How to How to Obtain and Obtain and

Keep a Keep a Security Security

Clearance?Clearance?

What Is 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. Confidential2. Secret3. Top Secret

Why Would You Want A Clearance?

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?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 ProcessThe Clearance Process

Start

End

Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring

AgencyInvestigation

Polygraph (if required)

BriefingAdjudication by

Sponsoring Agency

The Clearance ProcessThe Clearance Process

Start

End

Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring

AgencyInvestigation

Polygraph (if required)

BriefingAdjudication by

Sponsoring Agency

Complete the SF86Complete 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 ProcessThe Clearance Process

Start

End

Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring

AgencyInvestigation

Polygraph (if required)

BriefingAdjudication by

Sponsoring Agency

Review and InvestigationReview 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 ProcessThe Clearance Process

Start

End

Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring

AgencyInvestigation

Polygraph (if required)

BriefingAdjudication by

Sponsoring Agency

The PolygraphThe Polygraph

The Truth About the Polygraph

The Clearance ProcessThe Clearance Process

Start

End

Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring

AgencyInvestigation

Polygraph (if required)

BriefingAdjudication by

Sponsoring Agency

Evaluation CategoriesOfficially known as Adjudication Guidelines

Evaluation CategoriesOfficially 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 concernFactors 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 ProcessThe Clearance Process

Start

End

Submit SF86Review by Sponsoring

AgencyInvestigation

Polygraph (if required)

BriefingAdjudication by

Sponsoring Agency

BriefingBriefing

• 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 LifelineClearance Lifeline

PeriodicReinvestigation

PeriodicReinvestigation

Life with a ClearanceLife with a Clearance

Clearance ProcessClearance Process

Phase 1Phase 1 Phase 2Phase 2 Phase 3Phase 3