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Security Clearance Guide

Everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining a security clearance.

Clearance Levels

Public Trust
Entry-level position of trust for federal employees and contractors.
1-3 months
Investigation:Background Investigation
Access Level:Non-classified sensitive information
Confidential
Basic security clearance for classified information.
1-3 months
Investigation:NACLC
Access Level:Confidential classified information
Secret
Most common security clearance level.
2-6 months
Investigation:T3 Investigation
Access Level:Secret classified information
Top Secret
Higher-level clearance for sensitive national security information.
4-8 months
Investigation:T5 Investigation
Access Level:Top Secret classified information
TS/SCI
Top Secret with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information.
8-15 months
Investigation:T5 + SCI adjudication
Access Level:Compartmented intelligence programs

The Investigation Process

1

Job Offer & Sponsorship

1-2 weeks

Receive a conditional job offer from a cleared employer who will sponsor your investigation.

2

SF-86 Submission

1-3 weeks

Complete the Standard Form 86, a detailed questionnaire about your background.

3

Background Investigation

1-12 months

Investigators review your records, conduct interviews, and verify information.

4

Adjudication

2-8 weeks

Your case is reviewed and a clearance determination is made.

5

Clearance Granted

Ongoing

Once approved, you can begin working on classified projects.

Tips for Success

Do's
  • Be completely honest on your SF-86
  • Report all foreign contacts and travel
  • Keep your financial records in order
  • Report any changes to your status promptly
  • Maintain good credit and pay bills on time
Don'ts
  • Never lie or omit information
  • Don't hide past drug use or legal issues
  • Avoid new large debts during investigation
  • Don't discuss your investigation details
  • Never assume something won't be discovered