The lie scale of the EPI has been the subject of sparse and equivocal results. No age-related effects of the L scale have been reported. The scale is widely used in Australia as a screening instrument for entry into nursing schools. This study found significant differences in L scale performance between young and mature female nurses. This difference was demonstrated both in the higher frequency with which the mature group scored above the cut-off point for acceptance, and in the higher L scoring of this group even within the category of acceptable returns.