes to finish . This article reflects thousands of cases and decades of field experience, providing the most up-to-date and thorough guidance available globally
What Does Inconclusive Mean on a Polygraph Test?
Image Source: Lie Detector Test
The science behind polygraph tests shows why some results end up inconclusive instead of giving clear yes or no answers. Real polygraph tests are nothing like what you see in movies and TV shows. These tests use complex scoring systems that leave room for uncertainty when the evidence isn’t strong enough either way.
How polygraph scoring works
Polygraph experts use standard number-based methods to review your body’s responses during the test. The Utah scoring method stands out as one of the best approaches. It matches your reactions to key questions against control questions. Your physical responses get a score from -3 to +3 on what experts call the 7-position scale [1].
The examiner adds up all your scores after the test. For single-issue tests, scores of -6 or lower point to deception, while +6 or higher suggest truthfulness. Anything in between counts as inconclusive [2]. Tests that look at multiple issues score each key question separately. Scores of -3 mean deception, +3 or higher indicate truth-telling, and scores in the middle are inconclusive [2].
These cutoff points aren’t random – they mark where the results become statistically reliable. Research backs this up. Studies show the Utah scoring system correctly spots 91% of guilty subjects and 89% of innocent ones [2].
Why ‘inconclusive’ is not a failure
An inconclusive result means the examiner couldn’t tell if you were being truthful or deceptive [3]. The polygraph gathered good data, but that data wasn’t enough to make a clear call [3]. This happens in less than 10% of all analyzed responses [4].
Several valid reasons can lead to inconclusive results:
• Insufficient reactions: Your body’s responses may be too weak because of fatigue, medication effects, poor sleep, or testing done late in the day .
• Inconsistent reactions: Responses may vary during the test, reacting to some key questions but not others, which can affect reliability .
• Technical challenges: Equipment malfunctions or errors in data interpretation can reduce accuracy.
• Question ambiguity: Unclear or confusing questions during the test can influence results and distort outcomes .
The polygraph only measures automatic body responses [6]. Everything else needs human interpretation, and many things can cause similar readings that have nothing to do with lying.
Common misconceptions about inconclusive results
People often think inconclusive results mean someone is guilty. The truth is, an inconclusive result isn’t a pass or fail – it just means there’s no clear finding [5]. Many also believe nervousness causes inconclusive results. Examiners actually measure your baseline anxiety before starting, so being nervous won’t make you fail [3].
People misunderstand how accuracy rates work too. Critics wrongly count inconclusive results as errors, which skews the numbers. Here’s an example: if 10 tests give 7 correct decisions, 1 wrong, and 2 inconclusive results, the real accuracy rate is 87.5% (7 correct out of 8 clear results) – not 70% as critics might claim [7].
Job seekers shouldn’t worry too much about inconclusive results. Many organizations offer retests because they know examiner skill levels vary, and different examiners might get different results [3]. Security clearance applicants usually get more chances to complete the test if they get an inconclusive result [5].
Top Reasons Your Polygraph Test Came Back Inconclusive
Image Source: Lie Detector Test UK
Your body’s responses during a polygraph tests can be affected by many things besides lying. These variables help explain why you might get an inconclusive result rather than a clear yes or no.
Emotional stress and anxiety during the test
Your psychological state can affect your body’s responses by a lot during a polygraph. The anxiety you feel might show up in ways that look like someone who’s lying, which can lead to wrong or unclear results [8]. Even people telling the truth can give confusing readings if they’re really stressed out. This happens because your fight-or-flight response kicks in whether you’re lying or not [9].
Studies show that high stress raises cortisol levels and triggers responses that mess with normal body readings [10]. Test givers need to tell the difference between someone who’s just nervous and someone who’s lying – and not everyone’s good at that [11]. Your readings can also get thrown off if you haven’t slept well, you’re sick, or you’re dealing with emotional trauma [12].
Poorly worded or ambiguous questions
The way questions are asked makes a big difference in getting valid results. Questions that miss the mark or aren’t clear often lead nowhere [2]. To name just one example, see how questions with emotional language or unclear meaning often trigger body responses that have nothing to do with telling the truth [13].
Unclear questions create a special problem because you might think you’re lying when you’re actually telling the truth (or the other way around) just because you understood the question differently [1]. This gets even trickier with screening tests that ask broad questions like “Did you ever reveal classified information to an unauthorized person?” – these can mean different things to different people [1].
Examiner bias or lack of experience
People running the tests can really change the results. Research shows that experienced examiners get better results than newcomers [14]. Yes, it is so important that agencies now make training a top priority [14].
Some examiners find what they expect to find – we call this confirmation bias [15]. You can see this in studies that show how failure rates change a lot depending on who’s giving the test [16]. Results can also go wrong when examiners rush through tests or stick to their comfort zone [2].
Technical issues with polygraph equipment
Even the best-run test can fail because of equipment problems. The LX4000 from Lafayette Instrument Company had a known bug that affected sweat measurements – showing an alarming 16-point difference between manual and automatic modes [5]. Since one point can make or break your test, these technical hiccups really matter [5].
Old software and equipment can mess things up too [2]. It also gets tricky when people take certain medications like beta-blockers, which can hide the usual body changes by lowering heart rate and blood pressure [17].
External distractions or environmental factors
The room where you take the test plays a huge role in accuracy. Random noises – cars outside, people talking, humming machines – can break your focus and change your readings [18]. Room temperature matters too – if you’re too hot or cold, your heart rate and sweating might change on their own [18].
Things you can see and worries about privacy can change your body’s responses too [18]. Without the right testing environment, these factors make it hard or impossible to get clear results [14].
How Inconclusive Results Affect Employment and Legal Outcomes
Image Source: Precision Background Screening
Getting an inconclusive polygraph test brings immediate practical effects that depend on your career path and legal situation. These ambiguous results, neither a pass nor fail, set specific processes in motion with ground consequences.
Impact on pre-employment screening
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) keeps tight control over polygraph use in private-sector employment. Most employers can’t require tests during pre-employment screening or ongoing employment [19]. Federal regulations prevent employers from firing, punishing, or discriminating against employees based on polygraph results [19].
However, these exceptions apply to:
- Security service firms (armored car, alarm, and guard companies)
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers
- Law enforcement agencies
- Fire departments and corrections facilities
- Government positions that need security clearances [3]
These exempt organizations usually give you another chance with a retest if your results are inconclusive [3]. You’ll work with a different examiner for the second try, since examiner quality varies. Some are experts, while others are just adequate [3]. Organizations know that unclear results might come from examiner limitations rather than candidate issues, which helps prevent unfair disqualification.
Security clearance implications
Government security clearance applicants often face inconclusive polygraph results, but this doesn’t end their chances [20]. The difference between unclear results and failing shows up in what happens next – you’ll get more chances to complete the assessment [20].
Some clearance applicants take second or even third polygraph tests before getting clear results [20]. Agencies focus on finding out why the results were unclear, especially if medications or specific issues raised red flags [20].
Multiple testing cycles create long delays that push candidates back in the clearance pipeline [21]. The extended wait frustrates many qualified applicants, and some drop out despite having no issues that would disqualify them [21].
Legal admissibility and influence in court
Polygraph evidence gets very different treatment across jurisdictions. About half of U.S. states let polygraph evidence into court when both parties agree, but New Mexico stands alone in allowing it without mutual consent [22]. This mixed treatment shows ongoing debates about how reliable polygraphs are.
Courts rarely admit polygraphs as evidence, but unclear results can still shape legal proceedings by triggering deeper investigation [6]. This subtle effect works behind the scenes and affects how authorities view your credibility, even without formally presenting test results.
Law enforcement often uses failed polygraph results to back up allegations while ignoring passed tests [23]. This double standard highlights how subjective polygraph evidence can be. Your reputation might take a hit from unclear results if they become public, especially in high-profile cases [6].
When courts allow polygraphs, strict standards guide the pretest, testing, and post-testing phases [19]. This shows that judges see their potential value while staying aware of their limits.
What to Do After Receiving Inconclusive Polygraph Results
Image Source: Executive Protection Group Polygraph Service
Your career opportunities need protection when you receive an inconclusive polygraph result. You need to know your options right away.
Requesting a retest from the agency
Most organizations give you retest opportunities after inconclusive results. Unlike failures, agencies often give second chances with different examiners [7]. You should make a formal written request for a retest if they don’t offer one. Focus on showing your interest without trying to explain the inconclusive outcome [24]. The timing varies – some agencies schedule retests in weeks, while others take up to six months [3].
How to review your polygraph records
You should get your test records through official channels to spot any issues or procedural mistakes [6]. Most agencies keep audio recordings of polygraph tests, which is standard practice for federal positions [25]. Take time to review these materials and look for any protocol violations or questionable behavior from the examiner.
When to consult a polygraph expert
You need an independent expert’s evaluation if you think technical errors or examiner bias affected your results [6]. Note that polygraph examiners don’t need state licenses, which means quality varies a lot [4]. Outside experts help identify wrong techniques or problems with interpretation.
Filing a formal complaint if needed
You can file formal complaints through:
- State licensing boards where applicable
- Department of Labor (for employer-mandated tests)
- Agency Inspector General complaints (request recording review)
- American Polygraph Association assistance requests [7]
Be smart about filing complaints. Quick action matters, but some responses might lead to pushback, especially in security clearance situations [25].
Preparing for a Retest: Best Practices and Mental Readiness
Image Source: Life Beyond Numbers
Your success in polygraph retesting after an inconclusive result depends on proper preparation. A strategic approach can substantially improve your chances of achieving a conclusive outcome.
Understanding the test format and process
A polygraph examination usually takes 2-4 hours [7]. The process includes three main phases: pre-test interview (60-90 minutes), in-test question phase, and post-test analysis [26]. Sensors will track your cardiovascular activity, respiration, and sweat gland responses during the test [7]. You should know these elements beforehand to reduce any surprise reactions.
Avoiding medications and stimulants before the test
The day of testing requires following your normal routine [27]. You should avoid caffeine for four hours before the examination [26] because it increases nervous system activity. Stay hydrated [27] but avoid meals with high carbohydrates [8]. Taking anti-anxiety medications or beta-blockers without prescription is strictly forbidden as these are considered countermeasures [8].
Practicing calm breathing and mental focus
You need to become skilled at the 4-7-8 breathing technique: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8 [26]. This technique activates your parasympathetic nervous system [28] and creates a more stable baseline. Daily visualization exercises for 10-15 minutes help reduce your fear of the unknown [26].
Clarifying any confusing questions in advance
The examiner reviews all questions during the pre-test interview [29]. You should ask for immediate clarification about any unclear phrasing [26]. This proactive step prevents misinterpretation that might trigger false physiological responses.
Author’s Notes: Mastering the Polygraph Appeal Strategy
As the author of this guide, I want to provide you with a strategic behind-the-scenes extension to the main article. These notes are designed to help you transform a failed result from a setback into a pivot point for a successful re-examination by focusing on data-driven advocacy and professional composure.
Building a Scientifically Grounded Appeal
• The “Gold Standard” Appeal File: Construct an organized, annotated file containing both physical and digital copies. Your evidence should include doctor’s notes for medical conditions (like arrhythmia), proof of extreme emotional stress, and character reference statements vouching for your honesty.
• Technical Benchmarking: Don’t just claim the test was wrong; cite specific published polygraph techniques that the examiner failed to follow. Highlight any errors in sensor attachment, baseline establishment, or equipment calibration.
• The Formal Memo Structure: Draft a professional memo that includes a clear Introduction (stating the exact job/purpose of the test), a Critique of Questions (identifying vague or irrelevant queries), and an analysis of Physiological Factors.
• Mindset Documentation: Be sure to document your specific emotional state during the test—such as extreme anxiety, anger, or sadness—as these mental states are primary drivers of false physiological signals.
Communication Strategy & Professional Conduct
• The Power of Face-to-Face Advocacy: If granted an appeal hearing, restate your case in person. Maintain a polite yet firm tone, avoiding excuses or excessive emotion, and reference precise page numbers in your documentation to back up your points.
• Procedural Accountability: If you believe the previous examiner was biased, hostile, or judgmental, formally request that a different administrator be assigned for your re-examination.
• Strategic Honesty: Total honesty is paramount regarding your experience with the procedure or examiner. Withholding details can jeopardize your credibility with the appeal board.
• Improvement Demonstration: Explicitly point out what you will do differently during the re-test to avoid appearing ambivalent about improvements.
The Re-Test Readiness Protocol
• The 8-Hour Rule: Prioritize at least 8 hours of sleep to ensure your nervous system is regulated and you remain focused throughout the questioning.
• Stimulant Blackout: Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants for at least 4–6 hours prior to the exam to prevent artificial spikes in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Clarification as a Shield: During the test, if a question feels vague or complex, politely ask for it to be rephrased before answering to prevent misinterpretation.
• Rejecting “Tricks”: Stay cool and cooperative, and never attempt unproven tricks like muscle tensing or pain infliction; these are easily detected and will invalidate your results.
Legal and Regulatory Safeguards
• State & Professional Oversight: If regulations were violated, report the examiner to your State Licensing Board and file formal complaints with the American Polygraph Association.
• Legal Recourse: For career-altering consequences, consult an attorney to review grounds for defamation or negligence. If costs are a concern, utilize low-cost legal aid clinics for counsel on building a case using available science and data.
• The Timeline Factor: Start the process immediately while details are fresh to capture every procedural nuance for your appeal.
Final Takeaway
An inconclusive or deceptive result is not the end of the road. By replacing panic with a logic-driven, documented strategy, you demonstrate the very integrity the polygraph is meant to measure. Your goal is to move the conversation from opinion to verifiable data.
Conclusion
A polygraph test that comes back inconclusive puts you in a unique spot – you’re neither labeled deceptive nor truthful by the test standards. This result shows up in just 10% of all polygraph tests. The data simply isn’t enough to make a clear call about your answers. So many agencies let you retake the test with different examiners, since they know how much an examiner’s skill and experience can affect the outcome.
This piece dives into the numbers behind polygraph scoring, especially the well-regarded Utah method with its 7-position scale. Your score lands in the inconclusive zone when it falls between the clear markers for deception (-6) and truthfulness (+6). These mathematical boundaries show how polygraph readings rely on statistical limits rather than simple yes-or-no decisions.
On top of that, several things can lead to unclear results. Stress, poorly worded questions, examiner bias, equipment problems, and distracting surroundings all play a part. These factors highlight why measuring and interpreting body responses isn’t straightforward.
What unclear results mean for you depends a lot on the situation. The Employee Polygraph Protection Act keeps most private-sector workers safe from discrimination based on test results. But this rule doesn’t apply to security services, pharmaceutical companies, and government jobs. If you’re going for a security clearance, you might face delays rather than an outright rejection.
Getting an unclear result isn’t the end of the road. You can ask for another test, check your records for anything odd, talk to independent experts, and file complaints if needed. Before taking another test, good preparation is key. Learn the test format, stay away from things that mess with your body’s responses, practice staying calm, and make sure you understand all questions.
Polygraph testing keeps getting better as researchers create smarter ways to analyze body signals. New eye-tracking tech adds to the usual measurements. Studies show that pupil size changes and where people look can tell us more about their mental effort during deception. University of Arizona researchers have found specific voice tremors that relate to stress responses during questioning. This might help clear up cases where results weren’t conclusive.
Unclear results might bug you, but they actually show how careful the science behind polygraphs is. This middle ground tells us there are limits to measuring body responses, while still giving you a chance to clear things up with another test. Once you get this, you can face the situation with confidence instead of worry. This mindset boost helps your chances of getting a clear result next time around.
Key Takeaways
Understanding inconclusive polygraph results can help you navigate this challenging situation with confidence and take appropriate next steps.
• Inconclusive doesn’t mean failure – It simply indicates insufficient data to determine truthfulness or deception, occurring in less than 10% of tests • Multiple factors cause inconclusive results – Stress, poorly worded questions, examiner inexperience, equipment issues, and environmental distractions all contribute • Request a retest when possible – Most agencies offer second chances with different examiners since examiner skill significantly impacts results • Prepare strategically for retests – Avoid caffeine 4 hours prior, practice 4-7-8 breathing technique, and clarify any confusing questions during pre-test • Know your rights and options – Review test records, consult independent experts if needed, and file formal complaints when appropriate
Remember that inconclusive results don’t automatically disqualify you from employment or security clearances – they simply require additional assessment to reach a definitive conclusion.
FAQs
Q1. What does an inconclusive polygraph result mean? An inconclusive polygraph result means that the examiner couldn’t determine whether your responses indicated truthfulness or deception. It’s neither a pass nor a fail, but rather indicates that the collected data was insufficient to render a definitive verdict.
Q2. How common are inconclusive polygraph results? Inconclusive results occur in less than 10% of all polygraph examinations. This relatively low percentage reflects the careful scoring methods used, but also acknowledges that some tests fall into a gray area where certainty cannot be established.
Q3. Does an inconclusive result automatically disqualify me from a job or security clearance? No, an inconclusive result doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Many organizations, especially those dealing with security clearances, often provide opportunities for retests. It’s seen as a neutral outcome rather than a failure.
Q4. What factors can lead to an inconclusive polygraph result? Several factors can contribute to inconclusive results, including emotional stress, poorly worded questions, examiner inexperience, technical issues with the equipment, and external distractions in the testing environment.
Q5. How should I prepare for a polygraph retest after an inconclusive result? To prepare for a retest, familiarize yourself with the test format, avoid caffeine and stimulants before the test, practice calm breathing techniques, and ensure you clarify any confusing questions during the pre-test interview. Maintaining your normal routine and staying hydrated are also important.
References
[1] – https://issues.org/faigman-polygraph-lie-detector-limits-accuracy/
[2] – https://www.executiveprotectiongrp.com/blog/inexperienced-polygraph-examiner-mistakes
[3] – https://www.executiveprotectiongrp.com/blog/inconclusive-pre-employment-polygraph-test-results
[4] – https://www.justanswer.com/law/e1mid-file-complaint-unethical-biased.html
[5] – https://forensicresources.org/2013/reports-of-problems-with-polygraph-test/
[6] – https://liedetectortest.com/learning-center/understanding-inconclusive-polygraph-results
[7] – https://www.polygraph.org/polygraph_frequently_asked_que.php
[8] – https://liedetectortest.com/private-lie-detector-test/the-dos-and-donts-of-taking-lie-detector-tests
[9] – https://liedetectortest.com/learning-center/can-nervousness-influence-a-polygraph-test
[10] – https://www.polytest.org/do-nervousness-and-anxiety-affect-polygraph-test/
[11] – https://liedetectortest.com/polygraph-examiner/common-missteps-by-novice-polygraph-examiners-and-their-impact
[12] – https://liedetectors-uk.com/blog/who-shouldnt-take-a-lie-detector-test/
[13] – https://polygraph.org/docs/question_formulation.pdf
[14] – https://sgp.fas.org/othergov/polygraph/ota/validity.html
[15] – https://www.protectingyourfuture.info/are-polygraphs-reliable-should-i-take-one-what-is-confirmation-bias/
[16] – https://www.dolanzimmerman.com/blog/2018/10/research-racial-disparity-in-lie-detectors/
[17] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6654171/
[18] – https://liedetectortest.com/polygraph-training/the-impact-of-testing-environment-on-polygraph-accuracy-apa-guidelines-for-optimal-test-conditions
[19] – https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/polygraph
[20] – https://news.clearancejobs.com/2019/06/13/inconclusive-polygraph-results-a-common-issue-for-clearance-applicants/
[21] – https://iquasar.com/blog/the-impact-of-polygraph-requirements-on-ts-sci-level-security-clearance-hiring/
[22] – https://www.apa.org/topics/cognitive-neuroscience/polygraph
[23] – https://www.executiveprotectiongrp.com/blog/lie-detectors-admissibility-in-court
[24] – https://antipolygraph.org/cgi-bin/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1269641476
[25] – https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/is-it-possible-to-sue-or-report-a-polygraph-examiner-for-being-racist/17783
[26] – https://cybersecjobs.com/polygraph-preparation-tips-mental-physical-strategies/
[27] – https://www.polytest.org/how-to-prepare-for-a-polygraph-test-a-step-by-step-guide/
[28] – https://liedetectortest.com/polygraph-training/calming-techniques-for-polygraph-examinations-deep-breathing-exercises-to-manage-anxiety
[29] – https://www.barksdale.af.mil/Units/Fact-Sheets/Article/320196/adc-polygraph-tests/
