Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Security Clearance
If you're planning to work overseas in a role tied to national security, chances are you’ll need a security clearance. Whether you're a contractor, consultant, or transitioning service member, understanding this process can open doors—and boost your earning potential.
Why It Matters
Each year, over 200,000 U.S. military personnel transition to civilian life. Many pursue jobs in defense, intelligence, logistics, or technical support overseas—fields where security clearance is often mandatory. Companies value applicants who already hold clearances because it saves time and money—hiring someone who needs a new clearance can mean waiting 6–12 months before they can even start.
Who Needs Clearance?
Clearance is required for roles involving access to classified material, secure facilities, or sensitive systems. It’s not just for defense contractors—telecom, finance, medical, education, and cybersecurity jobs are increasingly asking for cleared personnel.
As of 2025, over 3 million Americans hold security clearances, including 1.5 million in private contracting. Clearance holders are highly sought-after, especially those with a military background.
The Three Clearance Levels
- Confidential – Basic level, usually held by military personnel. Reinvestigation is required every 15 years.
- Secret – Covers information that could seriously harm national security. Reinvestigated every 10 years.
- Top Secret – Access to information that could cause grave damage if leaked. Reinvestigated every 5 years.
How to Get a Clearance
The process has three main steps:
- Application – Submit Standard Form 86 (SF-86), verify U.S. citizenship, and complete fingerprinting.
- Investigation – Conducted by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), reviewing employment, travel, finances, criminal history, etc.
- Adjudication – Your case is reviewed against 13 risk factors, including loyalty, conduct, and financial integrity. Clearance is either granted or denied.
💡 Bonus: Holding a clearance can increase your salary by $5,000–$15,000+, depending on job and level.