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 […]
Eligibility for access to classified information, commonly known as a security clearance, is granted only to those for whom an appropriate personnel security background investigation has been completed. It must be determined that the individual’s personal and professional history indicates loyalty to the United States, the strength of character, trustworthiness, honesty, reliability, discretion, and sound […]
Loren Thompson— The U.S. government limits access to sensitive information by granting (or denying) security clearances after conducting background investigations. The system is expensive to administer, because five million Americans hold active clearances, and over a hundred federal agencies require clearances to participate in certain aspects of their work. In addition to such well-known designations as Secret and […]