How to Get Security Clearance for Employment

How to Get Security Clearance for EmploymentHow to Get Security Clearance for EmploymentWhatis a security clearance for employment, and how do you get one? Job applicants may notice that some vacancies mention that applicants must be eligible for a security clearance or must already possess a security clearance in order to be hired. Security clearances are primarily required bygovernment employersandprivate contractorswho will have access to sensitive information that has a bearing on national security. Hereis information on how to get a security clearance for employment. Levels of Security Clearance There are three standard levels of security clearance Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. AConfidential clearance is the easiest to obtain and covers positions where the disclosure of classified information would cause damage to national security.ASecret clearanceindicates that the type of confidential information covered would cause serious damage to national security if divulged. If an individual would be able to access classified information of the highest sensitivity, then aTopSecret clearance would be required. There are alsotwo categories of classified informationthat require additional handling and access restrictions Sensitivecompartmentedinformation (SCI), which includes intelligence sources, methods, and processes.Specialaccessprograms (SAPs), which are highly sensitive projects and programs. These categories are for classified information that has been deemed particularly vulnerable, and eligibility standards and investigative requirements for access to SCI and SAPs clearances are higher than for other clearances. HowtheSecurity Clearance Process Works Applicants for a security clearance undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if they are loyal to the U.S. governmentand arefree from influence by foreign individuals,arehonest, trustworthy, morally upright, mentally and psychologically sound, and have avoided criminal activity. Only U.S. citize ns are eligible for a security clearance. The process begins with the applicant completing the Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86) through thee-Quip application site. The next phase of the process involves an investigation conducted by the governments Office of Personnel Management, the Defense Department, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence or another investigation service provider (ISP), depending on the position. Agents conducting the investigation will interview a broad sortiment of the candidates contacts, potentially including current and past employers, neighbors, business associates, former classmates, fraternity/sorority members, and other individuals who may have associated with the applicant. The applicant will be interviewed- and possibly re-interviewed as additional information is gathered- to clarify any potential issues that couldaffectthe clearance. Candidates should be sure that they are honest and inclusive as they complete the SF-86 and an swer interview questions,since discrepancies uncovered in the investigation may be grounds for disqualification. The final stage of the investigative process involves a review of all the information gathered to determine eligibility for a specified clearance. The duration of the entire investigation and review will vary,but the average length of time is 120 days. Interim Eligibility Pending Approval According to theDefense Security Service(an agency of the Department of Defense), all applicants for a personnel security clearance submitted by a cleared contractor will be routinely considered for interim eligibility. The Personnel Security Management Office for Industry reviews the Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86) and other files and systems. The interim eligibility is issued only when access to classified information is clearly consistent with the national security interestsof the United States. The interim eligibility is issued at the same time as the initiation of the i nvestigation and will generally remain in effect until the investigation is completed. At that time, the applicant is considered for final eligibility. Statuses in the Review Process The Defense Security Service issues the following statuses throughout the investigation to let candidates know what is happening during the process Received The investigative service provider (ISP) has acknowledged receipt of the investigation request and will be reviewing it for acceptability.Unacceptable The ISP determined the investigation request to be deficient. The applicant will then receive a message with the reasonwhythe request welches rejected. If the employee still requires a clearance, a new investigation request will need to be initiated and submitted with the corrected information.Scheduled The ISP has determined the investigation request to be acceptable and the investigation is currently ongoing/open. Closed The ISP has completed the investigation and the investigation has been sent for adjudication. Delays in Investigations Themost common reasons an investigationcould be delayed include security application packages that are not complete, issues with fingerprints, and investigations that involve coverage of extensive overseas activities. To expedite the process, be sure to include all the requireddocumentswith the applicant. Why Would an Applicant be Denied a Security Clearance? Various reasons exist for why someone may be denied a security clearance. The most important factors in an investigation are the individuals honesty, candor, and thoroughness in the completion of their security clearance forms. Every case is individually assessed, using theSecurity Executive Directive 4 National Security Adjudicative Guidelines,to determine whether the granting or continuing of eligibility for a security clearance is clearly consistent with the interests of national security. Theadjudicative guidelinesinclude allegiance to the United States foreign influence f oreign preference sexual behavior personal conduct financial considerations alcohol consumption drug involvement and substance misuse emotional, mental, and personality disorders criminal conduct handling protected information outside activities and misuse of information technology. How to Appeal if Denied a Clearance If you aredenied a security clearance, or your continued eligibility for access to classified information is revoked, you will be informed why and you willthenbe givenaprocedure for filing an appeal. You will also be able to address any derogatory information that was gathered during the investigation and will be able to correct or clarify the details. How Long Security Clearances Are in Effect Security clearances are active only for the time when an individual holds the original job for which the clearance was designated. A clearance holder may be re-investigated at any time, but a formal review is required after five years for aTopSecret clearance, ten years for aSecret clearance, and 15 years for aConfidential clearance. A clearance may be reactivated in certain cases without going through the entire investigative process again. However, the break in employment must be less than two years and the original investigation cannot be mora than 5, 10, or 15 years old for theTopSecret,Secret, andConfidential categories, respectively. More Information Before you apply for a security clearance, be sure to review thelatest guidelines and updates from the U.S. Department of Statesothatyou have current information on requirements, the process, and approval. The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.