A security clearance is a determination by the US government that an individual is eligible to access classified national security information. Clearance levels include Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret, with additional access designations like Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
9 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Obtain sponsorship — Accept a position (or conditional job offer) with a federal agency or government contractor that requires a security clearance. The employer initiates the clearance process.
- Receive a conditional job offer — The clearance process begins only after you receive and accept a conditional offer contingent on clearance approval.
- Complete the SF-86 form — Fill out Standard Form 86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) electronically through e-QIP. This extensive form covers 7-10+ years of personal history includin...
- Submit fingerprints — Provide fingerprints for FBI records check, typically done at a designated facility.
- Background investigation — A federal investigator verifies your SF-86 information. This includes interviews with you, your references, neighbors, coworkers, and supervisors. Investigators check cri...
- Polygraph examination (if required) — Certain agencies (CIA, NSA, FBI, DOE) require polygraph examinations. Questions cover espionage, unauthorized disclosure, drugs, criminal activity, and accurac...
- Adjudication — An adjudicator reviews the investigation results using 13 guidelines (allegiance, foreign influence, sexual behavior, financial considerations, alcohol/drug use, criminal conduct, et...
- Clearance determination — You are either granted the clearance, denied, or your case is sent for additional review. If denied, you can appeal through the agency's process.
- Indoctrination briefing — Once cleared, you receive a briefing on your responsibilities for handling classified information, including penalties for unauthorized disclosure.
Common Mistakes
- Lying or omitting information on the SF-86
- Not disclosing foreign contacts
- Ignoring financial problems
- Assuming past drug use is automatic disqualification
- Not keeping records
Pro Tips
- Start compiling your personal history (addresses, employers, supervisors, for...
- Financial responsibility is critical
- Processing targets are approximately 40 days for Secret, 75 days for Top Secr...
- Clearances are generally valid for 5 years (Top Secret) or 10 years (Secret) ...
- A denied clearance does not follow you forever; you can reapply after address...