The evaluation also assesses an applicant's honesty, values, psychological fitness and possible criminal activity. This process ensures that foreign nationals have not influenced or affected the applicant, as this can present a national security risk. This can involve questions about national allegiance. Applicants must fill out forms because incorrect or incomplete forms can disqualify individuals from consideration.Īll applicants also complete an additional evaluation process. The next step in the process is to complete a document entitled "Personnel Security Questionnaire (SF-86)" through the government e-Quip application website. If an agency selects you for further consideration, they can then direct you to complete the security clearance application. citizen to apply for any open roles with the federal government. The first step in the security clearance process is the initial job application. Here's what to expect when you start the process to get a security clearance: 1. However, once you obtain your security clearance, it can be easier to move into different jobs within the federal government and the private sector. Getting a security clearance takes quite some time. Related: Government Jobs Explained (And Rewarding Roles to Consider) How to get a security clearance Special access programs: Also known as SAPs, this includes sensitive special projects and programs. This also might involve access to restricted intelligence sources. Sensitive compartmented information: Also called SCI, this includes certain classified and restricted methods and processes. The government refers to these levels as: There are also two levels of classified information that can require additional restrictions. Top Secret: This clearance level has access to highly sensitive classified information, so a much smaller number of roles hold this type of clearance. Secret: This is the second tier of security clearance, which provides holders with access to sensitive classified information. This offers access to the lowest level of classified information. The security clearance levels include:Ĭonfidential: This security clearance level is the easiest of the three to obtain. If the job requires a security clearance, it is usually mentioned on the job posting - if it's not, you can check with the agency's human resources department to confirm. Your level of responsibility and the type of agency you're working for determines which clearance level you receive. There are three main levels of security clearance. While certain federal employees and contractors need a security clearance to do their work, some private-sector employers require a security clearance as well. For example, an analyst might have one level of security clearance, while an investigator might require a more advanced level due to the nature of their work. Different roles may require different levels of security clearance. What is a security clearance?Ī security clearance is an authorization by the federal government which states that the agency permits an individual to access classified or sensitive security information. In this article, we explore what a security clearance is, the different levels of security clearances, how to get a security clearance and frequently asked questions about security clearances. Understanding security clearances can be beneficial if you're considering a government role so you can anticipate the steps in the approval process. To receive security clearance, you must first apply to an open role that requires a security clearance, then follow the government agency's direction to complete the appropriate application and investigation processes. Federal government agencies issue security clearances for certain employees and contractors so that they can access classified information.
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