What does having a security clearance mean to me?

Having a security clearance means the U.S. government has determined that you are eligible for access to classified information. This increases your employability with the government and supporting contractors. In most cases, clearance results in higher wages and can open additional career possibilities.

What are the types and levels of security clearances?

Security clearances can be issued by many U.S. government agencies, and there are three primary levels:

  • Confidential
  • Secret
  • Top Secret

Some agencies use different names for these levels, but they correlate.

Access to classified national security information is based on the appropriate clearance level (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret) and a “Need-to-Know.” Some information requires a formal Need-to-Know determination (Special Access Authorization), adding further protections within Special Access Programs (SAPs), including Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Restricted Data (RD).

Can I obtain a security clearance on my own?

No. You must be sponsored by a cleared contractor or government agency, usually following a hiring decision. Your readiness and ability to quickly achieve a clearance is a marketable factor for jobs involving classified work.

What types of things can prevent someone from receiving a security clearance?

Clearance is prohibited when there is:

  • Current unlawful use of or addiction to a controlled substance
  • Determination of mental incompetence by a government-approved mental health professional
  • Criminal conviction resulting in incarceration for one year or more
  • Discharge or dismissal from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions

Other common reasons for denial include serious financial problems, intentional false statements, recent illegal drug use, repeated alcohol abuse, and patterns of criminal conduct or rule violations.

These issues can sometimes be mitigated if properly documented and addressed during an interview or in response to a Letter of Intent to deny clearance.

What type of information is requested on a security clearance application?

Applications require personal identifying data and information regarding:

  • Citizenship, residence, education, and employment history
  • Family and associates
  • Foreign connections and travel
  • Criminal records and illegal drug involvement
  • Financial delinquencies
  • Mental health treatment
  • Alcohol-related incidents and counseling
  • Military service
  • Prior clearances and investigations
  • Civil court actions
  • Computer misuse
  • Subversive activities

Some questions require 7 years of information, some 10, and others have no time limit.

How are security clearance investigations carried out?

A National Agency Check (NAC), police record checks, and a credit check are conducted for all clearances. When possible, these are done centrally by an Investigation Service Provider (ISP) like OPM. Some checks require local field investigators.

Reference letters and employment inquiries are handled centrally. Field investigators across various locations conduct additional interviews and checks as needed. Reports are submitted electronically as completed. Once all materials are received, the ISP reviews the case for completeness and forwards it to the appropriate Central Adjudication Facility (CAF).

What are the steps to getting a Personnel Clearance (PCL)?

For DoD clearances, a cleared contractor or government agency identifies an employee or candidate who needs access to classified information. The contractor’s Facility Security Officer (FSO) or the agency’s Security Manager (SM) then submits a request through the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) and ensures the applicant completes the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP).

The FSO reviews, approves, and forwards the completed e-QIP to DSS PSMO-I for approval, possible interim clearance, and submission to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). For federal employees and military personnel, the agency SM performs these steps.

OPM conducts the investigation and sends the results to the DoD CAF, which either grants clearance or issues a Letter of Intent to Deny Clearance with a Statement of Reasons. Other federal agencies follow similar procedures, though they may use a different Investigation Service Provider.

Should I reveal unfavorable information about myself on my security clearance application?

You must answer all questions truthfully and completely, but you do not need to volunteer unfavorable information not specifically asked for.

Many clearance denials involve intentional omissions or false information. Often, falsification is considered more serious than the issue being hidden.

Passage of time can mitigate many issues, but providing false information is a criminal offense and extremely difficult to mitigate due to its recency.

Why does it take so long to get a security clearance?

Some clearances are processed quickly; others may take a year or more. There are three phases:

  1. Application
  2. Investigation
  3. Adjudication

Delays used to occur mainly during investigations, but increased staffing has reduced those times. Today, delays often happen in the application and adjudication phases.

Common causes of delay include:

  • Applicant unavailability for interview
  • Missing or inaccurate application data
  • Fingerprint submission problems
  • Serious security or suitability issues
  • “Queuing time”

How long does it take to process a security clearance?

Processing time depends on the clearance level, the agency involved, and whether any significant issues are discovered.

Under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), agencies must complete the fastest 90% of initial Secret and Top Secret clearances in an average of 60 days (excluding 10–12 days for submission). Times can range from 30–180 days.

The remaining 10% may take 6 months to over a year. Processing speed depends heavily on funding, staffing, and evolving investigative requirements.

What is an interim security clearance?

An interim clearance is a temporary authorization granted after minimum investigative requirements are met. It allows access to classified material at the appropriate level until the full investigation is complete, with some exceptions.

When is a security clearance terminated?

A clearance is terminated when someone permanently leaves the position for which it was granted.

If a cleared individual remains employed by the same contractor or agency but no longer needs access, their clearance can be administratively downgraded or withdrawn. As long as the underlying investigation is still current, the clearance can later be administratively restored if access is again required.

What is Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP)?

e-QIP is an OPM web-based system where applicants enter the same information required on the “Questionnaire for National Security Positions” (SF-86). It replaced the EPSQ and now accounts for over 95% of all clearance applications.

How long does a security clearance remain in effect?

A clearance remains active as long as the individual remains employed by a cleared contractor or government agency and is expected to require continued access, provided periodic reinvestigations are completed.

Reinvestigation intervals:

  • Top Secret: every 5 years
  • Secret: every 10 years
  • Confidential: every 15 years

A percentage of these reinvestigations are conducted randomly each year.

What is a “special access authorization”?

Some classified information requires a formal Need-to-Know determination within Special Access Programs (SAPs), including Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Restricted Data (RD). These programs impose additional security measures beyond standard clearance levels.

What is a collateral clearance?

A collateral clearance is a standard security clearance that does not include any special access authorizations (SCI, SAP, RD, etc.).

Can I get a U.S. government security clearance if…?

I was born outside the U.S.?
Yes, if you are a naturalized U.S. citizen.

My parents were born outside the U.S.?
Yes, unless adverse information is discovered.

My spouse was born outside the U.S.?
Yes, unless adverse information is discovered.

I have a juvenile criminal record (felony)?
It depends on the severity and number of cases.

I have a juvenile criminal record (misdemeanor)?
It depends on the severity and number of cases.

I have an adult criminal record (felony)?
A felony does not automatically disqualify you, but it can make clearance difficult. Factors include recency, the nature of the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation.

I have an adult criminal record (misdemeanor)?
Misdemeanors are weighed less heavily. Depending on recency and severity, they may not be disqualifying.

I have filed bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy alone does not affect clearance, but the circumstances behind it may.

I have poor credit?
A low score alone does not disqualify you. Underlying causes are what matter.

I have a Dishonorable Discharge from the U.S. military?
No — this is disqualifying.

I have a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions?
Depends on circumstances.

I have an Other-Than-Honorable Discharge?
Difficult but possible, depending on circumstances.

I have a Bad Conduct Discharge?
Difficult but possible, depending on circumstances.

I have an Entry Level Discharge?
Depends on circumstances.

I have a Separation for the Convenience of the Government?
Depends on circumstances.

I have a Medical Discharge?
Depends on circumstances.