How to
Obtain and
Keep a
Security
Clearance?
What Is A Security Clearance?
A determination made by the government
that you are stable and trustworthy, and
can be placed in a position of obligation
with protecting the secrets of the nation.
There are three levels of clearance:
1. Confidential
2. Secret
3. Top Secret
Why Would You Want A
Clearance?
• More Job Opportunities
– Usually the more interesting programs
• Career Advancement
– Positions with clearances can mean more $$
How Do You Get A Clearance?
• Only the Government can issue a
clearance
• The process can take from 45 days to 18
months after the paperwork is submitted
depending on the level of clearance
• All clearances require an investigation that
will range from a National Agency Check
to a full background investigation
• Some clearances require polygraphs
The Clearance Process
Submit
SF86
Start
Polygraph
(if required)
Review by
Sponsoring
Agency
Adjudication
by Sponsoring
Agency
Investigation
Briefing
End
The Clearance Process
Submit
SF86
Start
Polygraph
(if required)
Review by
Sponsoring
Agency
Adjudication
by Sponsoring
Agency
Investigation
Briefing
End
Complete the SF86
The SF86 initiates the
Clearance Process by
asking you to complete a
personal history on
yourself that goes back 5
to 10 years depending on
the level of clearance.
• Personal Data
• Residences
• Education
• Employment History
• Financial Information
• And more…
The Clearance Process
Submit
SF86
Start
Polygraph
(if required)
Review by
Sponsoring
Agency
Adjudication
by Sponsoring
Agency
Investigation
Briefing
End
Review and Investigation
•You will be interviewed by an investigator
•Your neighbors, co-workers, will be interviewed
• Your supervisor and two co-workers will be interviewed
• Former employers will be interviewed
• Your financial stability will be examined
The Clearance Process
Submit
SF86
Start
Polygraph
(if required)
Review by
Sponsoring
Agency
Adjudication
by Sponsoring
Agency
Investigation
Briefing
End
The Polygraph
The Truth About the
Polygraph
The Clearance Process
Submit
SF86
Start
Polygraph
(if required)
Review by
Sponsoring
Agency
Adjudication
by Sponsoring
Agency
Investigation
Briefing
End
Evaluation Categories
Officially known as Adjudication Guidelines
Allegiance to the United States
Foreign Influence
Foreign Preference
Sexual Behavior
Personal Conduct
Financial Considerations
Alcohol Consumption
Drug Involvement
Psychological Conditions
Criminal Conduct
Handling Protected Information
Outside Activities
Use of Information Technology Systems
Factors that could raise concern
•Misuse of Prescription Drugs
•Questionable Judgment
•Dishonesty / Unreliability
•Failure to comply with rules and regulations
•Sexual Behavior that indicates a personality disorder or reflects
a lack judgment
The Clearance Process
Submit
SF86
Start
Polygraph
(if required)
Review by
Sponsoring
Agency
Adjudication
by Sponsoring
Agency
Investigation
Briefing
End
Briefing
• You will be asked to make a verbal attestation that is
legally binding.
• You will sign an oath acknowledging acceptance of the
responsibilities inherent with a security clearance.
• Responsibilities may include:
– Reporting of adverse information
– Reporting of changes in personal status, e.g., marital,
naturalization
– Suspicious Contact
– Foreign Travel
• Desire not to work with Classified Information
Clearance Lifeline
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Clearance
Process
Life with a
Clearance
Periodic
Reinvestigation