Technique

AFMGQT

Also known as Air Force Modified General Question Test

An APA-validated polygraph testing technique originally developed for the U.S. Air Force. Used primarily in multi-issue screening examinations. Features a structured question sequence designed for counterintelligence and security screening applications.

What Is the AFMGQT?

The Air Force Test">Modified General Question Test (AFMGQT) is an APA-validated polygraph testing technique originally developed for use by the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). It is designed primarily for multi-issue screening examinations — particularly in counterintelligence and security screening contexts where multiple classified topics must be addressed within a single polygraph session.

The AFMGQT is one of several validated screening techniques approved by the American Polygraph Association and is used across multiple U.S. federal agencies and military branches as part of the national security polygraph programme.

Structure and Question Format

The AFMGQT follows the core principles of the Comparison Question Test">Comparison Question Test (CQT) framework. It uses a structured sequence of three question types:

  • Relevant questions — Address the specific security-related issues under investigation (e.g., espionage, unauthorised disclosure of classified information, sabotage, foreign intelligence contacts)
  • Comparison questions — Broader questions about past behaviour designed to elicit physiological responses from truthful examinees for comparison against relevant question responses
  • Irrelevant questions — Neutral questions used to establish baseline physiological patterns and allow recovery between stimulus questions

Unlike single-issue diagnostic tests that focus on one specific allegation, the AFMGQT accommodates multiple relevant questions covering different security topic areas while maintaining the structured comparison framework essential for valid scoring.

Validation and Scientific Support

The AFMGQT is included in the APA’s list of validated polygraph techniques based on published peer-reviewed research demonstrating acceptable accuracy rates. It has been validated for use with approved Test Data Analysis (TDA) methods, including both manual numerical scoring systems and automated computerised scoring algorithms. The APA meta-analytic survey includes data supporting the AFMGQT’s reliability when administered by properly trained examiners using standardised protocols.

Where the AFMGQT Is Used

While originally developed for the Air Force, the AFMGQT has been adopted by other agencies and is used in several contexts:

  • U.S. Air Force — AFOSI counterintelligence and security screening programmes
  • Other military branches — Adapted for use in Army, Navy, and Marine Corps polygraph programmes
  • Federal civilian agencies — Used in some intelligence community screening programmes
  • Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph (CSP) — As part of security clearance vetting for personnel with access to classified information

AFMGQT vs. Other Screening Techniques

The AFMGQT is one of several validated screening techniques available to federal polygraph examiners. Others include:

  • TES (Test for Espionage and Sabotage) — Focused specifically on espionage and sabotage issues
  • DLST (Screening Test">Directed Lie Screening Test) — Uses directed-lie comparison questions for more standardised comparison baselines
  • MGQT (Modified General Question Test) — The broader family of modified screening formats

The choice of technique depends on the agency’s requirements, the specific security issues to be addressed, the examiner’s training, and the operational context. All screening test results are reported as SR (Significant Response) or NSR (No Significant Response) rather than the DI/NDI terminology used in diagnostic testing.

For more on polygraph testing techniques and validated methods, visit the Polygraph Examiner Hub or explore our research database.