WHAT IS A SECURITY CLEARANCE? Certain federal employees and certain employees in the private sector are required to have security clearances because their job requires them to have access to classified documents. Various other work takes place in secured facilities.
What does a security clearance look for?
Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.
Is having a security clearance a secret?
There are four main types of security clearances for national security positions. These are confidential, secret, top secret and sensitive compartmented information. This type of security clearance provides access to information that may cause damage to national security if disclosed without authorization.
What jobs do you need security clearance for?
Although most jobs that require security clearance are government or military positions, many civilian contractors in industries related to government work, such as aerospace engineers or weapons manufacturers, must also have clearance to access data or conduct testing.
What will disqualify you from getting a security clearance?
Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include: A history of not meeting financial obligations; … Financial problems that are linked to gambling, drug abuse, alcoholism, or other issues of security concern.
What happens if you fail a security clearance?
The most common documents you will be asked for include documents with evidence of identification (passport, identity card, or birth certificate), utility bills, curriculum vitae, or a deed poll. If you fail to produce any of these, the vetting officers may call off your application for security approval.
Do security clearances check Internet history?
Security clearance background investigators do not check your browsing history, read your emails, surveil your every move, bug your telephones, or photograph you commuting to work. That’s just not feasible, or allowable.
How often are security clearances denied?
You may even wonder if you should continue with the process, particularly if you’re not getting a paycheck while you wait. But don’t lose heart – 20-30% of all interim security clearances are denied, but that is vastly different than the figure of final clearance denials, which hovers around 1%.
How does someone get a security clearance?
Only the federal government can grant someone a security clearance, and to get one the applicant must work for a government agency or contractor and conduct business that justifies granting him or her access to highly sensitive information.
How do I know if I have a security clearance?
If you’re currently employed, checking on your clearance is easy – simply request your Facility Security Officer inquire about the status of your clearance. … The Defense Information System for Security (DISS) can be used by your FSO to check your clearance status for Department of Defense security clearance holders.
How much does a security clearance cost?
The average cost to process a SECRET clearance can run from several hundred dollars to $3,000, depending upon individual factors. The average cost to process a TOP SECRET clearance is between $3,000 and about $15,000, depending upon individual factors.