A Polygraph Is Not A Career Test

Sometimes, employers will ask candidates to take a personality test, such as the Myers-Briggs, to see how they will best work in a team of current employees. Are you an introvert in a team of extroverts? Balance is a good thing. Career testing is often a helpful adjunct step beyond the job interview.

Rarely, however, will employers use a polygraph test for pre-employment screening. In fact, the federal Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) customarily prevents employers from using polygraph, also called lie detector tests, either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment.

While there may be certain extreme exemptions, employers generally may not require a lie detector test, nor can they discharge, discipline, or discriminate against an employee or job applicant for refusing to take a test or for exercising other rights under the Act, which was brought forth in 1988. In addition, employers are required to display the EPPA poster in the workplace for their employees.