A security clearance allows an individual to access sensitive information, typically related to national security, as a function of their job – think people who serve in the FBI or CIA, military personnel, or other federal or contract employees who might need access to information that isn’t available publicly. Security clearances aren’t handed out lightly and no one is entitled to a security clearance. Individuals must be sponsored by their employers to even be eligible to apply for a clearance, and then they must undergo rigorous background checks and investigative processes before clearances may be granted.
What are the requirements for obtaining a security clearance?
A security clearance allows access to information that could compromise national security if released to the general public, so any person obtaining a security clearance must have a reason to be given the clearance. This means that people are typically sponsored as a term of their employment, including military servicemembers (officers and many enlisted positions), federal employees, and civilian defense or government contractors.
Note: An individual who does not already have a security clearance from prior military or federal service can typically only apply for a new security clearance after they have received a conditional offer of employment from an organization willing to sponsor the clearance.
Security clearances are only granted to people who are vetted and determined not to be a threat to national security. Typically, that means they display the following character traits: loyalty to the United States, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, discretion, sound judgement, and strength of character. Further, an individual with a clearance must agree to and abide by the regulations governing the use of, access to, and protection of sensitive information.
Individuals requesting security clearances are investigated to determine whether they have allegiances to other countries or are susceptible to foreign influence or blackmail. Prior or current drug and alcohol use, criminal conduct, personal finances, and technology use all play into the background investigation and could be influential in determining whether a clearance is granted or denied.
What is the process for obtaining a security clearance?
Once a job offer is in hand, the process for obtaining a security clearance can take months or even a year depending on the level of security clearance and the amount of background that is required.
An individual may be required to complete some or all of the following:
- Complete SF-86: Questionnaire for National Security Positions, which asks for personal information, including information about former names; citizenship status; current and historic residences; previous education and employment, including military history; family members, foreign contacts, and relationships; travel history; mental health and wellbeing; criminal history; details about drug and alcohol use; financial records; technology use; and any history of actions taken against the United States.
- Sit for a polygraph.
- Undergo a psychological and/or medical exam.
- Authorize a credit check and National Agency Check.
- Complete an in-person background check, which includes verification of information contained within the SF-86 and a personal interview.
Investigators may also reach out to friends, neighbors, coworkers, and supervisors to get more information about the applicant’s background and suitability for a security clearance.
Are there different levels of security clearance?
There are three main levels of clearance available to federal employees, listed from lowest to highest:
- Confidential: Must be reinvestigated every 15 years
- Secret: Must be reinvestigated every 10 years
- Top Secret: Must be reinvestigated every 5 years
Those with higher clearances can get access to sensitive information that is restricted to their level and every level below it. For example, an individual with Top Secret clearance can access Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential information; an individual with Confidential clearance can only access Confidential information.
However, simply having a clearance does not give someone free reign to access whatever sensitive information that they please; there must be a reason behind each request. If someone has access to Top Secret information but has no need to know it, there is no reason for that person to access it.
Some individuals with clearances may be recommended for the Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) program or a Special Access Program (SAP) – these are add-ons to clearances that grant special access to additional information that is not widely available to those with generic clearances. SCI and SAP information is strictly need-to-know and maintaining access to those programs has additional requirements (e.g., random polygraph testing, signing a perpetual nondisclosure agreement, etc.).
What might cause a clearance to be denied?
Any number of factors could raise concerns including, but not limited to, a dishonorable discharge from the military, criminal convictions, substance abuse, untreated mental health disorders, financial concerns, and allegiance to foreign governments or entities. Remember, no one is entitled to a security clearance. Security clearances grant access to sensitive information that isn’t available to the general public and information that isn’t suitable to be made public. Maintaining clearances allows the government to protect that information. To that end, it’s important to be fully honest when applying for a clearance.
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The blog is meant to provide basic information that generally applies to most situations and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. It is not meant to replace the services of a financial planner, insurance counselor, attorney, or tax advisor. Information contained in this blog may change on occasion.