SECURITY CLEARANCE 101: Solving your security clearance questions

Can I apply for a security clearance?

No. Applicants cannot initiate a security clearance application on their own.

Who determines whether I need a security clearance? When does this happen?

Hiring officials determine whether a position will require a security clearance based upon the duties and responsibilities of the position. If the position requires access to classified information, a background investigation must be conducted. This is done after a conditional offer of employment is given to an applicant.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to receive a security clearance from the Department of State?

Yes. When the Department of State’s mission has compelling reasons, however, immigrant aliens and foreign national employees who possess special expertise may, at the discretion of the Department of State, be granted limited access to classified information only for specific programs, projects, contracts, licenses, certificates, or grants.

How many types or levels of security clearance are there?

There are three levels of security clearance: confidential, secret, and top secret.

Who decides the level of clearance?

The Department of State’s Bureau of Global Talent Management determines whether a position will require a security clearance, as well as the level required, based upon the duties and responsibilities of the position and using OPM’s Position Designation Tool.

What is a public trust? A non-sensitive position?

Public trust and low-risk/non-sensitive determinations are not security clearances.

Public trust determinations are requested for applicants whose positions will require access to information at the high- or moderate-risk levels, based upon duties and responsibilities of the position. A public trust background investigation will include many aspects of a full security clearance investigation.

Low-risk/non-sensitive determinations are requested for applicants whose positions have low-risk levels, based upon duties and responsibilities of the position.

What work does a security clearance allow a person to do?

A security clearance allows an individual filling a specific position to have access to classified national security information up to and including the level of clearance that they hold as long as the individual has a “need to know” the information and signed a non-disclosure agreement.

Will my clearance be transferable to other federal agencies?

Reciprocity is the acknowledgment and acceptance of an existing background investigation conducted by an authorized investigative agency; the acceptance of a national security eligibility adjudication determined by an authorized adjudicative agency; and the acceptance of an active national security eligibility determination granted by an executive branch agency. Federal agencies will normally accept another agency’s investigation as the basis for granting a security clearance in accordance with SEAD 7: Reciprocity of Background Investigations and National Security Adjudications. Any significant changes in an applicant’s situation since his or her last investigation may be considered. Some federal agencies might have additional investigative or adjudicative requirements that must be met prior to their accepting a clearance granted by another agency.

Can I transfer my security clearance for private sector employment?

Security clearances only apply to positions that fall under the purview of the federal government. Executive Order 12968, Access to Classified Information, provides that security clearances are only granted to persons employed by, detailed, or assigned to, or working on behalf of the federal government.

How long is my security clearance valid after I leave the federal government?

The security clearance must be administratively removed when the employee no longer has a need for access. DSS will revalidate a security clearance in accordance with SEAD 7: Reciprocity of Background Investigations and National Security Adjudications.

Does having a security clearance guarantee employment with the Department of State?

The hiring process addresses whether someone will be initially selected for a particular position within the Department of State. The security clearance process does not begin until after a conditional offer of employment is given.

Are members of my family or people living with me subject to a security check?

There are circumstances in which limited records checks or an investigation may be conducted on a spouse or cohabitant.

How often is a security clearance renewed?

An individual is normally subject to reinvestigation approximately every five years for a Secret or Top Secret clearance.

For what reasons would I be denied a security clearance?

Various reasons exist for the denial of security clearance. Honesty, candor, and thoroughness are very important factors in the process of obtaining a security clearance. Every case is individually assessed, using the 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. See Security Executive Agent Directive 4, National Security Adjudicative Guidelines, for more information about the guidelines and specific concerns and mitigating factors.

How long does it take to process a typical security clearance?

Each case varies based on the specific circumstances of the individual subject and the level of security clearance requested.

What happens if I’m denied a security clearance? Is there an appeal process?

If you are denied a security clearance, or your continued eligibility for access to classified information is revoked, you will be notified of the reason(s) and be provided with the procedures for filing an appeal. You will be given the opportunity to address derogatory information that is provided as the basis for denial or revocation.

What are some typical delays that occur in the security clearance process?

Some of the most common areas of delay include the submission of incomplete forms and information, poorly collected fingerprints, and investigations that involve coverage of extensive overseas activities. Applicants can help the process by ensuring that they have completed all forms thoroughly and accurately, and when possible, providing additional references who can verify their activities. A lot of detailed information is required to conduct a background investigation. When preparing to fill out your e-QIP, collect and verify information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth for immediate relatives. Collect additional references, when possible, in case we are unable to reach those provided initially.