Employers are permitted to request that employees submit to a polygraph exam (lie detector or lie detection test) under some specific conditions, as provided for by Federal Law. There are two types of exams classically used by employers:

SPECIFC LOSS
Questions must be limited to the specific loss of interest (the examiner is not permitted to ask questions about losses other than those listed in the notification form.).  

PRE-EMPLOYMENT OR MONITORING
In accordance with the EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT OF 1988 (EPPA), only the following businesses are permitted to request pre-employment or monitoring polygraph exams:  

1. Security Companies
2. Pharmaceutical Sales or Transportation Companies
3. Power Generating or Nuclear Companies
4. Law Enforcement Agencies
5. Other Government Agencies (Federal and State)